CNI News

 26 December , 2023

The people in Rakhine State were suffering from roadblocks and heavy weapons more than from the battles, U Thar Tun Hla, chairman of the Arakan National Party (ANP), told CNI News.

 After the battles between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army resumed on 13th November 2023, roads and waterways have been closed.

" Rather than the battles are breaking out, because the roads and waterways have been closed by the Tatmadaw, foodstuffs are sharply going up. So, the entire people in Rakhine State are suffering from a food crisis. As not only battle ground areas but also other townships have been closed, it's the problem that the entire people in the state are experiencing. Moreover, houses and shops were burned due to the explosion of shells fired by heavy weapons when there were not any battles. So, Rakhine people are also suffering from fire damage due to the explosion of shells fired by heavy weapons" said U Thar Tun Hla.

The Mrauk U Museum where has housed ancient heritage items was damaged due to the explosion of shells fired by heavy weapons on 25th December 2023 and cultural sites that are non-military targets should be avoided, he said. 

While seeing Rakhine locals

If the battles could not be stopped, it could be like a situation after the Second World War for the people. There could not be good results for the future, said a Sittwe resident.

" If the battles cannot be stopped, the people will suffer like a situation after the Second World War. If the battles are breaking out for long, the public will get into trouble more. If the battles take long, Rakhine people can be tamed by fighting and become people who are not afraid of war. Although there were no battles urban areas in the past, the people had to suffer the civil war for almost 70 years. In the same way, if the urban public got used to battles, there would be no good result for our future." he said to CNI News.

While seeing Rakhine locals

The battles resumed between the Tatmadaw and the AA starting from 13th November 2023 and the battles between the two sides are breaking out in Paletwa Township in Chin State as well.

The battles are currently breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Ranbye, Myaybon, Taung Goat, Thandwe, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk U and Ponnagyun Townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State.

CNI News
December 25 2023

 Over one million foreign tourists have entered Myanmar in 2023, U Aung Aye Han, deputy director general of the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism told CNI News.

Of more than 200,000 foreign tourists who entered Myanmar in 2022, over 100,000 only entered with Tourist Visa, according to tourism entrepreneurs.

" For the time being, over one million foreign tourists have already entered Myanmar. But in comparison with 2019, foreign tourist arrivals are much less because that year, 4.36 million foreign tourists entered Myanmar. Among the foreign tourists who came with tourist visas, Thai people are the most." said U Aung Aye Han.

Among those entering with Business Visa, Chinese tourists are the most, according to the ministry.

While seeing foreign tourists at the beach

Although the number of foreign tourists who entered this year obviously increased than last year, if the number of foreign tourists who entered with tourist visa was released, tourism industries would be able to calculate.

Because there are instabilities in Myanmar at present, most tourists from local and abroad probably will go to Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and beach areas, U Thet Lwin Toe, a tourism entrepreneur told CNI News.

Moreover, because fuel problems have arisen and more power outages have taken place this year, there have been more difficulties and obstacles for the tourism industry, he added.

" Local tourists were able to spend a lot of money in the domestic tours during the holidays in the previous years. But this year, fuel is more expensive and it's also difficult to buy it. Moreover, domestic tourists are also less able to spend as their economy declines. Tourism-based hotel and restaurant businesses are also affected. Especially, tour operators are affected more because the tourists who go with tour operators have decreased." said U Thet Lwin Toe.

However, there were about five million domestic tourists in 2029 and there are about eight million domestic tourists in 2023, according to the ministry.

Tour operators have expected better result in 2024 and it was only necessary to have political and territorial stabilities for the development of tourism industry, they pointed out.

CNI News
December 25 2023

Although the area that is controlled by the three northern organizations aka Three Brotherhood Alliance - the Arakan Army (AA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in northern Shan State, they still have had no clear governance, said political commentators.

The three northern EAOs have not been able to control Kyaukme, Lashio and Kutkai although they have already controlled 80 percent of northern Shan State, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" 80 percent of the northern Shan State is under the control of the three brotherhood alliance. Although there are military bases of the Tatmadaw in Kyaukme, Lashio and Kutkai, soldiers there just stay inside the compound of the bases. At the other places are troops of the Three Brotherhood Alliance. So, the matter relating to the governance hasn't reached a clear situation. But the region is under the control of the Three Brotherhood Alliance. Important places such as Kyaukme and Lashio probably will be captured gradually by the Three Brotherhood Alliance." said U Than Soe Naing.

