CNI News

20 Feb 2023

The restriction to replace Myanmar truck drivers with their Chinese counterparts at the Kyin San Kyawt-Wanding gate has been lifted, one of the major gates of border trade with China, as of 18th February, according to merchants in Muse.

Chinese authorities issued a statement allowing one truck driver and his assistant of each truck to drive through the border gate as of 18th February, Ko Kyaw Aung, an official at the gate, told the CNI.

Trucks used in the China-Myanmar border trade.

He told the CNI, "The restriction to replace drivers has been lifted from 105-mile zone to Kyin San Kyawt gate. Authorities officially announced that a driver and his assistant would be allowed to drive through the gate as of 18th February by issuing border passes for them."

However, border passes are issued only for residents of Muse and drivers from other states and towns will not be able to drive through the border gate.

As a result, drivers from other parts of the country have to ask for help from Muse drivers to drive their trucks.

A truck used in the China-Myanmar border trade.

The removal of the restriction saves costs for hiring Chinese drivers and workers, Vice Chairman U Min Thein of Muse Rice Exchange told the CNI.

He said, "In the past, we had to move our goods onto Chinese trucks on the Myanmar side of the border because we did not want to hire Chinese drivers. Now, drivers from Muse can drive through the gate into China. It cost a lot of money. Now, we can save costs. It is beneficial for us. I think border trade will improve gradually."

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, Myanmar drivers and assistants were allowed to drive through the gate into China. The restriction was imposed after the outbreak.
The restriction has been lifted in Manwain, Kyin San Kyawt, Chin Shwe Haw and Kan Pai Ti border gates and lifting the restriction saves costs while border trade is facilitated, according to border merchants.

CNI news

18 Feb 2023

Although a ceasefire deal has been reached between the military and United League of Arakan/Arakan Army, the displaced have not been able to return home due to security reasons.

Both sides have not guaranteed the security of the people and there are landmines in theri villages, a displaced person from Sin Baw Kaing in Mrauk-U in Rakhine State told the CNI.

He said, "Of course, we want to return home but it is because it is very difficult for even those who have received assistance from the WFP because they don't have their houses. We have never received any assistance. So, we don't return home and we are worried about security."

 AA leaders.

Although the State Administration Council has compiled the list of the displaced by offering food for one month and MMK 500,000 per family but the program has not been implemented.

There are about 3,000 people in the Sin Baw displaced camp and the WFP has provided MMK 21,000 per person, in-charge U Nyi Pu of the camp told the CNI.

He said, "We need security guarantees from the both sides. They need to carry out remining works and provide assistance.

The ULA/AA and the military reached a ceasefire deal for two year and fighting resumed in August, 2022.

Paletwa.

Due to the armed conflicts in August and September, the number of displaced people increased by 6,000, according to the AA.

Then, both sides reached a ceasefire deal in November, citing the suffering of the local residents.

There are more than 15,000 displaced people in northern Rakhine State and Paletwa in Chin State.

CNI News

18 Feb 2023

The Thai government has allowed Myanmar migrants whose work permits expired as of 13th February, 2023 to stay in Thailand until May.

Moreover, the migrant workers have been allowed to renew their work permits by submitting required documents until 15th May, 2023

Labour Activist U Min Oo of the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI, "This allows Myanmar workers to get more time for renewal of their work permits. It is important that employers help their workers submit their personal information online or in person at employment offices in time. The processes for work permits, visas and personal information can be carried out until 15th May. It is good for workers. If employers or agents fail to do so, their workers will get into trouble. However, it is not perfect."

Myanmar workers applying for work permits.

After negotiations between authorities from both countries over work and stay permits of Myanmar workers, the Thai government allowed Myanmar workers to stay in Thailand until May despite the expiry of their work permits, according to a statement of the Myanmar embassy in Thailand.

It is important for Myanmar workers to give priority to renew their work permits than other documents, Director Ko Naing Aung Aung of the Arakan Workers Organization told the CNI.

Myanmar and Thai authorities hold negotiations.

He told the CNI, "After they have renewed their work permits, they can get pink cards and CIs. It doesn't matter whether they hold pink cards or CIs or are still applying for pink cards or CIs, they need to renew their work permits. However, it is not easy for Myanmar workers and they have to borrow money. They have not escaped from the vicious circle of loans."

Labour activists have pointed out that Myanmar migrant workers have welcomed the move but complained that the costs for renewals have increased significantly.

 Myanmar migrant workers.

Agents may increase their service fees as workers are required to renew their work permits by 15th may, 2023, labour activists said.

Although Thai authorities set the fees for renewal of work permits at Baht 6,000, Myanmar workers have to pay double the fees to agents.

CNI News

18 Feb 2023

Some powerful countries are interfering the domestic affairs of the country under the name of democracy, SAC chairman Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said.

