The Arakan Army (AA) has sealed off all businesses, hotels, motels, and properties connected to the military in their controlled areas within Rakhine State. Among the seized properties are those belonging to prominent Rakhine businessman U Kyauk Taung, who has confirmed that his assets have been confiscated. In Thandwe city, AA has sealed U Kyauk Taung’s properties worth between 5 to 6 million US dollars, including machinery, 8 motorboats, residences, land plots, and the ‘Eternal Victory’ housing projects.
The world-famous Ngapali Beach in Thandwe Township contains 65 hotels ranging from three to five stars, all of which came under AA control when they captured Thandwe city in July 2024. Most hotel owners at Ngapali Beach are closely associated with the military group, and the Russian-implemented Ngapali Beach-Russian Resort Housing Project has also been halted and is now under AA control. The beach’s five-star Jasmine Ngapali Resort, owned by U Kaung San who has close ties to military leader Min Aung Hlaing, and hotels owned by crony businessmen including U Tay Za, U Chit Khaing, U Aung Myo Myint Ding, U Win Aung of AMATA Hotel Group, and U Mya Han are all under AA’s control.
The seizures also include hotels owned by U Tun Naing Shwe, son of former dictator Than Shwe, and Daw Nanda Aye, daughter of retired Deputy Senior General Maung Aye. The internationally renowned Hilton Ngapali Hotel, operated in partnership with the Hilton Hotels group, is also among the affected properties. The beach currently has over 2,000 rooms across its 65 hotels, all of which are now under AA administration. Additionally, AA has seized over 60 residential properties across various townships including Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Thandwe, Gwa, and others, including homes belonging to those associated with Muslim armed groups and individuals accused of interfering with the revolution.