After Operation-1027 was launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State on 27th October 2023, the battles broke out between the Tatmadaw and the joint forces of the Three Brotherhood Alliance.

While seeing the MNDAA force

Due to the battles, the China-Myanmar border trade has stopped and most locals have fled to safety.

The three northern groups announced that they had captured Namkham Town a few days ago and currently, they are attacking Laukkai and Mong Ton.

However, it was not right that northern Shan State has been controlled by the Three Brotherhood Alliance and the line of communication only was disconnected, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the MNDAA force

" For example, Mong Ton has not been captured. I heard that the Tatmadaw planted mines in time. So, they were unable to climb up. There are still a lot of militias and border guard forces in Laukkai. If the decisive battle was waged, the two sides would suffer. We can't say that the Three Brotherhood Alliance has already controlled the northern Shan State. The line of communication has been disconnected, kind of. We have to wait and see." said Dr.Aung Myo.

The Operation-1027 that was launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance is spreading to Kachin State, Sagaing and Mandalay Regions and the battles are taking place there.

Moreover, the battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Rakhine and Chin States.

CNI News
23 December 2023

The Ministry of Labor has suspended the proposal submitted by overseas employment agencies that will send MoU workers to Thailand through Myawady-Maesot route starting from 19th December, the agencies told CNI News.

Because there are not stabilities on the Yangon-Myawady-Maesot route and workers cannot be sent, presenting to send MoU workers through that route has been suspended and sending through Yangon-Kawthaung- Ranong route has been allowed as usual reportedly.

Yangon-Kawthaung-Ranong route has been just the one sending workers by flight since before and it would cost around for 500,000 kyats for a worker anymore, Daw Myat Hayman Lin, managing director of the Pwint Phu Aung Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News.

“MoU workers have to pay for the flight. Around 5 lakhs will cost a worker any more. As we have to re-arrange everything from beginning to end, it might be difficult to buy air tickets. Because there are not enough flights, we can't send a lot of workers at a time. We can send 70 workers at most a day." she said.

While seeing Myanmar MoU workers who will go to the Thai side from the Kawthaung-Ranong road

At present, because the New Asia Road cannot be used, Htoh Kaw Koe- Kyaw Khoh has been allowed to go one day up and one day down starting from 18th December. So, some agencies are sending their workers through that road reportedly.

However, large vehicles are not allowed to travel on that road. So, agencies are sending workers by using cars that can hold 15 workers each, according to the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation.

However, the period allowed to send workers through Myawady-Maesot route before the 19th December was until January, U Myat Thu, general secretary of the MOEAF, told CNI News.

" There are two batches to enter Thailand. First batch is to enter before the new year and the second, after the new year. More important, we need to send all the workers who have to enter before the new year by the end of this year. If we can't send the workers in time, the employers may substitute other workers. If so, we can get into trouble. We have to be careful." he said.

While seeing MoU Myanmar migrant workers

The battles have been taking place between the Tatmadaw and KNLA/PDF joint forces since 1st December 2023 on the Myawady-Kawkareik New Asia Road, the main channel for the flow of goods between Myanmar and Thailand.

The KNLA/PDF joint forces have controlled the road up to now.

Because the road has not been able to be used for two weeks, the flow of goods between the two countries has almost stopped reportedly.

CNI News
23 December 2023

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) provided bags of rice and vegetables to the IDPs who fled to Homalin Town in upper Sagaing Region.

Due to the offensive attacks of the KIA/PDF joint forces in Homalin and Phaungbyin Townships, over 1,600 local people fled to Homalin Town.

And then because the IDPs need food, the SNA donated 50 bags of rice and vegetables on 20th December 2023.

While the SNA was providing food to the IDPs in Homalin on 20th December 2023 (CJ)

Currently, the IDPs are taking refuge inside the compound of the Sudaung Pyae Pagoda in Homalin, at the Dhamma Aye Yeik Taw Ya Monastery and at the Myoma Monastery.

