As demonstrations against the coup in most of the country have become a rarity in the face of brutal repression, a small, defiant group in Kalay is nearing 500 days of continuous protests.
Thailand has just reopened its border to Myanmar workers, but a cumbersome application process and deepening poverty continues to push them down illegal paths.
Mitch McConnell says he supports democracy in Burma, but he has been slow to act, and his prominent position in shaping policy means he is dragging the US response down with him.