Mai Pome Sange, Jan 20, Tangyan
The junta forces have launched a crackdown on unlicensed vehicles in Tangyan Township, northern Shan State, seizing cars and demanding that owners pay tens of millions of kyats for their released, according to a local woman who spoke to Shwe Phee Myay.
Although inspections and vehicle seizures have been ongoing since 2025, a fresh wave of crackdowns reportedly resurfaced in this month.
“Authorities just start arresting people whenever they feel like it,” said a local source, noting that cars are the main targets. While there are rumors of motorbikes being seized, the source could not confirm this, adding that inspections have so far been observed at motorcycle showrooms rather than on the roads.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the inspections focus primarily on cars. Vehicles found without licenses are confiscated, and owners face prison sentences ranging from three to six months.
A source explained that arrests do not occur continuously but at specific intervals. Before a crackdown begins, those close to the authorities are notified that unlicensed vehicles will be “cleared out.”
While not resembling a high speed chase, once a car is seized there is no chance of recovery. To avoid prison time, owners must pay upwards of 10 million kyats.
In Tangyan, these seizures typically take place between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with a major crackdown reportedly occurring in recent days.
The junta’s military and police forces began strictly targeting unlicensed vehicles across Shan State in May 2025, frequently using these arrests as a means to demand ransom for the release of detainees.
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Translated by #KLT
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