Transcript: Episode #91: This Woman’s Work
Following is the full transcript for the interview with Su Thit, which appeared on February 17, 2022. This transcript was made possible by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and has not been checked by any human reader. Because of this, many of the words may not be accurate in this text. This is particularly true of speakers who have a stronger accent, as AI will make more mistakes interpreting and transcribing their words. For that reason, this transcript should not be cited in any article or document without checking the timestamp to confirm the exact words that the guest has really said.
Host 00:32
I'm really excited to bring you the upcoming interview with a very special guest. You'll hear her discussing all the great and courageous work that she is currently engaged in. And if you feel inspired to help her with these efforts, please consider making a donation earmarked for her projects or feel free to give a general donation that will support the wider movement in Myanmar. Our ongoing support is so helpful and appreciated by the Burmese people during these dark days. Simply go to insight myanmar.org/donation to contribute today or stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear more options now let's hear from that guest herself
01:21
yay. A the day after day, a good day.
Host 02:22
I'm here speaking to soothe it. And I'm so pleased to have her on suit that is the wife of a former soldier who has defected from the tatmadaw, the Burmese military. And we're going to talk to her a bit about their decision, as well as her ongoing brave work encouraging other military wives to push for defection. So soothe it. Thank you so much for coming on today. And before we go further into the talk, I would also like to ask you first, how comfortable do you feel in taking on the topic that follows in our upcoming talk? Do you have any concerns about being so open in your criticism of the diameter?
Su Thit 03:03
Hello, I'm also thank you for giving a chance to answer the interview. Before I answer the question, I will let you know all the answers are just my opinion. And they are not representative of any one or any other organization. To answer your question. I think Demerol is a place where soldiers and their families have lost their human rights. Because everyone is being controlled by orders from above, even though it is wrong or unfair for criticizing the military force that is ruling the country with guns and bullets. It's not without concern. I feel for the safety of my family and other loved ones. And I fear for the safety of myself and my husband, even though we are in a safe place now. The future is uncertain. But we must keep our concerns aside and walk for that revolution.
Host 04:09
Yeah, I can definitely understand and imagine where you're coming from. And I think it's really courageous for taking the time to speak with us knowing these risks that are there. I think this also speaks to the dedication that you have of trying to do the right thing for your country. And so I'd like to talk a little bit about yourself and your life. So if you can give me some background about yourself, perhaps the religious or political beliefs that you were brought up with?
Su Thit 04:40
Yes, my background is like other ordinary persons. I grew up living quite a simple life. I graduated in 2008. And I work as Caesar marketing manager in hotels for eight years. And then I got married I was taught by my parents to respect everyone and also respect their beliefs, even if they are different from my there is why on our country had democracy. For the past 10 years, I was so joyful. Finally, I felt that our country will be placed where everyone can participate equally for the development of the nation. Even though our democratic system had many flaws, we stay grateful after six years of military rule. And that is why when the military could occur, I was shocked. It was something that I cannot accept at all.
Host 05:43
Right, I think you and so many people couldn't accept it. Of course, you and your husband were in a very unique position in terms of who you were and what you were doing. So I'd like to learn a little bit more about the experience of you and your husband tapped me out. He was a soldier in Myanmar's military. And I'm curious a bit more about his experiences in the military and your experiences as a military wife before the coup. So can you share a bit about why he joined the military and your feelings about him being a soldier?
Su Thit 06:21
Oh, well, I would like to talk about experiences of soldier wife. More than about him. After I was married all of the soldiers, I have met way friendly. I haven't met the kind of career soldiers that we see on news after the coup, I was shocked to know that such cruelty had existed inside the military. Maybe it was hidden. Maybe I just did not see. But whatever it is, it is a shame for any organization, especially one that is supposed to be protecting the paper to be committing such crazy acts upon innocent civilians. This is one of the reason why we joined CDM movement. My husband and I wanted to be on the right side of history. He wanted to be on the civilian side and stand for the just,
Host 07:27
I see right. So can you tell me a bit about what your husband was actually doing before the coup?
