Local residents report that under Min Aung Hlaing’s orders, over 20 Buddhist monasteries and nunneries, one pagoda, one Christian church, and several residential neighborhoods in Taungoo, Bago Region, are being forced to relocate to make way for the reconstruction of the ancient Ketumadi Palace, city walls, and moat. On August 2, Min Aung Hlaing visited Taungoo and issued orders for the reconstruction project, which affects 18 Buddhist monasteries, 2 nunneries, one pagoda, one Christian church, and multiple residential areas.
The forced relocation has caused distress among local residents and religious leaders. According to local sources, the military council plans to reconstruct the eastern moat area including the Yodaya defensive position, western city wall excavation and preservation areas, water moat locations, and the outer circumferential road of the city walls. The project has created significant anxiety among residents who must abandon their homes and religious buildings that have stood for generations.
Taungoo was established as a royal capital during the reign of King Mingyinyo (AD 1485-1531), and the Ketumadi ancient city remains an important historical heritage site. Beyond Taungoo’s Ketumadi, Min Aung Hlaing has also ordered the reconstruction of Bago’s Hanthawaddy Kambawzathadi Palace. According to military sources, these reconstruction efforts are tied to astrological calculations and rituals aimed at legitimizing his rule as a royal figure. Since the military coup in 2021, Min Aung Hlaing has frequently engaged in such activities, including city founding ceremonies, palace construction, and pagoda building rituals, all guided by astrological considerations.
