Farmers and local sources report that for the international port project planned in Mudon Township, Mon State, landowners have received compensation of 40 million kyats per acre, along with an additional payment of 30 million kyats per acre as extra compensation.
To facilitate payment of land and crop compensation for farmers affected by the project, the Military Commission’s Border Affairs Ministry met with local farmers on February 16th at the Mawlamyine Shwe Hinn Thar Hall. According to information from the Military Commission’s press office, the total disbursement per acre reached 70 million kyats, combining regular land compensation and the additional payment from the regional military-backed administration.
Although authorities are moving quickly to implement the port project, not all farmers have agreed to sell their land, meaning some plots in the Blouk Nyaung Wine area remain unavailable for acquisition, one Mudon resident said.
“We have heard that they plan to complete construction within the 2026–2027 period. Since around October 2025, they have been working on resolving land-related issues. However, they have not yet been able to purchase all the land. Some local residents do not want to sell, though there are not many—about five people are still holding out,” he said.
Most locals, whose livelihoods depend on farming, are concerned not only about long-term income but also about potential environmental impacts from the project.
IMNA previously reported similar concerns during the Kawparan airport project, where farmers did not fully consent to their land being designated for development, and compensation was reportedly below market value, causing dissatisfaction among landowners.
During a meeting with farmers on February 16th, the military council’s Minister for Border Affairs said that a total of 4,695.58 acres of land would be used for the port project, including the airport project.
Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein stated in workgroup discussions that projects are being implemented with local residents’ interests as a priority. However, a local resident of Mudon observes that, judging from the Mon fuel-related issues, this claim does not align with the reality on the ground.
“Looking at the Katone Paw fuel terminal, fuel prices in Mon State remain higher than in Yangon despite the presence of these facilities. It is unclear how senior officials are managing such projects. Since the fuel terminal is located here in Mudon, we had expected gasoline and diesel prices to decline. In the end, however, there has been no noticeable change,” he said.
For the coal project, the international airport, and the fuel import terminal projects currently being implemented by the military council–appointed state government, thousands of acres of local residents’ farmland and plantations have reportedly been unjustly confiscated. However, due to the prevailing security situation, those affected have been unable to speak out openly.
At a coordination meeting held on January 30th, Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein, appointed by the military council, urged officials to expedite land acquisition processes to enable the swift implementation of the port project. He stated that the international coastal port would be constructed to international standards under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) system.
