MNDAA grants permission to open 50 brothels in struggling Laukkai economy
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Lynn/Munich (NP News) - Nov 28
It is reported that in Laukkai, where the economy is struggling due to the armed conflicts, the Kokang ethnocentric armed group MNDAA (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army) has granted permission to open around 50 brothels under certain conditions.
The MNDAA, along with the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA), conducted Operation 1027 in the northern Shan State on October 27, 2023.
It is reported that during this military operation, the MNDAA was able to capture Laukkai and is currently carrying out administrative activities there.
Since the MNDAA gained control over Laukkai, economic activities have not yet improved, and local residents, who have lived there for many years, are still fleeing their homes.
Although the economic situation in Laukkai has not yet improved, local residents have told The NP News that the MNDAA has granted permission to open around 50 brothels.
A local resident of Laukkai said, “If someone wants to open a brothel, they must have a medical certificate from a designated clinic. In the past, there were many brothels. Now, in the whole of Laukkai, there are about 40 or 50 brothels. Most of them only open until around 11 or 12 at night. The MNDAA punishes those who don't have a health certificate. They must go to the designated clinic for a check-up before they are allowed to operate.”
Local residents also mentioned that brothels that are operating without following the MNDAA's regulations are often fined, with penalties ranging from 20,000 yuan to up to 100,000 yuan.
A local resident of Laukkai continued, “Brothels in Laukkai are still considered a profitable work, unlike other jobs. However, it's not easy because the cost of goods is rising. These businesses have expenses as well. The people running the brothels still owe money to the prostitutes working there. Even when they earn money, they only keep 50 percent of it. So, for those operating the brothels, it’s not very profitable. Recently, a girl arrived, but she didn’t have a health certificate, so the MNDAA fined her. The fine was 20,000 yuan, which is over 10 million kyats in Myanmar currency. There’s nothing you can do about it. She had just arrived. The first time they fine someone, it's 20,000 yuan. The second time, it’s 50,000 yuan. The third time, it’s 100,000 yuan. After the third fine, they will shut down the brothel. That’s how it works.”
Before Operation 1027 was launched by the MNDAA, TNLA, and AA in northern Shan State, Laukkai city had previously thrived with many Chinese tourists, along with gambling, casinos, and brothels.
Currently, Laukkai city is sparsely populated, with only a few locals and some MNDAA members remaining.