CNI News

2 January 2024

Not only political and regional stabilities are needed, administrative policies also need to be changed to recover the country's economy that has been adversely affected, said businessmen and economic analysts. 

Because of regional instabilities, trade and manufacturing cannot be performed. And then, the country's economy has been adversely affected.

In order to improve the country's economy, political stability should be done first by the State Administration Council and in doing so, the currently used administrative policies needed to be changed, U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing a greengrocer

" Only when there is political stability, can we improve the economy. Politics will be stable only when governance is stable. And then, the economy also will be stable. We cannot prioritize the economy alone. Manufacturing can only be done if the regions are stable. In the northern Shan State, both trade and production cannot be done. Because the SAC is performing in both military and governance, it's not very convenient. Frankly speaking,if it takes responsibility in the military, it doesn't have to take responsibility in governance. But regional governance and stability must be performed successfully. After forming a civilian government, assign it to improve the economy. In fact, formatting needs to be good to improve the economy. The current trend needs to be changed to really improve the economy." said U Thet Zaw.

The SAC would work to strengthen agro based SMEs more than the current situation, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in his New Year greeting speech.

As the prices of foreign currencies have become higher than before, the profit from the export of agricultural products is more than before. 

While seeing vegetables

So, the SAC should carry out to further improve agriculture, livestock and other manufacturing industries in the stable regions and states, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

" The government has to encourage productivity in the stable territories so that it will be convenient for businessmen and national income. The government also gets tax from exports. But there are still a lot of difficulties such as remittance problems, difficulty getting containers, no ships and difficulty getting license. And export licenses should be granted as many as possible so that products can be exported as much as possible. If so, it can make up for the income that was suspended because the border gates have been closed." he added.

Although profits for farmers and traders from exporting increased, it was necessary not to export excessively so that there would be food security within the country and excessive price increases would not occur, pointed out businessmen and economic commentators.

CNI News

2 January  2024

Even if the EAOs and their allies were able to capture the territories of ethnic people, would the Tatmadaw continue airstrike, using sophisticated weapons, which Lt-Gen Min Naing, secretary of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) of the State Administration Council said, according to Brig-Gen Ta Bon Kyaw, general secretary of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army.

" Attitude of the secretary of the NSPNC towards the country and ethnic people - 'even if you were able to capture the towns and villages of ethnic people, your regions would never be peaceful. We'll continue airstrikes, using sophisticated weapons that we have.” Brig-Gen Ta Bon Kyaw wrote on social network page on 1st January 2024.

The secretary of the NSPNC said at the meeting between the NSPNC led by Lt-Gen Min Naing and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA,TNLA and AA) that was held in Kumming, China on 23rd December 2023, Brig-Gen Ta Bon Kyaw wrote on his page.

While seeing the letter written by Brig-Gen Ta Bon Kyaw

Currently, the TNLA has already captured Namtu, Namkham, Nangsan and Mang Ton Towns and is waging an offensive in order that Kyaukme and Hsibaw Towns in northern Shan State can be captured. 

In the same way, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has already captured Mong Ko, Phaung Sai, Kon Kyan, Kyukote (Pangsai) and Chin Shwe Haw Townships and is waging an offensive to capture Laukkai.

Moreover, the Arakan Army (AA) is waging battles in Rakhine State to expand controlled territories.

The Operation-1027 led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance has been waging since 27th October 2023 and the Mandalay People's Defense Force (MDY-PDF), the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and PDFs led by Bo Nagar are participating in the operation. 

CNI News
January 1, 2024

The State Administration Council (SAC) would go on carrying out its political objectives and roadmap successfully, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC in his News Year greeting address to the nation.

 Quite a lot of property owned by the country and the people were damaged in 2023 because of various destructive activities, which brought a negative sign for the country, he said.

" The government and all ethnic people were able to overcome some of the difficulties and challenges that they encountered in 2023, hand in hand successfully. Those who do not want to make their country develop peacefully and democratically disturbed the people in various ways. Due to various subversive ‌activities, the state-owned and the people's properties were damaged and lost, which was a negative sign for the country. If there were no such damages and losses, our country would develop a lot. This is a lesson for us. We must overcome these difficulties with united strength and with love for the country. In 2024, our government will carry out with the people hand in hand in order that we can successfully implement the national objectives, political objectives and roadmap." he said.

