Military leader Min Aung Hlaing has issued orders to crack down on unlicensed cars and motorcycles across Myanmar, with sources in Naypyidaw revealing that declining sales of electric vehicles imported by his son and daughter are a key factor behind this directive. At a military council meeting in Naypyidaw on May 20, Min Aung Hlaing ordered the identification of unlicensed vehicle users, claiming that such vehicles cause significant tax revenue losses for the state and could create security challenges.
Following these orders, starting June 1, military and police forces nationwide began conducting systematic arrests of civilians using unlicensed cars and motorcycles. The military is using this campaign to extort money from civilians, forcibly recruit young people into military service under the pretext of unlicensed vehicle use, confiscate vehicles, and imprison citizens. Sources in Naypyidaw indicate that the primary motivation behind this crackdown is the dramatic decline in demand for electric vehicles sold by Min Aung Hlaing’s children’s companies.
Khin Thiri Thet Mon, daughter of military leader Min Aung Hlaing, established an electric vehicle company with her business partners Naing Phyo Kyaw and Wai Yan Min Maung, importing various electric vehicles into Myanmar. However, their electric vehicles are currently experiencing a significant drop in market demand and sales. Similarly, Min Aung Hlaing’s son Aung Pyae Sone, who imports Chinese electric vehicles, is facing comparable challenges in the market. The military leader had previously granted tax exemptions for solar and related equipment imports in April 2023, after which his children significantly increased their imports of solar electric vehicles and EV products.
