CNI News

1 Nov 2023

Although the number of overseas employment agencies has become more, calling jobs from other countries has become fewer, according to overseas employment agencies. 

Although there are currently nearly 500 agencies, calling jobs from other countries is unequally fewer, U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency told CNI News.

" Jobs have got scarce. Calling jobs from Malaysia is almost none and that from Thailand has reduced. So, although agencies have licenses, they are struggling to exist. Japan hasn't stop calling jobs and nor has Thailand. But they have reduced recruitment. There are still liars. Those who want to go abroad for work should directly contact licensed agencies." he said.

While seeing the office of the Ministry of Labor

There were 484 licensed overseas employment agencies in Myanmar as of last September and of them, 10 was suspended. So, 474 agencies are now operating, according to the Ministry of Labor. Although some people has paid service charges to agencies, they have not been able to go abroad. 

" Some employers from Thailand have broken the agreement. When the productions were reduced according to their business need, they could not employ any more of recruits. The agreements have been signed here in Myanmar. Work permits have been got as well. The problems arose when the workers were going abroad. There are very bad employers and agencies on the Thai side. We have blacklisted them. But the agencies here in Myanmar had to compensate a lot of money." said U Myat Thu, general secretart of the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation, to CNI News.

Many foreign countries faced with economic damages beyond the Covid-19 pandemic and they had to reduce recruitment. A lot of workers go to Malaysia in a form of free calling and they are working in their former jobs, according to agencies. However, calling jobs from South Korea is just normal, U Myat Thu told CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar workers who want to go abroad for work

" Demand and supply are not equal. Because there were delays here in Myanmar, a lot of young workers left for Thailand illegally. There are too many agencies. When job demands are scarce, service charges have become high. I'd like to tell the agencies to keep business ethnics." he said.

Moreover, the Ministry of Labor is planning to raise license insurance fee for agencies from 250 to 1,000 lakh kyats and for agencies sending workers to Thailand, from 50 to 100 lakh kyats.

CNI News

1 Nov 2023

Due to the battles between the Tatmadaw and Three Brotherhood Alliance taking place starting from 27th October, Myanmar-China border trade had stopped because the,, trading routes could not used, said traders. 

Muse 105 Mile trade camp, Chin Shwe Haw border trade camp and Kyin San Kyawt border trade camp had been suspended and some commodities were much more expensive than usual, Ko Thant Zin, a truck driver from Muse told CNI News.

" The trade has been closed. Because the trade routes have been closed, the people who live on trade are hurt. The trade is closed on the Myanmar side. The trade has been closed in Chin Shwe Haw and Laukkai. For the time being, commodity prices are going up. The price of an egg is 600 to 700 kyats. We can still buy a bag of rice. If this keeps up, we can't easily buy rice. Some shops sell and others don't." he said.

While the Kokang group was raising its flag after controlling Chin Shwe Haw

Due to the battles breaking out in northern Shan State, Muse-Mandalay Road that plays an important role has been closed. In the same way, Namtu Creek Bridge was mined and broken after which trucks could not pass, said locals. 

So, many trucks were stranded and some of them returned. At present, because trucks cannot go to Muse, exporting goods to China has suspended. Because the trade has stopped, although both countries are hurt, Myanmar is more hurt, Ko Thitsa, a watermelon exporter, told CNI News.

While seeing a truck in the China-Myanmar border trade area

" Since the battles started, we had stopped loading goods on the trucks. The road is not safe. The watermelon trucks had already arrived there and watermelons were sold  at a profitable price. Because the trade has stopped, both countries are hurt. But because China is richer than Myanmar, we are more hurt.

Consequences will gradually arise." he said.  

Although Myanmar does not export anything to China at present, China is exporting its goods through Thai border and Chinese goods are entering Myanmar by sea. 

Daily border trade value of China-Myanmar through Muse 105 Mile and Chin Shwe Haw trade camps was about three million US dollars.

CNI News

1 Nov 2023

There are reviews and opinions among political commentators whether the Operation-1027 conducted by the Three Brotherhood Alliance - the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army could reach until the central part of the country or not. 

The operation launched on 27th October 2023 attcked Lashio, Theinni, Mogok and Naungcho and the Bamar People's Liberation Army (BPLA) and Mandalay PDF took side with Three Brotherhood Alliance at the battles against the Tatmadaw.  

