CNI News

6 November 2023

Farmers in Rakhine State sold their harvesting and threshing machines to those who bought at a high price and at present, they can't buy these machines again. 

So, the farmers there are in need of the machines now, said farmers. 

Buyers from Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway and Yangon came and bought the machines at a high price and farmers in Rakhine State sold their machines.

Although farmers could buy harvesting and threshing machines with loans from Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank or by instalment three years ago, because farmers have to buy the machines in cash, they can't buy them. 

Moreover, because a harvesting and threshing machine was paid 500 lakh kyats in the past, it was very difficult for the farmers to buy them again, U Maung Thein Hla, secretary of Mrauk U Township Danyawady Farmers Federation, told CNI News.

While seeing a harvesting and threshing machine

" About three or four years ago, if you wanted to buy a harvesting and threshing machine, if you had 1,630,000 kyats and 10 acres, you would be able to buy one. At that time, the price was around 500 lakh kyats.If you had given one third, you would have paid the rest four times within two years. But now if you want to buy a machine, you must buy it in cash. Farmers faced with Covid-19 pandemic and instabilities. We had a drought last year. We experienced Mocha cyclone this year. We are in debt to pay the Agricultural Bank. The current price of a harvesting and threshing machine is 960 lakh kyats. The machines that our farmers bought at about 500 lakh kyats were used for three to four years after which the farmers sold the machines at 500 lakh kyats, considering they made a profit."he said.

The number of harvesting and threshing machines sold from Rakhine State is estimated to be by the hundred. So, Rakhine state needs the machines very badly this year.

While seeing a harvesting and threshing machine

Many youths in Rakhine State sold harvesting and threshing machines to go abroad for work. When they wanted to buy the machines again, because the price was so high that they could not buy the machines, U Maung Htwee, a farmer from Kyauktaw Township told CNI News.

" The number of harvesting and threshing machines has decreased about 25 percent, I think. Rakhine youths sold their machines to go abroad for work. Most of the machines have reached the mainland. 
People used to buy the machines with the credit system. For example, you have to pay 100 or 200 lakh kyats for the first time and the rest must be paid within five or six months. If so, people can buy it. But if they have to pay about 900 lakh kyats in one go, they can't buy it." he said.

There are over 1,200,000 rainfed cultivation acres in Rakhine State and the state is in need of over 300 harvesting and threshing machines. Mrauk U township needs about 120 machines and Kyauktaw township, over 100 machines, according to the Danyawady Farmers Federation. 

Farmers have asked the Rakhine State Rice Millers Association and the Rakhine State Council for help to use the machines in time.

When the farmers did not get the machines in time, if rice paddy had to be harvested with man power, in addition to having to reap at the post-harvest period, the costs would be higher. 

Ripe rice plants caught fire due to heat in the previous years. Farmers are worried that it will happen like that again this year.

CNI News

6 November 2023

The statement released by the National Unity Government (NUG) that the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) has been void was different from the policy of the seven NCA signatories, Col.Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) told CNI News. 

The NCA was approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and it would not be void because some individuals did not comply with it, he said.

" Their (NUG's) statement is different from the policy of our seven NCA signatories that are walking on the NCA path. Their first part review is correct. But because one or two organizations destroy the NCA, it won't be broken because it was approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. It is only the responsibility of the people who have to follow it. Because they don't comply with it, it won't be broken. But it can't be implemented for the time being, which might be right. But we can't say that it has be broken." he said to CNI News.

The Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting (JICM),the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPJDC) and the Joint Monitoring Committee which are political discussion framework and mechanisms of political dialogue automatically stopped after the Tatmadaw toppled down the civilian government, said in the NUG's statement. 

While seeing Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin, leader of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) and Col.Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO)

Due to political changes after 1st February 2021, the NCA could not implemented any more, said some NCA signatories and the Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) have said that the NCA has been void.

However, because the KNU stated that it had suspended its peace process since November 2018 under the NLD government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the NCA's peace processes could not be implemented any more. So, being unable to implement the NCA did not arise only after 1st February 2021, some people pointed out. 

Those who didn't like the NCA would say it had been void, and the NCA was not void, U Shwe Min, patron of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party) told CNI News.

While seeing the leaders attending the NCA 8th anniversary celebration

" Those who don't like the NCA will say that it's been void. But the NCA is not void. EAOs started drafting the NCA and it took them nearly two years to finish drafting it after debating. The NCA was signed by political parties, international witnesses and relevant political leaders. I'd like to say it's a much more advanced agreement than even the Panglong." he said.

There were many points that can implement the future peace through the NCA that was an agreement signed in order that the wishes of EAOs could be fulfilled, he added.

Because the Tatmadaw has taken power, the principles and objectives of the NCA were damaged. 

Moreover because it made the 2008 Constitution void, the process and discussion channels that were based on the NCA have stopped, KNU, CNF and ABSDF stated on 12 October 2023.