Su Thit 07:37
Because before the crew, my husband was in Bewley for training, after the coop, I encourage him to join us EDM movement. And he himself wanted to join the people as well. He was very saddened to hear and see the brutality committed upon peaceful protesters. But joining CDM movement is not easy as packing a bag to go the beach. It was very hard, especially because the military is always monitoring his soldiers. He had to plan very carefully to leave the base. That is why we were only able to join a movement in June.
Host 08:21
I see. I see. So it took some plans and some time to be able to figure out how to act on your volition. I understand that wives and families they live in military compound. So this does make it hard to get to safety. Can you describe a bit about life behind the walls? In the military compound, I think many of our listeners would really have no idea what this was like and what the culture was.
Su Thit 08:50
A Yes, wife and families live in military compounds in the soza. wives have to do tours for wives of other soldiers who are higher ranking. For example, if you are a country's life, you have to do for cause tones for the wife of the major. And what wife may have to do chores for the wife of the corner. It is an n Fe and enter system. To be honest, I don't know who makes these rules. But it is there as part of the institutional culture. This is why we must change and reform the entire institution.
Host 09:34
I see. So that's really interesting. So you're describing like, the hierarchical nature of the military is also replicated and having a kind of hierarchy of the wives and that was the system that you were in. And I'm also curious, in the military compound in within the camp where you lived. How much access did you have to live? outside of the compound in the villages, or were your movements in your life very controlled inside.
Su Thit 10:07
The people inside the military cannot go outside after the coup, they control and they close the door of the military compound. If you want to buy clothes or if you want to buy Basie knees, you have to order from the outside. Nobody have to go outside after the coup. Yes.
Host 10:32
Right. And how about before the coup? Did you? Did you have much interaction outside of the compound or no?
Su Thit 10:38
Oh, yes. Before the coop is okay. We can go outside easily.
Host 10:45
Right. And so then on February 1, when the coup was launched, what were your in your husband's feelings about what had happened on February 1.
Su Thit 10:56
As I have said before, both my husband and I were diverse that to hear the news of the coup, we felt like our future had disappear. And the cloud had covered our country. I couldn't even think of what I would do the next day, I think on Yamapi buffer like I did. The generals are all bad as of our futures and dreams. Now we are going to take it back.
Host 11:25
And why did he decide to defect? I wonder if you can walk me through the conversations that you had regarding the possibility? And I'm sure they were very tense and very difficult conversations to have about your future and your safety and your morals. And as you had those conversations, why did you decide to follow through with it?
Su Thit 11:48
Oh, yes, he told me how he felt the rules, wants to just add tag like terrorists to civilians, who are endless. My husband felt helpless when he couldn't help the civilians. But he also could not be on the side of the same people who are acting like terrorists. That is why he decided to participate in the CDM movement. We do not do this just because of our belief. We did this for our future generation as well. Although I don't have any theory. Now. I do not want my children to be born and dictatorship. I want them to be born and democratic day. I'm sure our sons and daughters can be proud of us, for what we are doing in this revolution.
Host 12:39
incredibly brave and courageous to hear. And also, I think just kind of speaks to the sacrifice and the commitment that so many people in the country right now are having towards democratic ideals and ideals of human rights that the West, so called supports, but hasn't really done much more than statements. And yet you guys on the ground are making these incredible acts of courage and these decisions to sacrifice interest safety in order to try to achieve the country that you want to live in. So I just, for one, find this incredibly inspiring, and I think listeners do as well. So you and your husband decided to defect, you decided that you were going to leave the military. Once you decided this, I wonder if you can share how you got to safety. And I asked this question knowing that you can't tell all the details and I don't want you to but as much generally as you're able to share, how did you get into safety?
Su Thit 13:48
Yes, I cannot the details also, because of the security. What you should know is that differentiate is a very difficult and dangerous path. We will also worry the military might arrest anyone of us alone our journeys. After my husband made a decision to leave the military. Our main priority was to get to safety. We secretly diskette just the two of us on how we will do. It was a long journey, but we made it. We are fortunate because there are so many soldiers who cannot take this journey because it is stay unsafe for them. We just did not get to safety. We got to freedom. But we must help others other soldiers who are stay like prisoners inside the military defer to freedom. Thank you,
Host 14:53
right. Yeah, I can imagine that is what you're doing now, which we'll get to in a moment. How you're helping others to make the courageous decision that you made. Before we get there? Can you tell me as far as your safe to do and don't give anything that compromises your safety? Can you tell me anything about the conditions that you're living in now now that you've left the umbrella and the shelter of the camera?