However, he did not reveal how to approach in order that the national and political objectives may be successful. The SAC would encourage the improvement of economic and educational sectors, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Whie seeing the Five Point Roadmap of the SAC

Changes might appear at the end of January and on 1st February this year. So, The speech of the SAC chairman was not wrong, Col.Khun Okka, an EAO leader, told CNI News.

" He might have spoken like before because there have had no other changes during the New Year. But other changes might arise at the end of January and on 1st February or on 12th February. But what he have said so for the time being is not wrong, I think." said Col.Khun Okka.

The SAC has taken the power since the first of February 2021, declaring a state of emergency and its administration will be three years long on the first of February, 2024.

National census-taking would be conducted during this year so that a general election could be held and the SAC could hand over the State power to the winning party, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

CNI News

1 January , 2024

The Enaing Bridge was damaged by mines on the road between Mamtu and Lashio at around 3:00 a.m 1st January 2024.

It was damaged by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), said locals. 

The TNLA has stated that it captured the Tatmadaw camps in Namtu a few days ago and has already controlled the entire town.

After that, the TNLA and its allies would go on attacking Kyaukme and Hsibaw and were making preparations to cut out the paths going to Lashio, said military experts.

Because people cannot go to Lashio from Namtu by cars and motorcycles through that bridge, it will be difficult for locals to travel and the flow of goods will also be cut out. 

They might suffer from commodity shortages and high prices, said locals.

CNI News
30 December 2023

Myanmar embassy officials in Thailand should conduct reformations in helping Myanmar workers, Thai-based organizations helping migrant workers told CNI News.

So, committees should be formed to help and solve the affairs of Myanmar migrant workers in many parts of the Thai border area, Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organizations, told CNI News.

" The Embassy needs to form a committee. That committee should contain individuals from the places where most of Myanmar migrant workers are staying. Moreover, the government needs a fund when solving the problems of the migrant workers. The embassy is taking money from the workers in many ways such as renewals. A lot of money from them is not needed but to collect 10 percent out of their money is just needed to establish a fund that can help the workers. Now there are many Myanmar workers who want to go home because they are not healthy, but they don't have enough money to return. Some governments take responsibility for that sort of thing. The Myanmar Embassy isn't interested in that sort of thing. They always say that they don't have enough staff." he said.

Myanmar Embassy in Thailand tend to carry out the cases that make a good reputation, pointed out the organizations helping migrant workers.

In comparison with other foreign migrant workers, Myanmar migrant workers suffer more human rights violations because Myanmar embassy officials are weak in helping, they said.

Currently, Myanmar embassy officials have not been able to tackle the problems of Myanmar workers across Thailand, U Moe Kyaw, joint secretary of the Yaung Gyi Oo Workers Organization, told CNI News.

" There is an embassy. there are embassy officials. But it's not enough yet. There must be mechanisms that solve problems in each region. Myanmar workers are working in Mahachiang, Phukhet and in the border area, there are Maesot and Ranong. Only If we can carry out mechanisms in these places, can we help in the affairs of the workers. Regionally occurring labor issues are not solved on the ground by the embassy officials. But they might help in the places where they can reach." said U Moe Kyaw.

However, according to the current situation, it was not easy to form committees nationally to help solve the problems of Myanmar workers across the country, said the organizations helping Myanmar migrant workers.

If the committees like that were formed regionally, Myanmar migrant workers whose rights are violated probably will decrease, which the organizations are considering.

The problems Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand are mainly facing are being underpaid, rights violations at workplaces, and being fired for no reason reportedly from the organizations.

CNI News
30 December 2023

Six month period extended by the State Administration Council will expire on 31st January 2024. After that, the SAC should form a coalition government, which EAOs have advised, Sao Khun Seng a person who is participating in the peace process, told CNI News.