However, the 8th anniversary celebration of the NCA was held in Naypyidaw on 15 October 2023 and the seven NCA signatories attended the event.

CNI News

6 November 2023

Many tourists entered Bagan, Ngwe Saung and Ngapali during Thadingyut holiday, officials from the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism told CNI News. 
Over 100,000 tourists entered Bagan and 7,000 tourists, Ngwe Saung during Thadingyut holiday from 28th October to 30th October. Of these tourists, over 500 were foreign tourists reportedly.

Moreover, over 4,000 tourists entered Ngapali and of them, about 70 foreign tourists were included. During Thadingyut holiday in 2022, over 2,000 only entered Ngapali and of them, over 100 foreign tourists were included. 
However, the number of foreign tourists who entered Ngapali decreased in comparison with last year and more domestic tourists entered.

While seeing tourists on the beach

" 153 foreigners came last year. We have expected a lot of foreign tourists will come. Now the tourism season starts. The rain is not over yet in October.The next season is the open season, so it's good to travel. A Fan Trip from Russia came here from 28th October to 30th October and 11 people were included in the group. Among these people, travel agents and company owners were included. They really like the nature of water and ground here. Sand and water here are pure. Another thing, If you go into the water when it's cold, the water is warm. They were surprised to know that. They also like the temperature of water." said U Tin Tun Aung, director oif the Directorate of Hotel and Tourism, Rakhine State, to CNI News.

Moreover, Over 200,000 tourists entered the Ngwe Saung Beach from January to October 2022. However, during the same period this year, over 300,000 tourists entered the beach, U Soe Win, assistant director from the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism (Pathein, Ngwe Saung Branch) told CNI News. 

Over 5,000 foreign tourists entered Ngwe Saung and The foreign tourists who entered the most were Chinese nationals and Indian, the second and Russian, the third and Japanese, the fourth and Thai nationals, the fifth, he added.

While seeing a night of a full moon day at Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan region

" There were five Thadingyut holidays last year. But this year, just three holidays. 121,704 more people entered than last year during the same period" he said to CNI News.

Moreover, there were a lot of domestic tourists who went to Shan State where hotel room booking was just normal, U Naung Naung Han, chairman of Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (MTEA) told CNI News.

" There are many tourists who come from Yangon in Kalaw and Inle during Thadingyut holiday. Westerners plan their trip 6 months to a year in advance. But Myanmar people plan two weeks or one month in advance. Bookings are made a week or two before the Tazaungdaing holiday and the rooms are often full. Lots of domestic tourists are travelling. Foreign tourists' arrival has improved as well. But a lot of them haven't come here yet. So many domestic tourists seem to come in November and December including Christmas days." said U Naung Naung Han.

Currently, hotel bookings are being made in some areas for the Tazaungdaing holiday reportedly

CNI News

6 November 2023

Among the armies in Myanmar, Rakhine army is the most powerful after the Myanmar Tatmadaw (considered as Bamar Army), U Kun Gawng Awng Hkam, a Kachin politician, told CNI News. 

Many Rakhine youths are serving in the Arakan Army (AA) and AA has deployed its troops across the country, he said.

" To the best of my knowledge, among the armies in Myanmar, AA is the most powerful after the Bamar Army ( the Tatmadaw). AA contains a lot of Rakhine youths. So, AA can deploy its troops across the country. AA troops are in Karen, Kachin and Shan States. And AA has their own territory. AA troops are at battles with their allies in other parts of the country." he said to CNI News.

While seeing an intersection in Rakhine State

At present, at the battles against the Tatmadaw in northern Shan State, AA troops are fighting with its brotherhood allies. Moreover, in cooperation with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), AA is fighting against the Tatmadaw in Kachin State and Sagaing Region.

AA had created a route from Kachin State through Chin State to Rakhine State in order that weapons could be exported, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator told CNI News.

While seeing AA troops

" AA was founded by gathering Rakhine youths who came to jade mining site. And then, AA sent its troops to Rakhine State. But AA troops are in Kachin State as well. AA has created a route from Kachin state through Chin State to Rakhine State in order that weapons could be exported. To tell you the truth, KIA gave birth to disciples and took protection. And KIA gave birth to Palaung armed group and took protection as well. AA troops in Kachin State and Sagaing Region are KIA's allies, you might say so. In other words, AA troops there are kind of mercenary soldiers." he said.

The Arakan Army was formed in April, 2009 and AA took a foothold in Paletwa Township, Chin State and penetrated into Rakhine State reportedly. Currently, the military strength of the AA is at least 30,000 troops, which those monitoring the armed groups said.

CNI News

3 November 2023

Although rice prices are high at present, farmers in Ayeyarwady Region are getting more benefits than farmers from other regions and states because Ayeyarwady Region has better transportation than other regions and provinces and also is close to Yangon Port where goods are exported abroad. 

Moreover, more exporters come to the region, U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, told CNI News.