Su Thit 15:21
Okay. What I can tell you is that we are living in basic conditions now, what is for sure is that all those who join CDM love, the the length, or they are positions behind, like family, houses, friends, and so on. That is why I'm trying to help not just the fact that soldiers, but also their family members, there are other children, including a fence and wives of the FedEx soldiers, that has made this big sacrifice.
Host 16:02
Thank you. Yeah, certainly, certainly, that's, that's true. And you, you have gone on not just to try to set up a new life, and knowing the risk it will take and the loss of the different amenities and comfort and security that you had. But you have also formed an organization that is trying to encourage more soldiers to defect, although you're actually focused on the spouses of the soldiers, the name of your organization is called the spouses of people, soldiers. This sounds like incredible work. And can you tell me more about what it is you actually do?
Su Thit 16:43
Yes, thanks. Thanks, we have idea to join the CDM movement. Since at that time, I have an idea to advocate a woman's and wife's internal law. That's why I found that I started found that the spouses of people soldier with the spouse of national soldiers who have already defected because, you know, they may have the gift for soldiers that want to defect is a concern for the security and livelihood, livelihood of their families. If we are able to offer better productions and assurance for the family members, then more soldiers will take the bows that to us join in. With this in mind, I found this was a sativa soldier's wife as far as how we best soldiers, and our desire to help other spouse and their children is shaped by our own experiences. We will admit, admit that life in hiding or in the run is no easy life. But standing up for justice is never an easy text the organization or is fault number one is advocate wives are soldiers to ask their husbands to defect. And number two is provide support for family members of the FedEx soldiers.
Host 18:22
Yeah, yeah, thank you. That sounds great. And how is the work currently going?
Su Thit 18:29
Currently, we are giving the Agile Advocacy Project via Facebook page, we have a Facebook page also. The My name is b2c Does anemia, the like English as far as as a paper soldiers we are doing live stream live stream broadcasting with us divided by soldiers on every Friday night we want to reach us we want to reach to the wives in terminal this this program we progress and we release in all the medias and then we give now we are giving language training and vocational training to survive after the last round terminal. And then we get the health health issue also. Because as you know, Heidi they have to hide in everywhere. They cannot go easily to the clinic if they have health problems. That's why we open the online online cleaning also who is managed by the CDM America doubters campaigns? So they can There's online, and they can they can get the care how how, how they just see how, what medicine they have to take, they can get the duration from this Medicare delta. Now,
Host 20:19
right, that sounds like really great work. And I don't know how much you can say on this. But I wonder if you're also able to have direct conversations with some of the wives and the spouses that are considering having their themselves and their husband leave from the military? Have you? Are you able to have direct conversations and secret talks, as they figure out what it is they want to do?
Su Thit 20:52
Some, some spouses, they can talk in public. We have challenged now, some spouses of CDM. Soldiers, they cannot tell in public because they worry for the for their safety. So we don't have many members yet now. We have a few members only now. Yes.
Host 21:22
Right. And are those spouses like yourselves who have already left the military? Are you able to reach out and have private or secret conversations with those spouses that are still in the military?
Su Thit 21:39
Yes, yes. Some? Some I can reach out them secretly?
Host 21:44
And how do those conversations go?
Su Thit 21:48
Oh, these are they don't want to stay in military, they worry for their husband, also, how they have to do how they have to escape from the military. Sometimes I can suggest, I can give advice if they want to, if they want to come out. But some people they don't want to come out. So for those who want to come out, we help India. We have the defection. We heard from the studying to the end. Yes.
Host 22:28
And then there's other wives that you talked to that don't want to leave?
Su Thit 22:34
Yes, some don't want to leave?
Host 22:37
What are the reasons they give why they don't want to leave?
Su Thit 22:41
Some kids, they are suddenly affairs, data families. They cannot run away with the families. The worry for the future, how they eat, how they live, how to get the shadow? They worry. The main reason is this a family face? Yes.
