As an increasing number of journalists have been forced into exile due to the brutal crackdown on press freedom by the military junta in Myanmar, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is launching a project in Thailand aimed at supporting these media professionals in exile, as well as those who continue to work inside the country.
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On Saturday 19 October 2024, an RSF delegation led by Director General, Thibaut Bruttin launched the Myanmar Press Freedom Project in Chiang Mai, the second-largest city in Thailand. Developed in partnership with Exile Hub, the project aims to provide Myanmar journalists — both in exile and within Myanmar — with equipment such as laptops, mobile phones, solar batteries, and digital security tools, as well as various training to strengthen their capacities.
These needs were identified during previous missions to northern Thailand along the Thai-Myanmar border by two representatives of RSF’s Asia-Pacific Bureau — Director Cédric Alviani and Project and Development Manager Shataakshi Verma — both of whom were present at the project’s launch.
The media from Myanmar have showed great resilience over the past years and the reporters themselves have showed great bravery. This project is a testimony of RSF’s renewed commitment to supporting journalists at risk and being the closest possible to the frontlines of journalism. Based on a strong need assessment, it will provide crucial support to Myanmar journalists who continue to report on their country’s situation despite the relentless and ruthless repression of the military regime. Supporting these media professionals is more urgent than ever: without them, Myanmar risks becoming a black hole for information. - Thibaut Bruttin, RSF’s Director General