A former army captain has demanded freedom of speech and for generals to obey the government after being jailed in Yangon for speaking out.

Ko Aung Ko Htwe, who was jailed for describing life as a child soldier, says conflict motivated by self-interest, not political goals.

Total of 53 traffickers detained with 7 million yaba pills, weapons, after brief gunfight near Thai border in eastern Shan State, ethnic army says.