An American diplomat has been discovered dead in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, as confirmed by the U.S. State Department. Meanwhile, the diplomatic community in Yangon has reported that a Thai woman has been detained by local authorities in connection with the ongoing investigation.
While American officials based in Thailand and the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar have redirected inquiries to the State Department, the department has confirmed the passing of a U.S. government employee stationed at the Yangon embassy. However, they have not disclosed further details.
“Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones, we have no further information to provide at this time,” stated the State Department in an email response to The Associated Press.
According to three sources within Myanmar’s diplomatic community, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to discuss the matter, the diplomat was found deceased approximately two weeks ago at the Sakura Residence & Hotel.
This facility, known for its long-term rental options, is favored by diplomats, businesspeople, and other international visitors. It is situated roughly one mile from the U.S. Embassy.
Sources indicate that the police are currently investigating the case as a potential homicide, with a Thai woman currently in custody as part of the investigation.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said it has provided consular assistance to the woman in custody and notified her family, but would not comment further.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is embroiled in fighting between the country’s military-led government, which ousted democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, and a disparate group of militias organized by the country’s ethnic minority groups and pro-democracy forces.
Authorities typically give little information to the media, and the duty officer answering the phone at the police station responsible for the area where the Sakura hotel is located refused to comment and hung up on an AP reporter.
The manager of the Sakura hotel also declined to comment.
