Following the death of Captain Shein Pyae Aung from Infantry Battalion 598 during a battle in Zalutkyi village, Shwegyin Township, Bago Region on May 8, 2025, his mother Daw Win Thida Soe has not received any life insurance, benefits, or pension payments. The military did not officially inform the mother about her son’s death – she only learned about it through a phone call from one of the Captain’s subordinates. The situation highlights the challenges faced by families of fallen soldiers in receiving their entitled benefits.
The military has reportedly withheld benefits from the mother, citing Captain Shein Pyae Aung’s undisclosed marriage to Police Officer Zin Ma Lwin from the Cyber Department of Myanmar Police Force in Naypyidaw. Daw Win Thida Soe, who was financially dependent on her son’s salary and is currently unable to work due to spinal surgery, finds herself in severe hardship following her son’s death. The situation is particularly difficult as she was relying solely on her son’s income for support.
Despite Daw Win Thida Soe’s attempts to claim her son’s benefits by approaching the Southern Command Headquarters, she has received no response. While the military had promised to provide 1 million kyats for funeral expenses, she has not received any payment. The military has ceased all communication with her following her son’s death and has not even provided photographs from the funeral. The case illustrates the broader issues of accountability and support for military families, particularly in cases where soldiers have died in combat.
