CNI News

27 Feb 2023

The Issuance of passports for Myanmar nationals in Malaysia will be resumed as of 1st March, according to a statement released by the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

The issuance of passports was temporarily suspended for the maintenance of machines and computers starting from 6th February.

Then, the embassy announced that issuance of passports will resume as of 1st March.

Statement about issuance of passports.

On 1st March, passports will be issued for applicants who have received appointment tokens since 6th February according to their token numbers.

Applicants have been urged to the Myanmar embassy together with required documents in person.

Passports for those who fail to come to the embassy on their appointed date and those whose passports expire in February and March will be issued in the afternoon depending on the number of passports the embassy can process each day, the statement said.

The Myanmar embassy in Malaysia.

Currently, the Malaysian government has allowed foreign workers to apply for Ricarli Brasi (RTK) work permits.

To apply for RTK permits, workers are required to submit their passports and recommendations from their employers. Therefore, Myanmar workers are applying for passports.

CNI News

27 Feb 2023

The calls for the resignation of the entire central executive committee of the Karen National Union are likely to be rejected by KNU because such calls sounded like an order, Chairman Mahn Aung Pyi Soe of the Karen National Democratic Party told the CNI.

Sixty-eight Karen civil society organizations have called for the resignation of the entire central executive committee to take accountability for failure to overcome the political leadership crisis.

He told the CNI, "It looked as if they were issuing orders. It is difficult for them to order an armed organization. Therefore, people from Duplaya and Kyarinseikkyi made a petition urging KNU leaders to hold negotiations instead of fighting each other. The civil society organization should have taken lessons from such an example. They need to think about whether an armed organization would accept what they said."

The civil society organization sent an open letter to the KNU, urging the entire central executive committee for failure to take action against an executive committee member who was involved in gambling projects in Karen State and to acknowledge the case to the public.

The open letter sent by 68 Karen CSOs.

On 17th January, 2023, Thai PBS reported that Phado Saw Roger Khin had approved the Hwamywa new city project near the Shwe Kokko new city project in Karen State. And KNU leaders failed to take action against the project.

Such issues should be resolved through negotiations between brigades or political organizations, Mahn Aung Pyi Soe said.

He told the CNI, "In my opinion, the best way to resolve such an issue is through negotiations. If the CSOs had met the KNU and discussed the issues, the result might have been different. At the same time, the KTLA faction led by Nerdah Mya is fighting against other KNU factions. I am too disappointed to talk about the issues."

The CNI contacted the KNU over the phone for comments about the open letter of the 68 CSOs but it has not answered the phone.

The KNU is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement but it has fought against the military in cooperation with the People's Defence Forces since the coup on 1st February, 2021.

CNI News

25 Feb 2023

Although border gates between Myanmar and Thailand have been reopened, Thai tourists are likely to visit Myanmar when stability has been restored in Myanmar, Chairman U Naung Naung Han of the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs told the CNI.

Although Thai-Myanmar border gates have been reopened, it is not possible for Thai tourists to visit Myanmar.

Before the outbreak of COVID-19 , there was a large number of tourists from Thailand but it is still difficult for them to visit Myanmar through the border.

Thai tourists in Tachilek

He said, "It is not possible for Thai tourists to cross the border easily because regional security is important. It is not easy for them mainly due to regional security and stability. It is difficult for them to visit Myanmar from the border in large numbers. However, trade has improved. When security has improved, they will come to Myanmar. Currently, they have to rely on airlines. Before the border gates were closed, they came to Myanmar by car and we went to them by car.

They crossed the border to Myawady and Hpa-an and Kyaiktiyo. Some of them came to the border and we went and fetch them to visit in the country."

Gates at Thailand and Myanmar were closed for almost three years due to COVID-19 and now major gates including Myawady-Mae Sot No (1) Friendship Bridge, Kawthaung-Ranong gate and Tachilek-Mae Sai No (1) Friendship bridge have been reopened.

Thai tourists at the Botahtaung Pagoda

Reopening of the gate and bridges is beneficial for border trade, according to businessmen and labour activists.

However, Thai tourists and Myanmar workers are not likely to cross the border in large numbers due to security reasons, Labour Activist Ko Thar Gyi told the CNI.

He said, "Karen State is a war zone and fighting has erupted in Karen State almost daily. Gunfire and explosions are heard every day. Both Thai citizens and Myanmar workers are required to take security into consideration when they go to the border. The Myanmar government has reopened the border gates for Thai tourists, Thai authorities are worried about the security situation in Myanmar. Thai merchants and tourists are worried about their security."

Thai tourists at the ShweDagon Pagoda

At present, small groups of Thai tourists comprising about 10 members visit Yangon and nearby destinations, according to the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association.

After international flights have resumed, Thai tourists make up the largest number of travellers to Myanmar and they mainly visit pagodas like the Shwe Dagon, Botahtaung and Kyaiktiyo.

CNI News

25 Feb 2023

SAC Chairman Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that the public has made three demands after the extension of the state of emergency.

The chairman made the comment at the SAC meeting 2/2023 on 23rd February.