However, the operation could not reach until the central part of the country, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political and military commentator, told CNI News. 

" The operation can't reach until the central part. They are in a position to gather in one place and fight. In fact, the Tatmadaw was weak in some points while it was carrying out its tasks. But it was difficult for the Tatmadaw to control territories under the two democratic governments. It's because of weakness of the constitution. No one can see it except me. So, unexpectedly a guerilla civil war can spread. There were a lot of dark news about the Tatmadaw, which make people see the Tatmadaw as thugs. Althoughthere was no intention, there were some management mistakes of the Tatmadaw. After they were enlarged, the Tatmadaw has become a villain. Moreover, according to the 2008 constitution, the Tatmadaw had no rights to take responsibility for security. So, in the case that is happening now, as the Tatmadaw, there is a sense of having to work hard a little," he said.

While seeing comrades who are fighting for the Operation-1027 in northern Shan State

Their operation also was being implemented in Kachin State and Htigyaing Township, Sagaing Region and battles were taking place severely, Three Brotherhood Alliance stated. Whether the operation could reach until the main land or not depended on the military ambition of the Three brotherhood Alliance, U Khun Sai, one of the people who are getting involved in the peace process, told CNI News.

" As No-1, until which places has three brotherhood alliance intended to attack? If that goal is fulfilled, they might stop. Secondly, how will the Tatmadaw tackle it? If the Tatmadaw cleverly tackled it by military, political and diplomatic means, it can end quickly. Another thing is the attitudes of our neighboring countries. How do they see the battles near the border? If they see the battles should not break out and the problems should be solved peacefully, they will negotiate with the Tatmadaw and Three Brotherhood Alliance and then the battles can end quickly, I think." he said.

Due the Three Brotherhood Alliance's operation that was launched on 27th October 2023, battles were severely taking place and There are also heavy artillery fire and airstrikes. AA, TNLA and MNDAA, members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, are northern EAOs that are collaborating in military and politics.

CNI News

31 October, 2023

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) captured Gundauyang military camp of the Tatmadaw that is located on the Myitkyina-Bamaw Road at 6:00 a.m. on 31st October 2023, Dr.Tu Hkawng, a minister of the National Unity Government (NUG) wrote on his social network page.

Moreover, KIA's Battalion-8 under Brigade-4 in northern Shan State captured Light Infantry Battalion-324 of the Tatmadaw based on Namhai, he wrote. 

While seeing letters that Dr.Tu Hkawng, a minister of the NUG has written on social network

While those battles were taking place, the Tatmadaw's warplanes were flying over Laiza where the KIA's headquarters is located, said locals. KIA that is in military collaboration with the People's Defense Force (PDF) and the Arakan Army (AA) in Sagaing Region is at battles against the Tatmadaw.

CNI News
28 October 2023

The Autumn Festival will be held at the Ngapali Beach in Thandwe Township, Rakhine State for 10 days in coming November to attract more tourists from local and abroad, according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.
The Ngapali Autumn Festival was held for the first time on October 20, 2019 and starting from 2021, it was held every year in November. However, there was no celebration for 10 days like this year.

The festival has been planned to be held for 10 ndays, U Tin Tun Aung, director of Rakhine State Ministry of Hotel and Tourism, told CNI News.

" We haven't set a starting date. May be it will be held in third or fourth week of November. We have planned to hold the festival for 10 days for the time being because we want the festival to be crowded. The longer the festival is held, the more people enjoy it and the more people come." he said.

Many tourists have been coming to the Ngapali Beach starting from October until Myanmar new year holiday and as the festival is held when there is no rain or strong wind, more tourists can come there reportedly. Now is the time when tourist arrivals are high, a hotel manager from Ngapali beach area told CNI News.

" The Autumn Festival has been held every year for four times or so. Many tourists start coming in October. Between October and May - That's when the most visitors come. In Thadaingyut, hotel rooms here are almost full with guests." he said.

In the Ngapali Autumn Festival, opening ceremony is held in the morning. In the afternoon, beach sport competitions, races, football matches, greased pole climbing competitions, high jump competitions and so on are held. At night, night market festival, small and medium-sized exhibitions will be held.

