Aris Sends Cookies After Rare Call With Mother

A twenty-minute phone call connected former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi with her son on Thursday. Kim Aris, a 49-year-old carpenter residing in London, spoke with his 81-year-old mother for the first time in nearly six years. The conversation occurred after the military seized power in a 2021 coup that toppled the democratically elected government Suu Kyi led. Aris stated that his mother’s opening words were a question about his health. He reported that she is alive and well, adding that hearing her voice provided reassurance to the family.

Suu Kyi’s legal status remains complex. She was initially sentenced in 2021, with consecutive trials through 2022 totaling 33 years on corruption and electoral fraud charges. Western nations and human rights groups have largely condemned the charges as fabricated. Her sentence was later reduced to 18 years, which she still has to serve. Khaing Khaing Soe, a spokesperson for Myanmar’s military-backed president, confirmed the call on social media. He stated the contact was arranged through the Myanmar Embassy in London and shared photographs of the two individuals.

Aris learned during the call that his mother is held at a residence near the capital, Naypyidaw. He described the location as fenced off with a scrubby garden, surrounded by police and military personnel. He characterized her situation as solitary confinement, noting she can read books but likely lacks access to radio, television, or newspapers. He reported that she suffers from tendonitis in her hand, which causes considerable pain and limits her use of the limb. She receives a health checkup every six months. Aris plans to send a care package containing a mix of healthy food and treats, possibly including Ben’s Cookies from Oxford, England.

Reactions to the contact reflect ongoing tensions. Aris believes the military monitored the call, restricting discussion of sensitive topics like the civil war. He views the event as an image-building effort for coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, who traveled abroad in January after a military-engineered election. Aris warned that governments should not be taken in by the gesture. The conflict has killed approximately 100,000 people according to the monitoring group ACLED, with millions displaced. ACLED reported a sharp escalation in military attacks on civilians since Hlaing became president. Hlaing remains under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses, including the 2016-2017 killings of Rohingya Muslims.

Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the exiled National Unity Government, stated the regime dare not release Suu Kyi because her strength would combine with the revolution. Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group called her status the most valuable card Hlaing holds. He warned she could become a bargaining chip while airstrikes continue, noting her release is very unlikely. The U.S. State Department said it remains concerned about those it considers unjustly detained. It urged the military to hold genuine dialogue with opposition groups. In August, the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs called for Suu Kyi’s immediate and unconditional release.

Aris said the call may be a one-off event. He noted his mother believes she gives the people of Burma strength by sharing their struggles. The military continues its diplomatic push while Suu Kyi remains detained in Naypyidaw.