He made the comment at the Myanmar-Russia Friendship Forum commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Russia-Myanmar diplomatic relations on 16th February.

He said, "People should be well aware of the fact that some powerful countries are trying to influence the different political processes of smaller countries through various ways and means. Sadly, the worst scenario of it is found to be the interference of the sovereignty of the country by some powerful countries under the name of democracy."

He said countries should have mutual respect, understanding and non-interference in their internal affairs.

However, he did not specify the powerful countries which are interfering in internal affairs.

He said, "We are trying to restore stability while cooperating with ASEAN countries for regional stability and development of the region."

He added that his regime is ready to cooperate with any countries, entities and individuals.

In the world the today, some powerful countries are interfering in the internal affairs of smaller countries under various excuses to destabilize them and to undermint the unity of the smaller countries. On the other hand, they are applying double standards, discrimination and bullying over smaller countries, he added.

Moreover, he thanked the Russian government and the Russia people who have offered assistance to overcome the attempts of some powerful countries to cause the total collapse of Myanmar and he appreciated the friendship.

CNI News

17 Feb 2023

Amidst post-pandemic political changes, a large number of people have left the country to study abroad, to work and to emigrate and a majority of them are leaving the country for employment.

The problem is attributed to unemployment and low wages at home, Myanmar labour activists in other countries told the CNI.

Ko Khant Nay Chi, who has been working for migrant workers in Busan, Korea, told the CNI," People have moving to work in countries where they can get higher wages for 30 years. As there are development gaps among countries, wages vary significantly. At the same time, employment rates in our country have increased and the number of migrant workers has grown in our country. During the outbreak of COVID-19, South Korea banned migrant workers and the labour shortages have undermined their economic growth. As a result, they have to hire foreign workers including those from Myanmar in large numbers.

Currently, large numbers of Myanmar people are leaving the country for other countries including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Domestic businesses were hurt during the pandemic and had to suspend their operations due to political changes, Chairman U Zaw Zaw of Hoteliers Association Shan State (North) told the CNI.

Myanmar passport applicant

He added that employers have offered their employees a basic salary of MMK 150,000, they have to try very hard to meet both ends very hard due to rising commodities and depreciation of the Kyat currency.

He added, "We offer higher wages for more competent workers. Businesses have been disrupted by the pandemic and the coup. Then, we encountered the depreciation of the currency. We have been facing one challenge after another. As a result, we have not been able to focus on the needs of our staff.

However, most Myanmar migrant workers who go abroad are unskilled workers and there are only a few skilled workers, according to labour activists.

Moreover, the number of students who go abroad has increased, causing brain drain in Myanmar, Advisor U Aung Kyaw of the Migrant Workers Right Network told the CNI.

He told the CNI," Youth are the resources of the country. They play an essential role in the development of the country. Instead of endeavoring the development of the country, they are abroad. We are worried about the future of the country."

It is necessary to understand the laws of the countries before migrant workers go to other countries, labour activists said.

CNI News

17 Feb 2023

The United States has always supported Myanmar pro-democracy activists and ethnic armed organizations, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said.

She made the statement when she met with Foreign Minister of the National Unity Government Daw Zin Mar Aung.

Wendy Sherman said she welcomed the opening of the NUG office in Washington DC and the US had always supported Myanmar pro-democracy activists and the EAOs.

Similarly, she added that the US would cooperate with allies and partners for returning to democracy in Myanmar.

The US should choose the correct way to offer help to pro-democracy forces, Chairman U Sein Win of the National United Democratic Party told the CNI.

He said, "It is correct that the US supports the democratic process, but it still needs to adopt the correct approach. It should not support undemocratic practices. We can accept everything democratic norms."

Since the Myanmar military seized state power on 1st February, 2021, protests and armed struggles have erupted.

It was heard that the democratic process would be supported, but it was not clear how much they would help the movement, Kachin politician U Kwan Gan Aung Kham told the CNI.

Anti-coup forces.

 He said, " It was heard that assistance would be offered to humanitarian causes and technical issues. However, we don't understand what kind of assistance it is because we have never seen it. It depends on them." he said.

It was reported that the NDAA signed by president Joe Biden on 23rd December, 2022 has offered 50 million worth of non-lethal assistance to EA0s and PDFs.

CNI News

17 Feb 2023

Powerful countries are trying to undermine the stability, unity and development of the country, SAC chairman Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said.

He made the statement on the 77th Anniversary of the Myanmar Radio and Television on 15th February.

He said he had assumed the responsibility of the state for two years in accordance with the 2008 constitution but violence, arsons, murders, and explosions have not decreased during the period.

The 77th Anniversary of the MRTV.

He continued to say that it was known to all that foreign powers and exiles that do not want to see stability, unity and development in Myanmar are taking measures to the total collapse of the country regardless of the interests of the country together with traitors inside.