The emergency period was extended for another six months at the meeting of the National Defense and Security Council that was held on 31st July 2023 under the section. 425 of the constitution.

Although the SAC could extend the emergency period for another six months in accordance with the law, some EAOs advised the SAC to form a coalition government that would contain individuals whom EAOs and political parties have nominated, Sao Khun Seng told CNI News.

" There are two types for the time being. The first one is to extend the emergency period for another six months. Secondly, when the six month period that was extented for the second times expire in February 2024, after the National Defense and Security Council meeting is held, the State power will be handed over to the acting president again. And then, the acting president will form a new government. If possible, the SAC wants to hold a general election. If they can't hold the election, they have to find a way. We can't guess which way they will find. But some EAOs have advised that when the current six month period expires, form a coalition government which will contain individuals whom political parties and EAOs recommend or nominate. And then, the government will have to lay down the federal policies to rule the country. After laying down the federal policies, the government will have to amend or abolish the constitution. And then, if there is a constitution that is agreed by everyone, a general election can be held." said Sao Khun Seng.

Although some EAOs have suggested the chairman of the SAC to form a coalition government, how he would react to the suggestion has not been known yet, said Sao Khun Seng.

Although the SAC has taken the power for almost three years after announcing the state of emergency, it is still weak in making the country stable, said a politician.

Due to the current domestic armed conflicts, the people were facing crises and it was necessary to solve the political problems by political means, U Thar Tun Hla, chairman of the Arakan National Party, told CNI News.

" The SAC has taken the power for almost three years. But the people haven't been able to live peacefully. The SAC needs to understand the sufferings of the whole country. In fact, we are experiencing political problems. So, we need to solve the problems by political means." said U Thar Tun Hla.

The Tatmadaw toppled down the NLD government on 1st February 2021, saying that the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the ballot dispute that took place in the 2020 general election. And then, the Tatmadaw has taken the power after announcing the state of emergency.

And then, the SAC extended two times of six months after one year. Moreover, according to the section-425, it extended two times of six months and it will expire on 31st January 2024. It is not known yet what the SAC will do next.

CNI News

29 December 2023

Myanmar citizens who will go to Malaysia must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before getting to Malaysia starting from 1st January 2024, Myanmar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has stated. 

Malaysia probably has taken this action because of the increase in the number of foreigners including Myanmar who entered Malaysia. Moreover, it was also possible because there were fewer foreigners who left Malaysia after visiting the country, U Nyi Nyi Lwin, director general of the Center for Arakan Refugees, told CNI News.

" A foreigner who will go to Malaysia must fill in the MDAC. Malaysian Government has its website page where he must fill in after which he must have downloaded. And then, the government will have records relating those who will enter the country. Not only the immigration department but also the government can monitor when that person has left or hasn't left Malaysia. It is the Malaysian policy that will strictly take action against the foreigners who enter illegally or the foreigners who come in and don't leave when they must." he said.

While the immigration officers are checking at a Malaysian airport

Although all the foreigners including Myanmar who will come to Malaysia will compulsorily fill in the MDAC, those who have held diplomatic passport, special passport, permanent resident pass and long-term resident pass are exempt from filling in the country’s digital arrival card reportedly.

Those who did not fill in the MDAC - when they arrive in Malaysia, they might be asked to go home from the airport. However, after explaining very well to the officials why they did not fill in the MDAC, if they filled in at the airport, it might be convenient, said Myanmar people in Malaysia.

" I've found that the embassy has released a statement about the MDAC. When I asked those who understand it, they told me that Myanmar workers are not yet needed. We'll have to wait and see the consequence on 1st January. This country's economy has declined as well. Jobs are scarce. Myanmar citizens are finding it more difficult to stay in this country. More and more Malaysian citizens have complained regarding the increase of foreigners. We have been staying here in Malaysia for years. We have never heard that Malaysian citizens have been complaining like that. They have posted the photos of the places where Myanmar and other foreigners stay most, the shops and the celebrations. What are they? Why doesn't the immigration department arrest them? Are they allowed to stay here? Malaysian citizens have been complaining like that." said Ko Thet, chairman of the Lovely Hearts Philanthropic Youths Blood Donation Organization, to CNI News.