Host 23:07
Right. And I imagine some of these conversations are not just one time, but they involve establishing a relationship and a rapport and talking to them over many days, weeks, even months as you have these ongoing conversations to explore this together.
Su Thit 23:26
Sure, sure.
Host 23:28
Right. So this is really great work that you're doing. And I'm sure that listeners hearing this would be quite interested in it. And I think one of the great things about it is obviously this as this conflict has become more violent. This kind of work working towards defections is one of the greatest hopes for non violence. We still have left if soldiers just simply decide to stop following orders and to step down. So this is for those that are really motivated to see a non violent resolution of the conflict. This is the greatest operation that's currently happening right now. So for those listeners that are motivated hearing this, is there anything they can do to support your work?
Su Thit 24:17
Okay, our organization was just recently established. So we need to have are everyone we can get. Now it is just me and some others while CDM soldiers and a few volunteers. For example, a graphic designer can help us trophy posters to post on Facebook. This person can help us with supporting our team requirements. A rider can help us write content and if you are donor, as you can country view financially as well. As I mentioned before, some of our brief defenders have come here When they are sponsoring children, they have left everything behind any any sort of many things. Even simple items such as clothing or baby divers are in need, we need to purchase these for them. If you are someone who can support us, please get in touch by emailing, I will give you the email address our email address content as content at plumbing, but dot dot o RG
Host 25:34
Thank you. And we will also have that email in the show notes. And listeners can also get in touch with us if they would like to volunteer any of these ways that you've mentioned. Or if they would like to get funds, they can do so directly or they can always get funds to our nonprofit better Burma and we can make sure that your organization's gets those. One of the things I think is really interesting about what you're doing is that you're talking to the spouses, not the soldiers. And I think when I've learned about these defection campaigns and operations going on, I've thought well, you have soldiers talking to soldiers and trying to encourage them to do the right thing. And I've talked to many other people about the nature of these conversations and how they're going on. And it never occurred to me, I don't know why it didn't. It's a very obvious point that the role that a wife plays, why not have instead of having or not, instead of but in addition to having the soldiers talk to the soldiers, why not have the spouses talk to the spouses? So can you share why you think it's so valuable, to not only be approaching and talking to the soldiers, but also to be placing effort on talking to the wives as well.
Su Thit 26:50
wife plays a very important role in the families of Amblyomma household, a wife is a counselor to the husband and plays an important part in making big decisions. This is why we need to encourage the defections to wife, a wife as well, because if the husband wants to defect, and the wife is hesitant, because she is concerned about the family's life out afterwards, then the husband will not defect. That is why it is important to reach out to the wife to bet is not alone. To just advocate, we need to support the families, once the house they have defected. That is why we started our organization, we will advocate and support a woman and children who have made a courageous choice to stand with the people. I myself also I encourage my husband, because as you know, soldiers, they have to be the order and comment from the higher. So the wife has to encourage the husband, otherwise, husband is as you know, the student with this orders, they will obey if we if we cannot encourage no do not do not do the civilians. Otherwise, as you know, the soldiers are flooded with commerce and orders. Thank you.
Host 28:36
Yeah, yeah, sure. And that makes me curious, when looking at the decision of defection. I wonder if wives or husbands are closer to wanting to make that decision? I know that every couple is different, and you can't make a general statement. But if just looking overall, at the couples that you know, at the military wives as well as the soldiers, would you tend to say that more often it's the soldier that wants to defect and the wife has to be convinced or would you say more often, the wife is wanting to defect and the soldier has to be convinced by her.
Su Thit 29:17
Generally, if soldiers if the soldiers want to defect if the soldiers want to I saw that some sense pauses the they play a big role in this decision process. The editor is the husband the other story, the soldiers who himself want to do the day fac so at the time the wife also mostly mostly most of the wife agree with with him. So I think it is balanced some some story. The soldiers want to defend himself some story The wife encouraged him to defer.