However, he did not elaborate on who and which country was doing so.

Who is trying to make the total collapse of the country, an observer who requested anonymity said.

However, the SAC chairman said he had been trying to achieve eternal peace, prosperity, sufficiency of food, water and rations, development of socioeconomic lives of the people and strengthening of disciplined genuine democracy.

 An arson attack on Kandaw Village in Myinmu Township.

The military seized power from the NLD government after accusing it of attempting to form a government without settling the voters' list disputes on 1st February, 2021.

Pro-democracy protests staged demonstrations and have launched armed struggle.

The conflicts have destroyed millions of homes in arson attacks and displaced residents.

CNI News

16 Feb 2023

As Thai authorities have not announced the location where they will carry out search operations, undocumented Myanmar migrant workers are required to be cautious in Thailand, labour activists in Thailand told the CNI.

In the past, Thai authorities announced the locations where they would carry out search operations and it was easy for undocumented workers to move to safe places. However, Thai authorities have not announced the locations and undocumented Myanmar workers are required to be cautious, labour activists have warned.

Some Myanmar hawkers are detained in Thailand.

Advisor U Aung Kyaw of the Migrant Workers Rights Network told the CNI, "Thai authorities conducted surprise checks and detained undocumented workers. The number of arrests have increased. In the past, Thai authorities had allowed undocumented workers to apply for documents for a certain period and rounded up workers who were still undocumented by announcing the locations where they would conduct search operations. So, it was easy for undocumented migrant workers to move to safe places. Now, they are conducting surprise checks everywhere. So, undocumented workers are required to be cautious."

The number of arrests have increased because some Thais made complaints to authorities, according to labour activists.

Myanmar migrants make up the largest number of detainees and they were mostly arrested in factories and workshops and at roadside food stalls.

Under Thai laws, Thai citizens only are permitted to set up roadside food stalls but some Myanmar migrants are setting up roadside food stalls because they do not understand Thai laws, labour activists added.

Labour Activist U Min Oo from the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI, "Some Myanmar migrants do not take the matter seriously. They need money for costs for documents and accommodation so desperately that they take whatever jobs they can get to solve difficulties they currently face. So, they are arrested.

Thai police personnel.

Some Myanmar workers were arrested after annoying Thai residents, who reported the incidents to the Thai police. So, undocumented migrants should avoid such undesirable incidents, labour activists said.

Recently, the number of arrests of Myanmar workers have increased while some Myanmar workers and agents were murdered in Thailand. However, some Myanmar workers were accused of killing a Thai employer over a dispute over wages.

Labour Activist Ko Thar Gyi told the CNI, " As a Thai employer was killed by Myanmar workers, local residents are displeased with Myanmar workers. So, authorities are likely to conduct search operations against illegal migrants. The political situation of Thailand also plays a part. And it is time for migrant workers to renew their documents. So, illegal migrants including Myanmar nationals are likely to be arrested."

Although Thailand is a neighbouring country that hosts millions of Myanmar workers, who have been exploited and abused for many years.

CNI News

16 Feb 2023

Myanmar truck drivers have been allowed to drive through the Chinese border gate in Kan Pai Ti in Kachin State, according to drivers there.

As a measure for prevention of COVID-19, truck drivers from Myanmar were not allowed to drive through the border gate and they were replaced by Chinese truck drivers at the border. Now, the restriction has been lifted and Myanmar drivers have been permitted to drive through the border gate to China.

Allowing Myanmar drivers to drive through the border gate to China, damage to vehicles can be reduced and drivers will get higher wages, Ko Shan Gyi, a truck owner in Kan Pai Ti, told the CNI.

 Freight trucks

He said, "It is beneficial for us. Damage to vehicles can be reduced and save repair costs. As Myanmar drivers have been allowed to drive through the border gate, they will get MMK 300,000 per trip. When they were not allowed to drive through the gate, they got MMK 200,000 per trip."

When Myanmar drivers had to be replaced by Chinese drivers, truck owners suffered losses due to damage to their vehicles caused by Chinese drivers, who were not as competent as their Myanmar counterparts.

When vehicles were damaged by Chinese drivers, truck owners did not get enough compensation and had to spend their own money to repair their trucks.

Freight trucks seen on the Chinese side of the border

As Myanmar drivers have been allowed to drive through the border gate to China, loading and unloading of goods can be carried out very quickly, Ko Thawdar Aung, a truck driver told the CNI.

He said, "I think loading and unloading of goods can be carried out very quickly. As we drive our truck by ourselves, they cannot skip the queue as before. They have to use the first-come-first-serve system. There were not many trucks transporting goods to China. There were only about 200 trucks.

Myanmar exports tissue-cultured bananas, rice, corn and watermelons and imported construction materials, electric appliances and consumer products from the border gate.