CNI News

20 October 2023

The suspension of party registration caused distrust in politics, U Ko Ko Gyi, chairman of the People's Party (PP) told CNI News. 

The Union Election Commission should reply the parties that have not got party registration sheets why the commission has not issued the registration, he said.

" The  Union Election Commission has registered some parties and others have not been registered, and we are not informed why. To tell you the truth, UEC plays an important role to make the public believe the State Administration Council (SAC)'s political road map. So, among our political circles, UEC has become quite critical. Especially, when well-known parties such as NLD and SNLD have not been able to register in the UEC, UEC has suspended rights to registration of the parties carrying out for democracy and federalism. It causes distrust in politics, I think." he said to CNI News.  

While seeing U Thein Soe, chairman of the Union Election Commission

Although the PP has applied to be registered as a political party for nearly seven months, the party has not been registered as yet. When the public belief in political means has decreased, the actions of the UEC kind of are making the public not to believe in politics, he said

Laws and by-laws relating to re-registration of political parties were issued on 31st January 2023 and political parties were asked to re-register within 60 days.

It was difficult to understand why their Mon Unity Party had not been registered, Naing Than Swe, spokesperson of the MUP, told CNI News. " It's hard to say how I understand. Some parties have not been registered like us. In September, our members of the Central Executive Committee were re-checked and asked. I don't know whether other parties were re-checked or not." said Naing Than Shwe.

Although the PP has registered as a party that will organize all over the country, it has not been registered as yet reportedly. 

In the same way, the Arakan National Party (ANP) and the Mon Unity Party (MUP) have registered as state-level parties. However, the two parties have not been registered up to now reportedly.

CNI News

20 October 2023

It was not effective to issue import EV permit to salary remitters depending on the amount of salary remitted, said businessmen and economic analysts.

There are a very few Myanmar citizens who can transfer 200,000 US dollars after one year of working abroad. 

So, Myanmar migrant workers would not be able transfer 50,000 US dollar within one year, said businessmen. When EV cars are imported, one car at a time cannot be easily imported.

 So, even though an EV import permit was got, it was not easy to import EV cars. If overseas workers were persuaded by way of tax relief, they could transfer their salaries to Myanmar, U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst, told CNI News.

US dollar

" The government has started their step to stop illegal remittance, I think. Those who are getting very outstanding salaries can transfer US$ 200,000 within one year. I don't think Myanmar workers in Thailand can transfer that much. They might not transfer even US$ 50,000 because a Myanmar worker in Thailand tries to get at least 400,00.0 to 500,000 kyats for his living cost a month. Better workers can get about 700,000 kyats a month. They can get 8,400,000 kyats a year. But US$ 50,000 is equal to 15,000,000 kyats. So, how can they transfer 15,000,000 kyats? But according to the statement, EV import permits depend on the amount of money transferred. If you transfer a large amount of money, you may get EV car import permit and if you transfer a small amount of money, you may get EV motorcycle import permit. There is a bit to think about how to import it. If you import EV through agent, you'll have pay for the agent. But the government can persuade overseas workers by way of tax relief." said U Thet Zaw.

An EV car charging station found in Yangon

If Myanmar citizens who are working abroad transfer US$ 200,000 or 50,000 and above to Myanmar through an official bank channel, they will be allowed to import an EV car or an EV motorcycle per year with the money that is equal to 5 percent of the money transferred, which the Ministry of Commerce has stated.

However, as there were a very few Myanmar citizens who could transfer the amount of money designated, it would not impact on the local car market, U Aung Pyae Sone, a car policy expert, told CNI News.

" It won't impact the local car market a lot. If a Myanmar citizen who is working abroad transfer US$ 200,000 to Myanmar, his salary must be 18,000 US dollars. There are many people whose salaries are 16,000 to 17,000 US dollars in many foreign countries. But among Myanmar citizens, those who get that amount are very rare. The people whose income is above 200,000 US dollars might not buy an EV car. The incentive that will allow to import an EV will not be effective, I think." said U Aung Pyae Sone.

In permitting the importation of electric motorcycles, if one cannot import an EV motorcycle because he cannot afford the value of vehicle, joint import with others will be allowed reportedly.

CNI News

19 October 2023

Some Myanmar people are in trouble in Thailand after they were cheated by brokers who took them to Thailand. 

Most of those who were cheated are from Bago Region and the brokers told them to make them get evidence documents, one of the victims of fraud told CNI News. 