Host 30:02
Looking now at the soldiers and those members of the military that remain there. I wonder what you can say about the general opinion of why so many soldiers have decided to stay in the military and what they might be thinking. Now,
Su Thit 30:22
most of the soldiers do not like the military generals, for launching the cook. Our country has been a military dictatorship for so long. And it only made our country very poor. Most of the soldiers know that. And that is why many are against the coop, of course, they will always calculative opportunistic paper, that military code will be beneficial for them. But they are a minority. That means already are those that do oppose the coup. And that is why we need to help them raise their voices, we need to remove the barriers that exist to stop them from being able to oppose a generous.
Host 31:09
So we talked a few minutes ago about why the wives why the spouses chose to defect and why they chose to stay. What about the soldiers? What would you say are the main reasons why soldiers choose not to defect but to stay in the military?
Su Thit 31:27
For this question, I am only the wife of a soldier. So I cannot tell you in general, about the soldiers, but one of the most important reason is the safety and livelihood of the family. After defection. The soldier is concerned about where the family would live about whether they will have enough to eat about whether they will be safe. In short, it is the things that happen after deflation. If we can grant them food, shelter, health care and decent livelihood, many soldiers and their families what do you felt rather than leaving, like prisoners of the military generous? Thank you.
Host 32:15
Right, that's a powerful answer. So in other words, you're saying that it's a question of resources more than loyalty. And it's your belief that if organizations like yours were to get adequate funding and resources, then that would be enough to encourage soldiers on their wives in much greater numbers to leave the military? Because they would have some kind of guarantee of security and safety and livelihood?
Su Thit 32:47
Yes, sure.
Host 32:51
That's great to keep in mind, that's also why our nonprofit, make sure to allocate funds for those programs. And we'll be allocating more and really encourage listeners out there to continue supporting earmark towards this because we learn here, it's really just a lot of the question comes down to resources. And there's just more resources that will enable greater defections. So that's very powerful. However, that being said, those soldiers that do defect that do want to defect even when they're promised resources and livelihood and Burmese people embrace them when they come, the actual process of a soldier and his wife and perhaps family and children, physically leaving the military to go into another place. That's that itself is a risk. So I'm wondering what you can say about what are the risks to soldiers and their families who do choose to defect?
Su Thit 33:52
Yes, as the war has seen, the military shows no mercy is accused people on the streets. It beads up, yeah, woman mercilessly. It has killed many children. These rings are they also for the soldiers and their families. Even the soldier is not killed. The soldier will surely face life imprisonment, or the death penalty because the military generals were accused them of the traders. The family members could be called and sent to prison as well. The risks involved in opposition, the generous are all the same of for US soldiers and civilians. But despite this rakes, we must do what we must.
Host 34:50
Yeah, I understand and I really congratulate you and appreciate what you have done. And it's not only you and your family that have left. But as we've mentioned, you have formed this group and this group is in contact with more soldiers and spouses and encouraging similar actions. And then so you've mentioned a bit about this group before, but to talk about it in more detail as far as it's safe to share. And if you need to be general, that's also okay. What can you tell the listeners about the the work in detail about what is being done to encourage military defections?
Su Thit 35:28
Yes, I can tell you, our work is separated into paths just now, as I said, advocacy and support for our advocates that offers a false, we promote diversion via our content strategy that we post on our social media page, you can visit our Facebook page in bommies producer does anemia in English as far as as for period soldiers. And our Trader, our Trader is blooming but we also have livestream discussion with other spouses and asked him guests, every Friday night, these discussions are stream so that the wife inside the military can tune in and listening to our messages, we hope they will be encouraged to differ with their husbands, almost again, areas of work is to support the tears and wife have defended soldiers, we provide necessity for their children, some of our events, we also provide health care to the family members, and to make sure that the families can build a sustainable carrier after the revolution. So we are currently providing vocational training in language, serene, and cookie. Thank you.
Host 36:56
Right, that sounds really great. That's a really multifaceted program. And can I ask what you do personally, what what are your responsibilities or duties in this organization?
