YANGON, Myanmar — A prominent Myanmar social media influencer and failed election candidate is facing a wave of public condemnation after launching a series of vitriolic attacks against detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.
Vivi Chen, also known as Nansu Thazin Aung—who rose to fame as a sex education blogger—sparked a firestorm on social media after dismissing the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Ms. Suu Kyi as “cheap” and “easily obtained.”
In a series of posts shared on April 2, Chen alleged that the Nobel Prize was distributed “loosely” during that era and claimed that Ms. Suu Kyi only received the honor because she had a husband living abroad who could “submit papers” on her behalf. She further disparaged the Nobel laureate as a “political accidentalist,” claiming many other senior politicians were more deserving but lacked foreign connections.
The comments have been met with widespread derision, particularly from residents in Yangon who pointed out the irony of Chen’s actions. During her recent election campaign, Chen was frequently seen mimicking Ms. Suu Kyi’s signature fashion style and mannerisms in an attempt to win over voters.
“She entered politics through the back door and now dares to insult a national leader,” one 30-year-old resident told MPA. “It’s clear she is just trying to gain favor with the military junta after her humiliating defeat at the polls.”
Chen contested the recent junta-managed election under the Peace and Development Party (PDP) but failed to secure any significant support, losing by a landslide. Political analysts suggest her current outburst is a manifestation of bitterness following her political rejection by the public.
“Calling the voters ‘uncivilized’ after failing to win their hearts shows a complete lack of moral integrity,” a political observer noted. “She went from imitating the leader to insulting her the moment the public rejected her opportunism.”
Before joining the PDP, Chen was associated with the People’s Party (PP) led by veteran activist Ko Ko Gyi, but her frequent shifts in political allegiance have left many questioning her credibility. Her latest comments, which align closely with military-led propaganda, have led many to accuse her of “kowtowing” to the generals in hopes of securing a future administrative role.
The backlash online has been swift. Former supporters expressed regret over following her previous educational content, with many accusing her of destroying her own reputation. Despite the criticism, Chen claimed she hopes to build a society “free from uncivilized people,” a statement critics say is starkly at odds with her own recent behavior.
As the political crisis in Myanmar continues, the incident highlights the deep polarization within the country’s social media landscape and the enduring reverence many still hold for the detained Nobel laureate, despite the military’s ongoing efforts to erase her political legacy.