Because Thai and Myanmar brokers guaranteed that they would provide service for victims to be included in the name list, to get passports and to find jobs, the victims had to pay the brokers 1,300,000 to 1,700,000 kyats each and the victims have been there in Thailand for several months reportedly.

The victims of fraudsters have been in trouble because they haven't got documents and jobs at present, Ko Wai Lin Aung, a victim of fraud, told CNI News.

" I have paid 1,700,000 kyats. I was told I'll have to pay 3,200,000 kyats. I was told they would send me to Bangkok at the end of July. They asked me to come to Thailand after borrowing money with interest if I didn't have enough money. So, I came to Thailand after borrowing money with interest. Although they said I can get a job at the end of July, now it's October. When I ask them how they would do for the documents, they replied that I'm included in the name list. Now we can't eat enough fish paste. And electricity is not available for us as well. When I tried to charge my phone at the house of agency, I was expelled."he said.

While seeing Ko Naing Min Htet who has been cheated with a card issued by brokers

Moreover, they were divided into groups and sent to Bangkok, Maha Chai and so on through illegal routes and they have been given a piece of paper with name list reportedly. Migrant workers are not allowed to travel beyond the area allowed by the paper, which they knew recently, Ko Naing Min Htet, a victim, told CNI News.

" We didn't know this at first.  But I contacted my friends and asked them if the work was okay. They replied it was not okay. Some of my friends are finding it difficult to travel because they don't have documents. When my friends asked the brokers about documents, the brokers don't care. When my friends phoned them, they didn't answer the phone or they didn't listen." he said.

Although Thai brokers have really submitted the workers in the name list, because the work permit fee has not been paid, they have not been allowed to stay and work legally, Ko Thar Gyi, who is helping Myanmar workers, told CNI News.

Name list paper issued by brokers

" Mainly, they want to get their money back. We are not sure whether the Thai broker will return the money or not. According to the existing law, the workers don't have to spend the money for the name list. I don't know why the broker hasn't returned the money. Thai woman broker hasn't paid the work permit fee. So, the receipt slip has not yet come out. A work permit cannot be made by a broker but by the government." he said.

The period of asking foreign migrant workers to submit in the name list has ended and those who have registered in the name list have been allowed to stay and work in Thailand until 13th February, 2025.

CNI News

19 October 2023

After the 8th Anniversary Celebration of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) was held, the four-group workshop which contains the Tatmadaw, EAOs, political parties and civil societies could strengthen, which some people have commented. 

The workshop on the NCA that was held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 15th October 2023 was attended by the Tatmadaw, EAOs, political parties, civil societies and discussion was conducted reportedly.

The Tatmadaw, EAOs and organizations all needed to discuss in order to strengthen NCA implementation, Sai Ai Pao, chairman of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party, told CNI News. 

" We all have to consult. The Tatmadaw, the government, EAOs all have to consult and those who work from the side must encourage. The main is constitution. We have laid down the policy that will go to a federal democratic union. As there are many different kinds of federalism in the world, we need to choose the most suitable federalism that EAOs, the Tatmadaw and political parties can agree." he said.

The 8th Anniversary Celebration of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement

While there were disputes that the NCA had been void, the 8th Anniversary Celebration of the NCA was held in Naypyidaw on 15th October 2023. After that, a four-party workshop on the NCA was held for implementation of the NCA. 

No matter how much agreements and contracts were good, if man didn't carry out, they wouldn't impact, Sai Htay Aung, chairman of the Tailai (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) told CNI News.  

" No matter how good agreements are, if man fails to carry out, they don't work. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and U Aung Min consulted to create the NCA in Laiza. KIA participated when the NCA was drawing near to finish. But KIA didn't participate at the time when the NCA was to be signed. The reason why KIA didn't go on participating in the NCA should be found out. We need to negotiated and discuss if someone deviates. Otherwise, it doesn't work." said Sai Htay Aung.

While seeing the delegates of political parties and EAOs at the 8th anniversary celebration of the NCA

Having said that the NLD government was trying to form a government without solving the ballot dispute in the 2020 general election, the Tatmadaw toppled down the government and took power.

 And then, saying that the NCA has been void, the Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) are fighting against the Tatmadaw.

In the same way, it is said that only humanitarian aids can be provided without ability to implement the NCA. However, because the NCA was approved by the Hluttaw and also signed by witnesses local and abroad, it would never be void, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council. 

