Draft:Aung Khant Si Thu

Aung Khant Si Thu (born July 4, 1993) is a Burmese multimedia journalist, photojournalist, and documentarian based in Bangkok, Thailand. Renowned for his fearless frontline reporting from Myanmar’s conflict zones, he has collaborated with esteemed international media outlets, including Sky News, ABC Australia, National Geographic and Al Jazeera. His work focuses on investigative journalism and human-interest stories, shedding light on the struggles of communities affected by Myanmar’s ongoing political and humanitarian crises.

Born in Yangon, Myanmar, Aung Khant earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the East University of Yangon in 2012. Driven by his passion for storytelling, he pursued professional training in photography and journalism, obtaining diplomas from the French Institute in Yangon, TRT Media News Academy in Turkey, and Anadolu Agency in Turkey.

Aung Khant began his career at The Myanmar Times in 2015, where he served as a Photojournalist, Multimedia Producer, and eventually Head of Multimedia. During his tenure, he spearheaded impactful storytelling projects, capturing pivotal moments of Myanmar’s socio-political transitions and addressing the escalating challenges faced by the nation.

Since the 2021 military coup, Aung Khant has been at the forefront of documenting Myanmar’s rapidly intensifying conflict. His reporting from Kayah (Karenni), Karen, and Tanintharyi regions has offered rare insights into the realities on the ground. Covering active conflict zones and operating on the frontlines, he has highlighted the resilience of local resistance forces and the challenges faced by displaced communities. From navigating the perilous terrains of Karenni State to reporting on cross-border dynamics in Tanintharyi, his work has shed light on the human toll of Myanmar’s crisis and the fight for democracy.

As a freelance journalist, Aung Khant has developed a specialization in exposing Southeast Asia’s scam syndicates. His investigations delve into organized crime networks and their exploitation of vulnerable communities. These reports, produced in collaboration with National Geographic, Al Jazeera, and SRF, often demand extensive research, logistical coordination, and on-the-ground reporting to uncover the hidden operations behind these illicit industries.

In addition to investigative work, Aung Khant’s frontline coverage has been instrumental in providing the global audience with first-hand accounts of the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. His ability to navigate high-risk environments, establish trust with local resistance groups, and document the stories of affected communities underscores his commitment to uncovering truths and amplifying the voices of those impacted by the conflict.