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Myanmar has been torn apart by political upheaval, ethnic conflict, and struggles for autonomy for decades. The war began shortly after the country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948. Various armed ethnic groups, including the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), have been fighting for their rights and self-determination.
The causes of the conflict are complex, with ethnic, religious, and political divisions all playing a significant role. Deep-rooted economic and cultural differences have fuelled tensions between the government and various ethnic minorities. The struggle for control over land, narcotics, and natural resources such as jade and timber has only made the situation worse.
Current situation
The military coup of February 2021 drastically escalated the situation. What began as widespread protests grew into a full-scale civil war. A coalition of pro-democracy militias and armed ethnic groups, the People's Defence Force, has since secured victory after victory. By the end of 2024, the junta controlled only around 21 per cent of the country. Large parts of the border regions and interior are in the hands of resistance groups.
The population, marked by more than four years of conflict, is now facing greater hardship than ever. The UN World Food Programme described the situation as the worst humanitarian crisis in the country's history.
On 28 March 2025, the situation worsened further when a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction across the Mandalay, Sagaing, and Shan regions. More than 3,800 people lost their lives, over 5,000 were injured, and more than 52,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Healthcare facilities, already under severe strain from years of war, suffered further damage.
The importance of Mogok Tea
In the midst of the unrest, Mogok Tea Estate is located in the village of Kyauk Saung, part of a cluster of six villages. Mogok Tea is not only a source of income for the local community, but also a symbol of cultural heritage and resilience.
Founder Phyu Thwe left Myanmar to study in the United Kingdom and built a career as an accountant. From London, she witnessed how her home region remained trapped in mining and poverty. With support from her family, she started Mogok Tea: a micro tea factory producing organic tea and offering a sustainable alternative to the demanding work of mining.
The tea gardens cover 180 hectares and everything is hand-picked and hand-processed. That approach has received international recognition: at the Leafies Awards of the UK Tea Academy, Mogok Tea won three prizes, including the special Tea for Life Award for social impact.
Medical support
With only two hospitals in the entire area around Mogok, the residents of Kyauk Saung and the surrounding villages face enormous challenges when they need healthcare. Mogok is located in a restricted area where foreign aid organisations have no access.
Villagers have therefore formed their own network. One dedicated nurse provides medical care to the surrounding villages, supporting the wellbeing of hundreds of households. A doctor also returned to the village during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to provide essential care to those in need.
Tea Kulture's impact
As the civil war in Myanmar continues, villages such as Kyauk Saung struggle with limited access to healthcare and essential goods.
The village consists of 110 households and faces difficult circumstances. Many families depend on remittances from children working abroad, while others rely on meagre income from mining activities. With limited resources, families often face difficult choices when it comes to medical care. The cost of a doctor's visit, currently 7,000 kyat (approximately €3), is a significant sum that forces families to prioritise care for just one person.
Tea Kulture supported the project for years with a monthly contribution. The project is currently on hold. The situation in the region has become too dangerous for the village's only doctor to continue her work. When circumstances allow, we hope to resume the collaboration.