Moreover, among the EAOs that signed the NCA, seven NCA signatories said that the NCA hasn't been void.

CNI News

19 October 2023

Although the price of watermelon being exported to China from Myanmar is currently high to an extent at present, due to truck fare, parking fee and high tax, watermelon growers and traders are making a loss, said watermelon traders. 

The cost of 16 tons of watermelons and truck fare is about 9,000,000 and the sales revenue is only about 8,000,000, Ko Thitsar, a watermelon grower from Sagaing Region, told CNI News.

" When we started exporting watermelon to China, the price was 1,500 yuan per ton. The price was not so bad. But due to the high cost and tax, traders make a loss. Suppose that out of 16 tons of watermelons loaded on a truck, 3 tons cannot be sold, you get 19,500 yuan for 13 tons of watermelon. In other words, you get 8,677,500 kyats. But you have to pay the tax and parking fees in both countries. The cost is 9,000,000 kyats altogether. So, you make a loss about 1,000,000 kyats." he said. 

They So, some traders have suspended exporting watermelon to China and they are exporting to Yangon market. The entry of watermelons into the Yangon market reached a record high.

Trucks of watermelon that will be exported to China 

At present, watermelon purchases from China are still low. If watermelon traders from many parts of China came and bought, the price of watermelon would be higher, a watermelon trader from Yangon told CNI News.

"I have never seen such a large number of watermelon trucks enter Yangon before. Their entry reached a record high. Because demand and supply are not equal in Yangon, sellers are finding it difficult. Mainly, distant Chinese buyers haven't come to buy as yet. If they come, the market will be bigger. Later, as the qualities of watermelon and cucumber has been good, there is a possibility that the prices will rise." he said.

If watermelons can be exported to China under a bilateral agreement, it will be more convenient for farmers reportedly. Moreover, if Chinese traders come to 105th-mile Muse trade zone and buy watermelons, costs will be reduced for Myanmar traders and farmers, pointed out watermelon traders.

CNI News

18 October 2023

Booking hotel rooms for Thadingyut holiday in Shan State is fewer in comparison with 2022 Thadingyut holiday, the Directorate of the Shan State Hotel and Tourism told CNI News. 

Booking hotel rooms for the Thadingyut holiday was full in 2022. However, there are many hotel rooms left this year, U Sithu Kyaw, deputy director of the directorate of Shan State Hotel and Tourism told CNI News.

" Booking hotel rooms is not many. There are few people who book rooms from small hotels except for big hotels. Last year Thadingyut holiday was in good condition. All0 the hotels in Taunggyi were full with guests. Many guests entered Nyaung Shwe. All the rooms were full with guests. But Is it because it hasn't stopped raining this year? Why is booking hotel rooms few? We are watching whether because of rain or not. Phaung Daw Oo pagoda festival is to be held in Thadingyut this year. And then, Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Festival will come. And then, Meeshawdaing festival will come. And then December will reach. In earle January, Cherry Flower Festival and Ethnic Food Festival will be held in Kengtung. Guests are coming, but unlike in the past, booking is not full." said U Sithu Kyaw.

There had been a lot of booking hotel rooms for Tazaungdaing holiday since October in 2022. However, booking hotel rooms is few for Thadingyut this year. Moreover, there has been booking for Tazaungdaing. 

While foreigners were visiting ancient pagodas in Inle region

In northern Shan State, in comparison with last year, tourist arrivals have decreased by about 20 percent, U Zaw Zaw, chairman of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association (Northern Shan State) told CNI News.

" In comparison with last year, tourist arrivals have decreased a lot this year. We didn't have enough rooms for guests last year. There are many vacant rooms in almost every hotel. 20 percent of tourists arrival have decreased in average. For the time being, foreigners are not allowed to come here in northern Shan State. Just one or two people from INGO come. Last year, 10 percent of tourist arrival were foreigners. But this year, foreigner arrival is zero." said U Zaw Zaw.

Not only the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism but also travel operators estimated that tourist arrivals will increase in the open season of this year. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, so many people went to Taunggyi, Pyin Oo Lwin and Kalaw where festivals were held in Thadingyut and Tazaungdaing holidays.

The reason why the booking hotel rooms has decreased this year may be due to security concerns and high hotel room rental fees. Moreover, the rain is not over yet, people are worried about safety on the road, hoteliers reviewed.

CNI News

18 October 2023

Although its three forces have been suspended from their duties, they were not dismissed, Yebaw Sonny, general secretary of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) told CNI News.