The senior general said,"Studying the criticism, responses and wishes after the six-month extension of the state of emergency, it was found that the three major demands of the public are to hold elections, to restore stability and to decrease commodity prices."

Then, he added that martial law has been imposed in some townships to restore stability and the military is taking measures in accordance with the law based on past experience to restore stability and currently is exerting efforts to adopt and cement genuine democracy.

Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said, "It is a wrong method for so called democracy and human right defenders to choose violence means without settling voters' list disputes. It is necessary to take measures not to repeat such incidents. Elections reflect the image of the country and efforts are being made to hold respectable elections. It is important to take time to compile correct voters' lists."

He added that production are being boosted to increase the revenue of the country and only then, commodity prices will fall. The government is implementing measures to decrease commodity prices.

The military declared a state of emergency on 1st February, 2021 after accusing the NLD of forming a new government without settling election disputes.

Then, protests and armed conflicts have erupted to topple the military.

Under such circumstances, the political, economic, social, education, health, security situations have deteriorated and commodity prices have risen.

CNI News

25 Feb 2023

The Chinese special envoy has urged all stakeholders to exercise utmost constraints along the border, Spokesperson Col Naw Bu told the CNI.

The special envoy for Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry HE Mr. Deng Xijun made the comment during the meeting with EAOs.

Col Naw Bu told the CNI, "As far as I know, the special envoy told them to maintain stability at the border."

As China is worried about the stability of the border, it has been urging the EAOs and the military to exercise restraints, according to Chinese expert Dr Hla Kyaw Zaw.

Chinese special envoy and the NDAA representative.

He said, " Of course, he asked not only the KIA but also the Myanmar military not to spill fighting into their territory. They are also worried about refugees crossing the border. He told both sides."

It was reported that the Chinese special envoy met with the KIA, the UWSA and the NDAA.

The special envoy discussed the infection of COVID-19, the welfare of IDPs and so on, he said.

Chinese special envoy in Monglar.

He said,"As an acquaintance, he visited us. He discussed the outbreak of COVID-19, whether it is possible to close the border and stability. Then he sought information for healthcare for COVID victims, healthcare and wellbeing of IDPs near Laiza."

China and Myanmar border share 1,300 miles of border and the KIA, the UWSA, the NDAA, the RCSS/SSA, the SSPP/SSA, the MNDAA and the PSLF/TNLA are active at the border.

CNI News

24 Feb 2023

It is diffiuclt to export onions to the Philippines through the government-to-government system due to trade policies adopted by the country, according to the Myanmar Onion, Garlic and Vegetable Growers and Exporters Association.

At present, the Ministry of Commerce of the SAC and the government of the Philippines are holding negotiations to export onions from Myanmar to the country.
Although negotiations are being held to export onions to the Philippines through the emabassy, Myanmar has never had a chance to export onions to the country, Chairman U Khin Han of the MOGVGEA told the CNI.

He said, "The Philippines has permitted only four or five people to import onions and vegetables and they have to apply for import permits to buy onions from a Myanmar company again. They are also required to submit so many documents for species and pests. We have held negotiations with the embass but have never succeeded. I have already talked about this during a recent meeting. However, authorities think that it would be easier to export onions to the country through the G-to-G system."

 Onion farmers.

Although most of Myanmar export onions are consumed by Indonesia, the country has to illegally import onions from Myanmar through Malaysia due to its policies, according to its onion merchants.

Myanmar exports onions to Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand and Malaysia through border trade.

However, farmers will be able to enjoy benefits only when border trade thrive, Onion Merchant U Hla Thaung of Pakokku Township Merchant Association told the CNI.

He said, "In my opinion, China and Myawady (Thai) are the main importers. Exporters do not rely much on Bangladesh because the country imports onions from Myanmar when it faces severe shortages. Bangladesh imports onions from Myanmar only for its domestic consumption. China and Thialand reexport Myanmar onions to other countries. Border trade is the main export route for merchants in small towns. Farmers will be able to enjoy benefits only when border trade thrives."

Transport of onions.

Although Myanmar onions are high in quality, other countries import onions from India, which are twice as cheap as Myanmar counterparts.

As onion harvests in Myanmar exceed its consumption every year and farmers have to rely on export markets, it is necessary to promote the export market, an onion merchant from Myingyan Township told the CNI.

He told the CNI, "Onion yields in Myanmar exceed its consumption every year. So, farmers are relying on the export market. So, it is necessary for departments concerned, companies and merchants to facilitate exports of onions."

Onions are mainly grown in Mandalay, Magway and Sagaing regions in Myanmar and Myanmar exports 50,000 tons of onions to other countries.

CNI News

24 Feb 2023

Peace talks have lacked progress in the current political climate, Spokesperson Col Saw Kyaw Nyunt of the Peace Process Steering Team told the CNI.

He added that there were issues and challenges to create an environment conducive to inclusive dialogue.

He said, "We have been making efforts to create an environment conducive to inclusive dialogue of all stakeholders including federal forces and democratic forces that can represent the people to build a federal union based on democracy. However, no progressive has been achieved so far."

Members of the NSPNC and the PPST.

