Although Burma may now be beginning to change, for over half a century its people have lived as captives in their own nation, and even when they fled to the borders with neighbouring countries, they were not safe. In spite of recent reforms, fear and suspicion prevail, particularly among the ethnic nationalities. Padoh Mahn Sha was assassinated by Burma's military regime, in broad daylight, across the border in Thailand. The gunmen were believed to be Karen, and he may even have known them personally, but there is little doubt that they were acting as proxies for the junta. Padoh Mahn Sha was killed because he was one of the strongest opponents of the regime which has terrorised its people for almost half a century.

In 1972, Ne Win sought to solidify and legitimise his rule by resigning from the military, along with nineteen other senior officers, and establishing a civilian administration. This was, however, a superficial change. Most of the same people were in power, and the only difference was that they wore suits rather than military uniforms.