Su Thit 37:08
As I founded this organization, I am the founder, I am the walkers, I am the content writer, I am the salaries I work all jobs. So this one is what I want to do. My desire and my opinion, that's why I never think I'm tired. As you know, now we are living in not good condition. The weather is also so hard. The water also very, not planning I mean not planning. So the condition my condition my now my living condition is not good. Bank, I work very hard, because I want to finish this revolution very quickly. Because less three months ago, I met with other department cdmos cdmos. I saw in their eyes, they also want to go back home. I also want to cover how this i i wanna I want for them or I want to do for them also, I want to finish this revolution for us. So the main, the main thing for this revolution. The soldiers soldiers, families are also included in the May maintenance in this revolution. So that's why I want to pull out from the military combo. So I think we were finished quickly. That's why
Host 38:55
right? And I imagine with those difficult living conditions, you're also separated from your friends and family and not able to see familiar faces, I imagine that must be hard as well. Yes, yeah. So you decided to found this organization, you not only wanted to leave yourself you not only wanted to encourage others to leave but you actually founded this whole organization, this infrastructure to encourage those kinds of operations. Why did you want to establish this on your own?
Su Thit 39:32
Oh, okay. Just now, I mentioned that I want to save all the life as you know. We want to finish this revolution with the last bloodshed. I want to save the woman's and children life also. As you know from the from from from from the year Yeah, generations that I want to save the generation that life also. Because if you know, the military has the military has weapons and guess so many guests. We are not Baylor's in this we born were born Fs also. So I want to finish this revolution with the least, least bloodshed. That's why I started this organization. And I make hard. And I call the I invite the spouses or the FedEx soldiers to participate in our organization, from the US Vice web by saying can shift at the decision. So I always welcoming de fedexfield, your wife also? Yes, thank you.
Host 41:08
That's, that's really wonderful. That's really inspiring that you're undertaking that and in these conditions. I know that many Burmese right now are quite upset with the military. Since you've left how have you found they've responded to you and your husband?
Su Thit 41:28
To be to initially when we defend, many people were not fully trusting of us. Back then, many PBST did not know much about the defection strategy. But now public opinion has shifted. And the public and the NUJ government is supportive of defections. We are very happy to have the support of the public, which give us the strength to continue doing our work.
Host 42:01
Right. And that's an important point that you bring up where you're talking about trusts. And that when you left, the people didn't really have any idea if you were very if you were serious about your idea to leave, or if you were perhaps a spy Dylon of trying to get information. I'm sure that when you speak to other soldiers and wives who are talking about defecting, you might have the same suspicion, you need to make sure that you can trust them and that they're serious about what they say they want to do. So how do you do that?
Su Thit 42:36
That is a good question. I saw my husband, because now he is doing this job. So he always believed he always believed all the papers. Firstly, he gives the trust. So I like I like that. We need this trust after the heat check whether it is real or not. So they can tell us they are soldiers. Who is real soldiers or not. After the day is up? We do not we do not meet any unreal one. Yes.
Host 43:23
Right. That's good. That's good to hear. I know that you mainly deal with military, but there are also people that are trying to encourage the police from defecting. And I'm curious what you find the difference might be between a policeman and a soldier in Myanmar? And is it easier to have the police to fact than the soldiers?
Su Thit 43:48
Oh, I think bullies is more easier. The law also probably has not no strong pulley has no strong law about this defection because the soldiers have strong law. The cannot defect. Same things. The answer to that tomorrow. They have thrown law ID the very, very, very strong law.
Host 44:19
Right. And another thing that I've heard people talk about is that there's a critical number that they're trying to encourage with defections. If they if they're able to get a certain percentage of soldiers to defect, then momentum will start and it will just build. So is there a certain number a certain percentage that you're thinking of as something of the the the magic number that if you can reach that point, it'll just start building after that?
Su Thit 44:51
Oh, I don't know exactly about the how how many soldiers defect deck I think the energy government, the energy government, we announced how much how many soldiers have defected because now we are doing two talks, the marketing. So now we advocate in Facebook and other social media is my getting process. So, actually we don't have face to face person has a few days was the only so we cannot count because some people's are quiet the the neighbor announced that they are CDM they are the fact that they just they just say silently quietly. So we don't know the kind of person we only know the who who conduct that the what the person conduct who is CDM or defect that so just we can only know that i i can tell you the how much we are expecting to defect to the civilians. We expect all including generous. As I said, as I mentioned in Alia, I would like to request all the civilians and all the Myanmar peoples around the world. This is our nation affairs. So we have responsible, we have to take park with our possible ways. So that's only I want I want to request all the Myanmar papers in here.
