Many economies of the world have recovered from their economic recession due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Myanmar is an exception. By the accumulating adverse effects of the military coup in 2021, Myanmar remains the only economy in East Asia that has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels of economic activity.

Once-renowned reporter, A Htauk Taw U Ohn Myint, wrote a collection of articles on the scenes of post-independence insurrection, entitled ‘All Armed and Leading to Trouble’, and the great performance artist, the Great U Po Sein, acted in a drama with a similar title.

The weather in Naypyitaw is gloomy with unpredictable clouds and rainfall. For this week's insight email No. 23, ISP-Myanmar focuses on developments relating to Naypyitaw. The newsletter also highlights a growing substance abuse problem in Myanmar with illicit drugs easily accessible in most townships, as demonstrated by ISP-Myanmar's socio-economic survey.

This week’s ISP Insight Email No. 22 focuses on a series of concerning developments. One key setback since the military coup has been the proliferation of illicit gambling dens in Myanmar, which have ensnared many individuals in the debilitating cycle of betting.