Hugo is a Burmese citizen from a small island in western Myanmar. He used to run his own Internet Service Provider, but his business and livelihood were destroyed by military airstrikes and internet shutdowns following the coup. This catastrophic event propelled him into the world of digital rights, cybersecurity, and resisting authoritarianism. Forced to flee to Northern Thailand for safety, Hugo’s struggle was far from over. Like millions of his countrymen, he faced the immense challenge of financial oppression: a rapidly devaluing currency, the inability to open a bank account, and the reliance on high-fee, unofficial agents just to move money. His search for a solution led him to a technology that offered something he hadn't had before: hope. This is his story of discovering the freedom of real money through Bitcoin. In this episode, you will find:
Hugo's journey from an ISP owner in Myanmar to a digital rights advocate in Thailand.
The daily financial struggles of the Burmese people: hyperinflation, sanctions, and being unbanked.
How the difficulty of receiving international payments led Hugo to find Bitcoin as a real-world solution.
Why the Burmese community is so eager to learn about Bitcoin and sees its value faster than many others.
The challenges Burmese citizens face in Thailand, including the inability to open most bank accounts.
A plan to build a consistent, structured Bitcoin education program for the Burmese community in Northern Thailand. "Everybody in Myanmar knows about financial oppression... I've been a victim of it." - Hugo
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