Aung San Suu Kyi speaks with son in first call since coup

Myanmar's former leader Aung San Suu Kyi has spoken to her son Kim Aris in their first phone conversation in over five years, according to The Guardian and The Diplomat. Aris stated that his 81-year-old mother sounds mentally sharp and physically strong, though she remains held in near-complete isolation by the ruling military leaders. [1][4][5]

The Washington Post and NPR both report that Suu Kyi and her son exchanged health concerns during the call. Aris told The Guardian that he believes she has nobody around her except for military or police personnel, describing her living situation as essentially solitary confinement. He characterized the military leaders' decision to allow the call as a public relations move. [1][2][5]

Aung San Suu Kyi served as State Counsellor of Myanmar and Union Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2021. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and played a central role in the transition of Myanmar toward partial democracy during the 2010s, having served as general secretary of the National League for Democracy since 1988. [7]

The phone call marks the first time Aris has heard his mother's voice since she was detained during the military coup. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post reports that the Foreign Minister has praised recent progress regarding her situation. [4][5][6]