Host 46:52
So we've spoken a bit about what you're doing there in Myanmar and how you're connected with other Burmese people. I'd like to move away from inside the country and look at some of the relationships and the support you get from overseas in your experience with foreigners. For those foreigners that you've been in contact with before the coup after the coup, what kinds of support or concern Have you seen from the international community on a personal level?
Su Thit 47:24
Okay, as I mentioned before I work in Hooters as a manager, I work with some foreigners, including Europeans and Asian as well some one cook aka we post on a Facebook our country is happening like that. So nobody was born and nobody is asking are we safe or our country is safe? Nobody is asking me nobody is asking and nobody gives pay attention. So I wondery And I'm really appreciate that. You also Farina and some some cover or Farina I, I met with this these this cover they also very hard working about our country. So, I mean, some some can say some some can say without asking anything, even though they live in Myanmar, even though they work in Yama, that you and some foreigner I met who are trying and who are hardworking for the for them Yama. I really appreciate you all and I want my ace colleague Farinas also and all the foreigners who who was working in Myanmar if they also it is good if they also participate in this spirit revolution in some area. What in in their life possible we would they have possible ways. Yes.
Host 49:25
Yeah, I can understand your answer. And I'm on the other side of what you said I am a foreigner who lived for many years in Myanmar, and feel somewhat of an obligation to help in any way I can. Given how much kindness was done to me. I mean, how much material and spiritual support and friendship that I received. This is really the time to give back now. And you know, I've had Ramiz friends that are like family that have done so much for me and I've never asked for anything in return have never even accepted when I've tried to to give back or pay back in some way, or even when I've just said thank you, they, they, they kind of brushed it off, because they're just doing this out of a sense of love and, and, and deep friendship and intimacy and trust. And so for me, it's, it's very much natural to want to respond to given this way. And it's something that I've really tried to encourage other foreigners that have some connection to Myanmar, to remember, remember that connection know that this is a difficult dark time, and that we are in positions of safety and, and freedom and that we can use that in a way to help those that aren't. And those that have given us so much in our lives in friendship. You had mentioned working with foreigners on your job before the coup, some of them were there for you know, five years for a long time really lived and worked and were integrated in Myanmar. And when you wrote them and told them about what was happening, there was simply no response. So how did that feel? Did that surprise you?
Su Thit 51:00
Yes, it was really? It was really surprised me. Nobody gets pay attention. Yes. The sometimes we have conversation, like teaching how to use that the kinds of greeting was we always sending via message? After the cool thing? They never sent me this message also? Oh, what's wrong? I don't know. Yes.
Host 51:29
Right. And I think if I just took a guess, I think maybe one reason for some people at least is that they might just feel so uncomfortable. And so sorry about what happened that they simply don't know what to say to engage. So they just kind of take the cowardly way out and choose to say nothing and then disappear. But that's really unfortunate. I'm really sorry to hear that. That can be a response. And it must be quite hurtful to have people that you feel close to and you felt were your friends and who just disappear when you need friends most in your life.
Su Thit 52:05
Yes, yes.
Host 52:08
And then on the other hand, you've mentioned that there have been a couple of people who have shown their support from overseas. And of course, we should mention, we're speaking in English, this is going to a largely international audience around the world who are extremely concerned and worried about the situation and are very interested to hear from you and to know how you're feeling what you're doing what you need. So looking on the other side of that question, not those foreigners who have disappeared from your life, but those foreigners who are active and engaged and supportive, and giving what they can from overseas. What does that feeling been like?
Su Thit 52:56
When I met with the supportive people, especially for enough people, I'm really thankful. And I, his touch is it has touched us. Because it makes us we have helping peoples and the other side of the wall, the people from the other side of the wall, even from the other side knows what is happening in Myanmar, and only knowing we are happy, but helping if they are healthy. We feel very touch. And we really appreciate. Yes.