There are 65 hotels and guesthouses at the Ngapali Beach area and as some of them are undergoing renovations, they cannot be opened. At present, 51 hotels and guesthouses have been opened. 

All the hotel rooms have been almost full with guests reportedly.

CNI News
October 27, 2023

Three Brotherhood Alliance has waged Operation 1027 to prevent from air strikes and heavy weapon attacks, the alliance stated on 27 October 2023. 
The operation also contains dying out online scams and putting down online game companies, said in the statement.

" The operation of the three brotherhood intends to protect the lives and properties of the people, to defense ourselves, to control our region more than now, to prevent from attacks by air strikes and heavy weapons at any time day and night and to eradicate the military dictatorship that the entire people have wanted." said Three Brotherhood Alliance. 
Three Brotherhood contains the Arakan Army (AA), the Ta,ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
The battles severely broke out along the Pyidaungsu Road and firing sounds of heavy weapons were also being heard, a Lashio resident told CNI News.

" I don't know about it thoroughly as much as my brother. I had to know a toll gate on the other side had been damaged. Photos have been uploaded online. I don't hear firing sounds any more. I heard them not long ago. The road which goes to Muse and the road going to Chin Shwe Haw have been closed." she said.

As parts of Pyidaungsu Road, the road between Lashio and Chin Shwe Haw and the road between Lashio and Muse have been closed in an emergency starting from 6:00 a.m. 27th October 2023. 
Battles were breaking out along the Pyidaungsu Road and trucks have been stopped, a Muse truck driver told CNI News.

" We haven't gone because the road is not in a good situation. We have to save our skin. I heard battles are breaking out in Muse. Because we are at 5 Mile for the time being, we are here stable. Battles took place in Lashio this morning. I'm not sure whether battles are taking place just now." he said.

AA, TNLA and MNDAA are northern EAOs that are collaborating in military and politics.

CNI News

October 26, 2023

Import permit of fuel-powered vehicles that has been banned due to the need of foreign currency has not been possible to be re-permitted at present, said car importers and car policy analysts. Old cars that have been 20 years old and above can be used safely and due to the need of foreign currency, it has not been possible to to re-permitted, said car policy experts. However, preparations are being made to allow to produce cars with a SKD (Semi Knocked Down) system, U Aung Pyae Sone, a car policy expert told CNI News.

" The cars such as Mark II manufactured around 2000 by Toyota are being still used. When these cars cannot be used, a policy to import cars may be come out. But for the time being, the permission to import fuel-powered cars has not come out because there isn't enough foreign currency in the country. But preparations are underway to produce cars in the country with a SKD system, internal production of cars may be allowed in the near future." he said.

While seeing EV cars in Naypyidaw

There are over 1,000,000 fuel-powered cars all over the country and over 50 percent of using hem are registered in Yangon Region, according to the records of the Directorate of Road Transport. Currently, commercial vehicles and EVs import permit has been allowed. According the current car policy of the government, using fuel-powered vehicles has been reduced and EVs are being mainly imported, U Min Min Maung, chairman of Yangon Region Automobile Manufacturer and Distributor Association (YRAMDA), told CNI News.

" The government has told that it will allow EVs only to be imported. Fuel-powered cars will be banned later at all. For the time being, SKD cars have been allowed. But after SKD cars are reduced gradually, EVs only will be imported." he said. The government should allow production of fuel-powered cars with SKD system although fuel-powered cars were not permitted to be imported due to the need of foreign currency, U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst, told CNI News.

While seeing an electric car charging station

" According to the current trading activities of the country, essential things should be imported. Non-essential things are luxurious goods. But non-essential things should be allowed to an certain extent. Rather than banning at all, a certain percent should be allowed. For example, SKD cars are re-allowed. If fuel-powered cars are allowed to be imported, an organization that will take advantage of permission will arise such as importing EVs. If anyone can import, it won't be convenient. I want to suggest that SKD cars should be re-allowed." he said.

Although Myanmar's neighboring countries and other countries are widely using EVs instead of fuel-powered cars, Myanmar is falling behind, some people pointed out. The current value of an EV car in Myanmar is not within the reach of ordinary people.

CNI News

October 27, 2023

The United States of America is continuously trying to enable the group it wants to gain power in Myanmar in order to control China, a neighboring country of Myanmar, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council. He said the above at the meeting (5/2023) of the SAC held on 26th October 2023.

