My name is Captain U Soe Min, I am 70 years old. I was born in Panaan.

When I finished school I entered the Burmese Army and worked for them for 13 years until General Ne Win took over power. Then I went to fight for the PPP against General Ne Win.

Now I am retired and live in Mae Sot in Thailand. When I get up early in the morning, the first thing I do is tune into BBC radio.

They put the headphones on his head played the BBC on the highest volume. Captain Soe Min

People listen to the BBC in Burma in whatever way they can. It's not easy. It has to be quiet. If someone complains you have been listening to the BBC and the authorities find out, you will be arrested and the punishment can be severe.

My cousin wanted to know more about the politics of the country and because he listened to BBC World Service he was tortured severely. They put the headphones on his head played the BBC on the highest volume. They said to him, “You want to listen to the BBC? Now listen to the BBC!” He is now deaf.

When I was a Captain in the PPP I would listen to the BBC. What the enemy wouldn’t tell us through official lines I would find out through the BBC so that we could counter it.

Since I am currently in Thailand and can't travel to Burma I like listening to the BBC news because I can hear what is happening in Burma. The BBC educates us and we will know the true situation of the country.

I thank the BBC that they broadcast the truth. Captain Soe Min

I thank BBC that they broadcast the truth.

If they are releasing incorrect information then we will know that. We would also know the international situation. The Burmese government lie on their news so the Burmese news and BBC news is different.

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	Captain Soe Min's story