13 April 2026 By MPA
WASHINGTON D.C. — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to helping end the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, in a formal message released to mark the traditional Thingyan Water Festival and the Burmese New Year.
In his statement on Monday, Secretary Rubio acknowledged that the country continues to face severe deterioration due to persistent conflict, while praising the “courage and resilience” shown by the people of Myanmar in the face of ongoing suffering.
“The Thingyan festival is an opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward to the coming year,” the Secretary’s statement read. “The people of Myanmar have repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary bravery and an unwavering spirit despite the hardships they have endured since the military takeover.”
Rubio emphasized that the essence of Thingyan—symbolising renewal and cleansing—serves as a reminder that a better tomorrow is possible. He offered his warmest wishes to all those celebrating, both inside Myanmar and in the global diaspora, expressing hope for “new strength and renewed hope” in the year ahead.
The Secretary’s message comes at a critical juncture for Myanmar, as the civil war enters a more entrenched phase. The United States has remained a key international ally for the pro-democracy movement, providing humanitarian aid and implementing targeted sanctions against the military junta’s economic interests.
By explicitly stating Washington’s determination to help end the political and humanitarian crisis, Rubio’s message reinforces the US position that a return to civilian rule and a restoration of democracy remain top foreign policy priorities in Southeast Asia.
While the message was one of festive goodwill, it underscored the grim reality on the ground. Since the 2021 coup, millions have been displaced and the national economy has buckled under the weight of conflict. For many in Myanmar, this year’s Thingyan is being marked not by celebration, but by a quiet reflection on those lost and a continued struggle for survival.
“On behalf of the United States, I wish the people of Myanmar a year of resilience and peace,” Rubio concluded. As the new year begins, the international community’s focus remains on whether diplomatic pressure and local resistance can finally pave the way for the “better tomorrow” envisioned in the Secretary’s message.