The SNA is an EAO that is trying to get Shanni State, gathering its territorials that are included in Sagaing Region and Kachin State. And it is trying to enable Shanni nationalities living in Shanni territorials to live peacefully.

CNI News
23 December 2023

The bridge over creek in Kaw Nweh Village on the Myawady-Kawkareik Asia Highway, the main trade channel between Myanmar and Thailand in Kayin State was broken and damaged because it was exploded on 16th December.

So, preparations are being made to use another road for trade.

Buses and family cars are going and coming on the Htoh Kaw Ko Road as an alternative. However, it is still not convenient for big trucks to go on that road reportedly.

The Asia Highway is not convenient for exporters to use, traders who export goods to Thailand have considered to choose the channels that save cost such as the route going from Kawkareik and the route going by sea, U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairman of the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association, told CNI News.

While the bridge over creek in Kaw Nweh Village is broken

" It's not been convenient anymore to trade through Myawady. When we think about other routes, a possibility is that we can go from Yangon through domestic coastline to Kawkareik from which to the border. But when we go by ship from the coastline, it can cost us a lot for the transport. So, should we we go by sea all the way? We'll have a think about it. if the transportation charges were too high, we couldn't pay a good price when we buy goods." he said.

Although corns produced in Shan State can be exported to Thailand through Maesai-Tachileik border trade, the road is so steep that big trucks with very powerful engines only can go. So, just a small amount of goods can be exported.

Currently, the battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the KNLA/PDF joint forces in Kawkareik and along the Asia Highway.

While seeing cars going on the Thai-Myanmar Trade Route

There are also traffic jams on the Nabu-Htoh Kaw Ko Road that is currently used and cars are going on the basis of one day up-one day down at present, a trader from Myawady told CNI News.

" The biggest kind of car that can go on that road is light truck. So, valuable goods like beauty products are transported. The road is narrow and it is and earth road as well." he said.

Myawady-Kawkareik Asia Road is the main road for Myanmar-Thailand border trade and it can save cost and time. But it cannot be used for some time.

So, when the goods are exported to Thailand or imported from Thailand, trading be sea can be the best, pointed out traders.

CNI News
23 December 2023

If there is no ability to maintain and protect the country in unity, the country may disintegrate into chaos and also face arbitrary shaping and control, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council.

He said the above at the opening ceremony of Youth and Literature Arts Festival to commemorate the 76th Independence Day.

Some powerful countries use their Myanmar national traitors who are influenced by them to instigate racial and religious conflicts in Myanmar and to make the country unstable. Moreover, they shape the words - human rights and democracy as they want and they pressurize ‌and they threaten. They are using various methods to keep the country under their influence, he said.

" In a situation like this, small countries like Myanmar need to maintain and defense in unity. Unless the country could be maintained and protected, it may fall apart chaotically. Moreover, the country may be influenced and controlled. Myanmar can become their subordinate country, which I want to warn." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While seeing the Union Boat

Everyone must be careful that the consequences of colonialists' divide and rule still remain among the nationalities of Myanmar. So, it was necessary for everyone to carry out so as not to disintegrate the country and to monitor ways of modern colonialism carefully, he said.

" Not only according to the current situation of the world but also according to the reality of our country, 'Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of national solidarity and Perpetuation of sovereignty' are the most necessary and appropriate national goals and responsibilities." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The National Unity Government (NUG)/the People's Defense Force (PDF) led by NLD MPs and some EAOs are carrying out armed attacks to overthrow the Tatmadaw and the SAC led by Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While seeing the TNLA forces after capturing Namkham Town (SPM News)

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA), the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), the Mandalay People's Defense Force (MDY-PDF) and the People's Defense Force led by Bo Nagar are waging battles to capture towns and cities, implementing the Operation-1027 in northern Shan State.

The Operation-1027 arose because China allowed or supported, said military and political analysts.

In the same way, the Karen National Union (KNU), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), the Chin National Front (CNF), the AAA, the PDFs under the NUG and the PDFs not under the NUG are waging battles to capture the Tatmadaw's military camps and towns in Rakhine, Karen, Kayah, Chin States, Sagaing and Magway Regions.