He continued to say that each EAO engaged in talks with the State Administration Council and efforts were being exerted to hold talks with all stakeholders simultaneously to end armed conflicts.

Since the military took over power on 1st February, 2021, protests and armed resistance have erupted and union-level peace talks have come to a halt.

The SAC has been holding separate peace talks with signatories to the NCA including the RCSS/SSA (Shan), the DKBA (Kayin), the KNU/KNLA-PC (Kayin), the PNLO (Pa-O), the ALP (Rakhine), the LDU (Lahu) and the NMSP (Mon) and non-signatories to the CNA including the UWSA (Wa), the NDAA (Mongla), the SSPP/SSA (Shan).

The NSPNC and leaders of the DKBA and the KNU/KNLA-PC.

Col Saw Kyaw Nyunt told the CNI, "Before the coup on 1st February, 2023, we held peace talks in accordance with the NCA and achieved success to a certain extent but since then, the political climate has changed and there are changes in the stakeholders. As a result, there are many more challenges in peace talks. This is the reality, as far as I know."

The PPST was formed with signatories to the NCA including the RCSS, the KNU, the PNLO, the DKBA, the KNU/KNLA-PC, the CNF, the ALP, the ABSDF, the NMSP and the LDU.

CNI News

24 Feb 2023

Thailand has denited entry to Myanmar nationals who hold vaccine certificates with QR codes at the Myawady-Mae Sot Friendship Bridge (1), an official from the General Administration Department in Myawady Township told the CNI.

The bridge was closed for almost three years from March, 2020 and reopened on 12th January, 2023.

The GAD official said, "Those who have vaccine certificates with QR codes can visit Thailand. Thai authorities will not permit such people to visit Thailand. They will have to come back. It doesn't matter whether they have received booster shots or not. QR codes matter. At first, Thai authorities permitted those who hold vaccine certificates without QR codes. Now, Thai authorities have denied entry to such people even if we permit our citizens to go to Thailand. Our health workers check their vaccine certificates and let them go to Thailand but Thai authorities will deny entry to them because they hold certificates without QR codes."

Myanmar nationals who cross the bridge to go to Thailand are required to submit their national registration cards, vaccine certificates with QR codes and temporary border passes that are valid for six-nights and seven-day and border passes that are valid for 13-night and 14-day.

When the bridge was reopened, those who have received two times of vaccination were allowed to visit Thailand but later they are required to have received the booster shots.

A Myanmar-Thailand border pass.

Those who have not received booster shots are given the shot at the entrance of the bridge and in ward administration offices.

Myanmar workers who returned home from Thailand also faced the problem, Labour Activist Ko Thar Gyi told the CNI.

He said, "When migrant workers return home, Mae Sot authorities check health insurance policies and vaccine certificates. If the returnees cannot submit the required documents, they are not allowed to go back and it is difficult for them to get vaccination there. Every Myanmar worker has already received two or three times of vaccination but they cannot show their vaccine certificates. They will force to incur more costs. The costs do not matter for those who are well-to-do people but it is a burden for those who have to go back for emergencies of family members cannot afford the costs."

Between 150 to 200 Myanmar nationals visit Thailand by crossing the bridge every day.

Similarly, about 100 Thai citizens also visit Myanmar by crossing the bridge every day, according to statistics from the immigration department.

The Tachilek-Mae Sai bridge which was closed due to COVID-19 was reopened on 20th February.

CNI News

23 Feb 2023

As lakes have run dry before the summer, some townships including Kyauktaw, Minbya, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun and Sittwe in Rakhine State have been hit by water shortages, according to local residents.

Lakes at IDP camps have dried up fast this year due to the scarce rains and residents have pumped river water into lakes but they will dry up within one or two months, an internally displaced person from Yahta Butar IDP camp in Kyauktaw Township told the CNI.

He said, "We have faced water shortages earlier this year than previous years. Water is scarce. Normally, lakes dry up in April. There was little rain during the monsoon. There are three or four lakes near the IDP camps. The lakes have dried up since December. We had to go to town to fetch water with carts. It was very difficult for us. We collected money from IDPs and pumped river water into the lake with the help of the CDN, an INGO. Now, difficulties have eased but the lakes will dry up again within one or two months."

Lakes have dried up earlier because some well-to-do people are pumping water from the lakes to their homes through pipes and they do not rely on water supply from development affairs committees, some residents said.

The entrance to Kyauktaw.

Residents of IDP camps have been hit harder by water shortages, Ma Oo Moe Nwe, a local resident said.

She told the CNI, "There is a water supply network in Kyauktaw but some people are pumping water from the network. As a result, water is not available in some areas of the town. So, people rely on water from dams and there are water shortages, which will be more severe than previous years. Some well-to-do people pump water from dams by using pipes. They do not use water from creeks. Residents of IDP camps are hit harder by water shortages."

As lakes have dried up in some villages, residents have to go and fetch water from distant places. Water shortages will be more severe in the summer, according to residents.

Although lakes have dried up in Sittwe, residents do not suffer difficulties as they have dug tube-wells. However, people in Kyauktaw, Pauktaw and Ponnagyun townships cannot rely on tube-wells, most of which produce salty water.