The Western group led by the United States has continuously intervened in the affairs of Myanmar. Myanmar and the United States are not enemy countries; There has never been a war between the two countries; Myanmar was not involved in the Vietnam War due to US invasion in the southeast Asia. 
However, the reason why the US is treating Myanmar like an enemy is because of a great background, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese special diplomat Deng Xijun

The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) led by the US was formed in 1954 to prevent communism from gaining ground in the region. However, SEATO was dissolved on 30 June 1977. 1947 Constitution of Myanmar contained the rights of states to secede and based on these rights, states demanded to secede in 1961-1962. If compared the demands of the states with the SEATO process, Myanmar political complexity could be understood, he said.

" In the political affairs of Myanmar, when things they want don't become to be, US is obviously fighting against the elements that can protect not to become what it wants. The current policy of the western group led by US is the China containment. So, the US is continuously carrying out to enable the government or the group to gain power. As long as the group doesn't gain power, the US is working to bring chaos to all sectors in Myanmar.” he said.

While seeing  a diplomat from US Department of State and NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung

Moreover, the US is helping terrorist groups on various topics and reasons. India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have been friendly countries for ages according to historical tradition. However, the countries that cannot overcome the influence of the United States have imposed trade and financial sanctions on Myanmar. Myanmar is not a country that survives and trades on the only one financial system. Myanmar had to collaborate with its neighboring friend countries and other friend countries, he added. At present the US and Singapore have imposed sanctions on Myanmar government-owned banks including the members of the SAC.

The US government is supporting finance and technologies to the National Unity Government (NUG), the People's Defense Force (PDF) and political activists. Moreover, 

The US has also reduced diplomatic ranks at the US embassy in Myanmar

CNI News

October 27, 2023

Although about one million Russian tourists entered Thailand from January 2023 to September 2023, nearly 2,000 Russian tourists arrived in Myanmar during the same period. According to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism, 1,896 Russian tourists only entered Myanmar from January to September this year.

Myanmar-Russia tourism sector has been continuously promoted since 2022 and direct flight between the two country has started. So, it was necessary to know why the number of Russian tourists who come to Myanmar was few, U Zaw Zaw, chairman of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, northern Shan State, told CNI News.

" Thailand has relaxed a lot of restrictions on tourists. And Thai visa has allowed tourists to stay for 30 days. Thai officials know to target which tourists and that they want the market of which tourists and what the market is demanding. So, they make the necessary relaxations. Thai government also gives full powers to tourism officials. They cooperate very hard. So, They are better than us, I think. The reason why a lot of Russians come to Thailand is related to their travel arrangements,their facilities, price differences and Russia's interests. We need to change our policy. What should be relaxed must be relaxed. We have to do a lot to make tourists safe. We need to know what they want and what are things they are interested in, I think." he said.

Only Russian tourists entered Myanmar between January and September in 2022. But during the same period in 2023, the number of tourists has more than doubled compared to last year. However, the growth rate is still low, hotel and tourism entrepreneurs pointed out. For the influx of tourists from war-torn Russia, the strategies used by Thailand should be studied, U Thet Lwin Toe, a tourism entrepreneur, told CNI News.

While seeing Russian tourists at the Phuket Beach in Thailand

" Thailand gives return visas to Russians free of charge. And they are allowed to stay in Thailand for three months or one year. Moreover, they are allowed to stay in long stay apartments at the beaches, which is kind of similar to home stay. Hotels are, as you know, very expensive and suitable to stay for a few days. Besides, Thai authorities have created nightlife and entertainments to make tourists happy. Russians spend a lot on shopping and drinking. But Myanmar has not created nightlife to attract tourists. Although hotels here in Myanmar are not too expensive, security is important to tourists. Whatever tourists do in Thailand, they are safe. Tourist policemen are protecting them. But safety cannot be guaranteed here." he said.

Russian tourists came to Myanmar for their interest only rather that for spending their leisure. So, the tourists like that would not be welcome, some hotel and tourism entrepreneurs pointed out. At present, 80,221 Chinese tourists entered Myanmar between January and September 2023 and over 70,000 increased compared to same period last year, according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.

Moreover, the number of Indian tourists like Russian, Chinese and Thai tourists will probably increase, hotel and tourism entrepreneurs have expected.