While the immigration officers are checking at a Malaysian airport

Moreover, illegal foreigners are being investigated and arrested through operations in Malaysia. Unlike the previous operations, many police vans and policemen are being used for the current operation reportedly.

When entering an area to inspect and arrest, all nearby roads are blocked after which searching and arresting are being conducted with a lot of forces. So, Myanmar citizens need to take care of themselves.

CNI News

29 December 2023

As most of the states and regions in the country are facing military crises, the economy of the country has been stagnant and its development could not be anticipated, businessmen and economic commentators told CNI News. 

The battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and some EAOs/PDF joint forces in northern Shan State, Rakhine, Chin, Kayin, Kachin, Kayah States, Sagaing and Tanintharyi Regions.

Due to the battles, border trades with China, Thailand, India and Bangladesh have almost suspended and the flow of goods among the states and regions has almost stopped. 

Because of the military crisis, delay in commodity shipment within the country and rising prices of commodities are arising. Moreover, the country's economy also has stopped, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar exports at the port

" Because of battles, the firstly affected thing is logistics supply chain. In other words, it's the transportation sector. All the border routes are blocked kind of. It's the first incident. Secondly, goods cannot be transported within the country. Besides, goods from abroad cannot be imported as well. And then, the people suffer from high prices. Another thing is fuel. Due to high price of dollar, a lot of fuel cannot be bought as well. It's not easy to re-operate the logistics because it's related to trade and transportation. If a border gate was closed, another gate would be used. But now, all the border gates are closed kind of. So, the economic development cannot be anticipated." he said.

With the country's economic decline, the livelihood of the people is also becoming difficult. 

Because the armed organizations are collecting money along the trade route, the prices are rising more. 

Due to high prices like that, the people could not fully enjoy their hard-earned income and the public economy was also declining, U Li Paw Reh, chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), told CNI News.

While the trade cars are stuck in a fight

" As soon as the State is economically in difficulty, we, the people also take no exception. We, the people, have to pay the tax the both sides. The people can't even  spend half their income because truck drivers have to pay both sides along the transportation route. In fact, these money had to be paid by the people only. The rich and truck drivers don't pay. Sellers will raise the prices any more. So, the people can't fully enjoy their income. The people are economically in a difficult situation." said U Li Paw Reh.

In addition to political instability, because the economic policies were often changed, it was difficult to make the economy stable, pointed out businessmen.

" If there is no regional stability, if the governance is politically weak, the economy will be affected. Economy and politics are related. Firstly, regional stability should be carried out. And then, I think the way the country is governed should be changed because it's going to be three years in this way. A government that can do more should be given the responsibility, I think. That's the only way the economy will be able to recover." said U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, to CNI News.

Because the Myanmar's current economic crisis arose due to military and political crises, political crisis should be solved firstly, pointed out in the report released by the World Bank.

CNI News

28 December, 2023

Commander in Chief of Defense Services and chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Director of Joint Operations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Lt-Gen Jakkapong Janpengpen discussed about ensuring Thai-Myanmar border trade routes secure and smooth on 27th December 2023. 

Moreover, they also discussed promoting cooperation between the two armed forces, making the border area stable and peaceful, ensuring rule of law, anti-narcotic drugs and eradicating online gambling and online scams.

Especially because it was investigated that online gambling and financial scams were being conducted near Myawady, a border town, they discussed about the conditions that the two countries must fight against and the situations to be cooperated by the two countries politically and in terms of security to ensure that border trade is secure and smooth ewportedly.

While seeing Director of Joint Operations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Lt-Gen Jakkapong Janpengpen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

The battles are often breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the KNU/PDF joint forces along the Maesot-Myawady-Kawkareik Asia Road. Because the KNU/PDF joint forces have controlled the Asia Road, the border trade between the two countries has almost stopped and millions of trading money is being lost.

Because the trade routes have suspended, the prices of basic foods and consumer goods are going up. In the same way, it is difficult to send Myanmar MoU workers to Thailand.