The ABSDF made the decision after considering all aspects and although they were suspended from their duties, they would be remain as forces, said Yebaw Sonny. 

" We have suspended them from their political and military duties, but they will remain as our forces. We considered all aspects to make a decision like that. We received the invitation from the military council. We had to do it in accordance with the procedure of the organization. Is it like pushing them to the military council side? We don't think so." he told CNI News.

ABSDF Organization

Yebaw Myo Win, vice chairman of the ABSDF and two members of the Central Leading Committee - Yebaw Saw Maung Oo and Yebaw Min Zaw were suspended from their duties, the ABSDF stated on 16th October 2023. 
They attended the 8th anniversary celebration of the NCA against the policy, attitude and position laid down by the ABSDF and they would not be allowed to do so again, said in the statement.

Although CNI News tried to contact Yebaw Min Zaw by phone to know more about the attitude of the ABSDF regarding the suspension of the forces from their duties, it has not been able to contact him. 

While seeing the attendees of the NCA 8th anniversary celebration

The decision to suspend the three forces from their duties  was the approval of the ABSDF Central Committee meeting that was over 70 percent of attendance and the three forces who attended the 8th anniversary celebration didn't attend on behalf of the ABSDF, said Yebaw Sonny.

" We don't know why they attended the event, but we are sure that they didn't attend the event on behalf of our organization. Although they went according to their individual wishes, We don't know exactly how they went." he said. 

The ABSDF signed the NCA on 15th October 2015. However, having said that the NCA has been void after the Tatmadaw took power, the ABSDF has been fighting against the Tatmadaw.

CNI News

18 October 2023

The two young leaders of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), who have been issued arrest warrants by the Chinese government have been sacked, the UWSA has stated. 
The two leaders who were fired were Pao Ai Pang, head of the construction department and Ai Haw, head of Mylin District. 

Their actions greatly affected the UWSA's relation with both neighboring countries and international. 

While seeing the statement released by the UWSA

Moreover, both of them affected mutual respect and partner relationship between the UWSA and neighboring countries, the UWSA stated.

Pao Ai Pang and Ai Haw have been dismissed to maintain the UWSA's dignity and friendly relations with neighboring countries, the UWSA stated. Because they two were involved in online scams, Chinese government has issued arrest warrants for them.

The UWSA arrested over 1,000 Chinese online fraudsters in its territory and handed over to Chinese government recently fraudster. Moreover, militias arrested over 300 Chinese online fraudsters in Kokang region and handed over to Chinese government.

CNI News

17 October 2023 

As many factories and workshops in Thailand could not pay overtime, Myanmar migrant workers' income has decreased, those who are helping migrant workers told CNI News. 

Due to the impact of the wars breaking out in some foreign countries, Thai economy is also affected. Some factories don't receive sufficient orders or any order, they said. 

So, Myanmar migrant workers should not change workplace at present, U Aung Kyaw, an official of the Labor Rights Foundation, told CNI News.

" In the past in the factories the workers get overtime pay as well, so they were convenient but currently some factories don't receive enough orders, so the workers don't have overtime. They work only three days a week in stead of working six days a week. Some workers suddenly quit jobs and went to another factory. But that factory didn't accept because it was waiting for orders and then they had gone jobless." he said.

Those working in the water industry

If the workers would change workplace, they would have to decide only after studying the current political and economic situations abroad and domestically suggested the people helping migrant workers. Moreover, in relation to registration in the name list until the end of July, some Myanmar citizens were cheated up to 30 lakh kyats reportedly.

" There are offices opened by Thai citizens near the No.1 Friendship Bridge. They say that they would be able to send workers to factories after connecting with Myanmar brokers, taking 20 lakh to 32 lakh kyats. It tends to take three to six months to be a MoU worker. Some workers come to these offices to make labor cards through brokers. They come here with bridge passes. About four groups came and complained to our organization. About 200 people came and complained. Over 300 people have assigned work to get certificates in an office alone, they told us." said Ko Thar Gyi who is helping migrant workers.

The period of asking undocumented workers to register in the name list has expired and those who have registered in the name list have been allowed to stay and work until 13th February 2025.

So, the workers should study what is right or wrong without believing brokers and if not so, there will be workers who are defrauded, pointed out the people helping migrant workers.

Moreover, there are checks every day in Thailand. So, undocumented workers should take care of their steps, they suggested.