Host 53:47
And I imagine it's not just a question of being in the country or out of the country, or foreign or Burmese. This is a human condition that we sometimes don't really know who we are, and we don't know who our friends are. We don't know what we're capable of, until we're tested until we find ourselves in an extremely difficult situation. And this coup was definitely an extremely difficult situation. So not just looking at the foreigners who have chosen to engage or not engage. But even I'm sure those Burmese in the country. Everyone has to make a decision. What am I willing to sacrifice? What am I going to do? How much risk am I going to take? And I imagine among your Burmese friends and community, you've seen people that have been very honorable and very noble. And you've probably seen people that have not done so. Is that true?
Su Thit 54:44
Yes. The Burmese people the car show is if the one thing is happening, boom, the fee the fee serious. And then this fee gradually disappear. But now this crew, our bommies people, they never feel like they, they are always trying to defense the terminal. They always don't want to stay under the military management. So we bommies PBS are trying, as you know, human being as a human being some papers. They were not agree with us, the kind of people we have. But most of the country, most of the peoples are trying with various ways to get to victory to get victory in this revolution. Yes.
Host 55:51
And have you seen some Burmese like taking more risks than others?
Su Thit 55:56
Yes, some bommies are taking more risks. Some are also staying low profile. Some days day, nothing related with them. Like I think I saw, like this condition.
Host 56:13
And what do you think goes into the condition of those mommies that are choosing not to be involved? What do you think the reasons for that are?
Su Thit 56:21
Maybe they have read so many reasons. The first reason is they think they have more ex military will contact him if they involved in this revolution, military will conduct their families. So, I think that kind of reason, as you know, the some of the people, they can they can see very quietly, some, some, some can see sacrifice, some the because the coiling. So the other human beings are like that, I think. But I want to suggest all the Myanmar peoples who live in Myanmar. This is all of our issue, then, and then related with human rights, they are also losing human right now. So they also have to involve in this revolution, I want to encourage all the normal people who live in Myanmar. So please get involved in this revolution to win first.
Host 57:34
Yeah, I certainly hope that you'll get that help not only from the Myanmar people, but from all the foreign listeners as well, because what you're doing is so important, and so courageous. Yeah, yeah. And with that, I would just like to thank you so much for coming on and for taking the time to talk about this. We wish you all the success from here and I appreciate you taking the time to share what you're doing.
Su Thit 58:02
Thank you, sir. Okay, I would like to say our evolution is close to victory. But in order to ensure that it is on with the least bloodshed, we must support the deflation movement. That is why I would like to ask everyone listening, and everyone who can help to help you can help us to win this revolution. Thank you.
58:39
Da da, da da da, da da, da da, da da.
Host 59:06
After today's discussion, it should be clear to everyone just how dire the situation is in Myanmar. We're doing our best to shine a light on the ongoing crisis. And we thank you for taking the time to listen. If you found today's talk of value, please consider passing it along to friends in your network. And because our nonprofit is now in a position to transfer funds directly to the protest movement, please also consider letting others know that there is now a way to give that supports the most vulnerable and to those who are specially impacted by this organized state terror. If you would like to join in our mission to support those in Myanmar who are resisting the military coup, we welcome your contribution in any form, currency or transfer method. Every cent goes immediately and directly to funding those local communities who need it most. donations go to support such causes as a civil disobedience movement. CDM Families of deceased victims and the purchasing of protective equipment and medical supplies. Or if you prefer, you can earmark your donation to go directly to the guest you just heard on today's show. In order to facilitate this donation work, we have registered a new nonprofit called Better Burma for this express purpose. Any donation you give on our insight Myanmar website is now directed to this fund. Alternatively, you can visit our new better Burma website, which is better Burma one word.org and donate directly there. In either case, your donation goes to the same cause, and both websites accept credit cards. You can also give via PayPal by going to paypal.me/better Burma. Additionally, we can take donations through Patreon Venmo, GoFundMe and Cash App. Simply search better Burma on each platform and you'll find our account. You can also visit either website for specific links to those respective accounts, or email us at info at better burma.org. In all cases, that's better Burma. One word, spelled b e t t e r b u r Ma. If you would like to give it another way, please contact us. Thank you so much for your kind consideration.