Behind the armed conflicts breaking out in these regions and states are US and western countries, said military and political analysts.

CNI News.

22 December 2023

Although about 900,000 Myanmar people in Thailand have registered in the name list, when they apply for CI (certificate of identity) books, because they have to pay the income tax for six months, some Myanmar migrant workers might decide to become illegal migrant workers, those who are helping in the affairs of the workers told CNI News.

Thai government allowed undocumented migrant workers to register in the name list and at that time, Myanmar migrant workers did not have to pay the income tax. So, many Myanmar migrant workers registered in the name list with their employees.

Myanmar Ministry of Labor has stated that it will issue CI books to about 900,000 Myanmar migrant workers and they must pay the income tax.

" Those who are registered in the name list - if they don't want to apply for CI, their legitimacies have been void. According to the law, a worker is allowed only if he has necessary evidence documents. On the other hand, the workers have to pay the tax. Some migrant workers might have decided to become illegal workers because it' s getting more difficult for them without having a mechanism that will resolve their difficulties. Collecting tax will be attached to passport renewal and visa issues." said U Moe Kyaw, associate general secretary from the Yaung Gyi Oo Workers Association, to CNI News.

However, because there are Myanmar migrant workers who want to legally work, they will pay the income tax after applying for evidence documents, said the people who are carrying out the affairs of workers.

Migrant workers who come and register in the name list

There were Myanmar migrant workers who decided to become illegal workers after 2021 when the political changes started because  it was difficult for them to apply for CI books and it cost them a lot of money.

Those who are carrying out the affairs of migrant workers pointed out that the process of applying for CI books which Myanmar and Thailand are collaboratively working should be abolished because it is not beneficial to the migrant workers.

" The process contains medical checks up, work permits and visa. But many workers don't participate in the process because they can't afford. Real cost for a CI book is just 300 bahts according to the law. Service charge is 10 bahts. But in practice, it can cost you around 10,000 bahts. To tell you frankly, we don't like CI. It will be more convenient if PJ (passport of job) or red passport is issued." said Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization.

The certificate showing that income tax has already been paid must be shown when a passport is renewed or applied, a CI book is applied or renewed, a power of attorney is applied, an Overseas Worker Identification Card (OWIC) is applied and a U-turn process is applied.

CNI News

22 December 2023

The war frame is getting wider due to the current domestic armed conflicts and at the same time, the political role is contrasting. So, some politicians are thinking about finding a solution to reduce the widening war frame. 

The stakeholders should find a solution by meeting and discussion, Naing Than Shwe from the Mon Unity Party (MUP), told CNI News.

" Currently, the war frame is getting wider almost everywhere. If we find a solution by meeting and discussion, political frame will be wider and war frame will be narrower. When the war frame is getting wider, politicians are worried about their security. And the people are getting into trouble more. So, if we can make the political frame expand, we'll be more convenient." he said.

Election commission and political party representatives

Due to political changes after 1st February 2021, domestic armed conflicts widely took place. It was important to have an elected government to ease military conflicts, U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

" It's necessary to have an elected government so as to make the political frame expand. If you discuss with the State Administration Council (SAC), because they are soldiers, they just go with the framework. If the discussion was not consistent with their framework, it is very difficult to discuss. So, if an elected civilian government came to power, it will be easier to discuss, I think. So, a general election should be held quickly. First, the election must be held in the stable regions. And then, after making peace in places that are not peaceful, the election must be expanded. We wish to do so." said U Thet Zaw.

Currently, the SAC has announced that revolutionary forces as terrorist organizations and vice versa. And the revolutionary forces have said they don't need to discuss about the blood debt. 

While seeing IDPs coming from Muse

So, it is difficult for the two sides to meet and negotiate to find a solution. An intermediary force that was trusted by all the organizations involved was needed to intervene, Mai Ohn Khaing, a Palaung politician, told CNI News.

" The two sides need to have a mind to negotiate and discuss. An intermediary force that is trusted by all the organizations is needed to intervene, I think." he said.

At present, battles are breaking out not only in border areas but also in the mainland where battles had not broken out. 

Although some EAOs, some domestic political parties, neighboring countries, ASEAN countries and international organizations are trying to solve the armed conflicts, it has not been resolved yet.