Three bombs detonated in central Rangoon on 7 May 2005. The SPDC has been accused of having had foreknowledge of the bombings, but only organizing protection of military buildings. The bombings have been commonly assumed to be an “inside job” to justify increased military actions against dissident groups, or as an expression of tensions between Vice-Sr Gen Maung Aye and “young guns” aligned with Sr Gen Than Shwe.

The reshuffle of half of the country’s regional commanders and the recall of many Burmese ambassadors, reported two weeks after the bombings, heighten speculation about the internal integrity of the regime post-Khin Nyunt ouster.