| Country | Myanmar |
|---|---|
| Area | Kayin (Karen) State / Myawaddy township, Moei River north of Myawaddy |
| Type | SEZ/zone |
| Status | Disrupted: Raided or cracked down on, with reports of continued or relocated activity. |
| Latest reporting | State media reported a demolition campaign against 77 of 322 'illegal' buildings between 25 May and 26 Jul 2026. Myanmar Witness (Aug–Sep 2026) found the official account inconsistent, including AI-edited imagery, and local media (Jul 2026) reported that operations continue and new construction is under way on the outskirts. |
| Reported control | Karen National Army (KNA, formerly the Karen BGF) |
| Sanctions | UK, Dec 2023: sanctioned the BGF/KNA leader Saw Chit Thu over Shwe Kokko-linked abuses. EU, Oct 2024: sanctioned Saw Chit Thu and the Chit Linn Myaing Group. OFAC, 5 May 2025: designated the KNA, Saw Chit Thu and two sons. OFAC, 8 Sep 2025: designated nine Shwe Kokko-linked companies and individuals. |
| Also known as | Yatai New City, Shwe Kokko New City |
Nearby hubs
- Huanya / Apollo / Qingsong parks (Myawaddy) · Myanmar · Active
- KK Park · Myanmar · Disrupted
- Tai Chang · Myanmar · Active
- Kyaukhat / Phalu DKBA border areas · Myanmar · Active
- Shunda Park / Min Let Pan · Myanmar · Reported closed
If someone you know is here
- Contact your country’s embassy or consulate first, with the person’s full name, passport number and the location.
- Do not pay “release money” to agents without official advice.
- Send evidence safely through the secure drop.
Questions people ask
Where is Shwe Kokko / Yatai New City?
Shwe Kokko / Yatai New City is in Kayin (Karen) State / Myawaddy township, Moei River north of Myawaddy, Myanmar. The pin on this page is approximate, at town or zone level.
Is Shwe Kokko / Yatai New City still active in 2026?
Status: Disrupted. State media reported a demolition campaign against 77 of 322 'illegal' buildings between 25 May and 26 Jul 2026. Myanmar Witness (Aug–Sep 2026) found the official account inconsistent, including AI-edited imagery, and local media (Jul 2026) reported that operations continue and new construction is under way on the outskirts.
Sources
Location approximate. Information as publicly reported; last reviewed 09 Nov 2026. Corrections: theredbullleaks@proton.me