The military council has announced the blacklisting of Colonel Saw Chit Thu from the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) and his Chit Lin Myaing Toyota Company. The announcement also included his family members, including his wife, children, and company directors. According to the military council, Chit Lin Myaing Toyota Company was listed as number 25 among 197 import-export companies blacklisted for failing to deposit export earnings in foreign currency into military council-controlled banks. The blacklisted individuals include Saw Chit Thu (also known as San Myint), his daughter Nant Hnin Nandar Aye, sons Saw Chit Chit and Saw Htoo Eh Moo, and business manager Saw Min Min Oo.
This announcement came as part of the military council’s pressure on companies that exported goods during the National League for Democracy government’s term from 2016 to 2020 to deposit their foreign currency earnings into military-controlled banks. The military council stated that these companies’ import-export registration certificates were revoked due to their failure to comply with foreign exchange regulations. The council cited violations of export-import laws, which carry penalties including imprisonment up to one year, fines, or both under FEML Section 42-A.
Colonel Saw Chit Thu’s family controls six BGF business enterprises and holds shares in notorious casino operations including Apollo Park and Yulong Bay Park. His daughter, Nant Hnin Nandar Aye, who studied in Singapore and Britain and holds a business management degree, serves as a shareholder and director in four BGF businesses. The family’s business holdings include 65% shares in Chit Lin Myaing Toyota Company, 68% in Chit Lin Myaing Mining and Industrial Production, 60% in Dawna Thanlwin Company, 80% in Htoo Thitsar Aung Company, 70% in Htoo Metta Htoo Company, and 50% in Shwe Padathar Myaing Company.
The family’s extensive business network operates through various members, with shares distributed among them to maintain control over BGF’s commercial interests. Colonel Saw Min Min Oo, who was also blacklisted alongside Saw Chit Thu, plays a key role in managing BGF’s business operations. The military council’s action against these businesses and individuals represents a significant move against one of the most powerful BGF-affiliated business networks in the region, highlighting the ongoing tensions between various armed groups and the military council in Myanmar.
