There has been a resurgence of gambling dens in southern Shan State’s Hsihseng Town leading to an increase in related crimes such as theft and robbery, causing safety concerns amongst residents.
Hsihseng Town is located about halfway between the Shan State capital, Taunggyi and the Karenni State capital, Loikaw. It was briefly captured by the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) in late January 2024 before being retaken by the junta about two months later in late March 2024.
After the town came back under junta control, residents who had evacuated gradually began returning and now around 90 per cent of the town's population has returned. Businesses and agricultural activities are also resuming, and a temporary market has been established.
But, the junta has struggled to effectively enforce the law in the town. The weak rule of law is becoming very concerning for residents. It has also meant that gambling dens were able to start establishing themselves as the residents returned to the town.
Since early 2025, the number of illegal gambling operations in Hsihseng Town has increased significantly. Gambling dens are now blatantly operating in some downtown areas of the town.
A Hsihseng Town resident said to Shan Herald: “Since the locals returned to the town, gambling dens have sprung up everywhere. There are gambling dens in all six wards, most of which operate covertly, though some are run openly. We don't know who is behind them. Cockfighting matches have also resurfaced throughout the town.”
Explaining how weak law enforcement has allowed the gambling dens to spring up he added: “The rise of illegal gambling dens is a result of weak law enforcement. The town police force, which is supposed to handle law enforcement, have not done anything effective. The junta troops also seem to focus solely on the town's security, given its status as a former war zone. As a result, crimes such as theft and robbery are not being effectively dealt with, which is a concern for everyone.”
It is nearly a year since the junta retook Hsihseng Town and fighting stopped there, but it still has not implemented any effective reconstruction efforts in the town. Fighting between the junta and resistance forces still sporadically flares up in the surrounding Hsihseng Township.