" When the rice paddy starts appearing, the price is 16 to 17 lakh kyats for 100 baskets. But if there is no demand from international, the price won't be that much. The prices go up quickly at the places where are close to exporters and traders. When the rice from Mon State is sent to Yangon, transportation charges will cost farmers or traders more. When the rice where big trucks can't enter is carried, transportation charges will cost more. There is a difference of 200,000 kyats in profit per 100 bag of rice paddy between the farmers on the east bank and those on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River." he said.

While bags of rice are being carried

The farmers from Rakhine State, Mon State and Ayeyarwady Region have been able to sell 100 baskets of Aemahta rice paddy at 12 to 15 lakh kyats, the basic reference price designated by the Myanmar Rice Federation. However, the cost for cultivation on an acre is from 8 to 10 lakh kyats.

Moreover, because the yield is just about 60 baskets per acre, they get a little profit, said rainfed farmers from Mon State.

In the same way, the farmers in Rakhine State need harvesting and threshing machines and if they have to reap the rice paddy with manpower, they could make a loss, U Maung Thein Hla, secretary of the Mrauk U Township Danyawady Farmers Federation, told CNI News.

" Rice paddy is successful. A big challenge is that we don't have harvesting and threshing machines. If we reap with harvesting and threshing machines, it will cost us about one lakh kyats for an acre. But if we reap with manpower, it will cost over two lakh kyats." he said.

While meeting rice paddy farmer

In the Ayeyarwady Region, because of having a contract farming system, obtaining agricultural loans and being able to grow and produce high-quality rice paddy, the yield is good. 

Because rice is cultivated with machinery, the yield is better. So, the farmers in Ayeyarwady Region has benefited more than those in other regions, said farmers.

At present, rice paddy farmers and rice mill operators in Rakhine state cooperate and are carrying out to produce high-yielding rice paddy as well as to implement a contract farming system reportedly.

CNI News

3 November 2023

Chinese fugitives cooperated with some Myanmar EAOs and were lying to China and Myanmar people online, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council (SAC). 

He said the above while he was explaining regarding the incident in which the MNDAA and its allies attacked the Laukkai area and other areas as a televised briefing.

" The reasons why they (Three Brotherhood Alliance) attacked includes putting down online gambling. We have already told who are included in the online gambling. Myanmar people are not lying to Chinese people. In the same way, Chinese people are not lying to Myanmar people. Chinese fugitives running away with online gambling and other crimes cooperate with some Myanmar EAOs and they are lying to Myanmar and Chinese people through online." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

While the UWSA was handing over online scammers to the Chinese authorities

He did not reveal the names of the EAOs that cooperated with the Chinese fugitives. 

However, online scam businesses are located in the territories of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) and Kokang Militia regions.

So, after Chinese government had asked chairman of Kokang Autonomous Region, UWSA and NDAA including Myanmar government to arrest online scammers, online scammers were arrested by the thousand.

While China has issued arrest warrants for two young Wa leaders who were sacked by the UWSA

Chinese government has issued arrest warrants to the two young Wa leaders - Bao Ai Pang, head of construction department and Ai Haw, head of Mylin District, relatives of U Bao Youxiang, chairman of the United Wa State Army because they were involved in online gambling.

The UWSA released a statement on 17th October 2023 that Ai Haw and Bao Ai Pang had been sacked because they were involved in online gambling.

CNI News

3 Nov 2023

Due to the battles between the Tatmadaw and Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, the flow of goods is interrupted and the prices are sky-rocketed and shortages of fuel and other basic foodstuffs are occurring, said locals. 

Although people in the towns near the Chinese border such as Muse and Laukkai can buy goods from the Chinese border trade, Kutkai, Lashio and Theinni towns are finding it more difficult than border areas because the towns are far from the border area and it is not easy to transport goods from the mainland reportedly. 

Because there is a power failure in Kutkai at present, residents are finding it difficult to get drinking water. Moreover, fuel and other commodities are also in short supply, a Kutkai resident told CNI News.

" We are finding it difficult in everything because we can't go anywhere. People in Muse can buy goods from the Chinese side. Because we are depending on the local goods from Theinni and Lashio, all the prices are going up. People in town find it more difficult. We have almost run out of drinking water. Because the power station was mined in Kutkai, we can't use electricity. And there is no fuel for generators as well. We had to boil the water that fell from the mountain and drink it in such a situation. If this keeps up, it will be very difficult for our livelihood." he said.

Although it is just 16 miles away from Kutkai to Theinni, it is not easy to get rice from Theinni because not only battles are breaking out, a bridge also, on the way has broken, said Kutkai residents.

A meat and fish market in Yangon

Although the price for 30 eggs was 6,000 kyats in the past, but now the price has been 18,000 kyats. Moreover, the price for a bag of rice was just over 100,000 kyats in the past, but now the price has been until 200,000 kyats reportedly.

They were planning to buy basic foodstuff from the Chinese side and sell at regular prices in Muse to protect from higher prices, commodity shortages and speculation by those who store goods for long, Ko Pyae from the Kan Let Kunyi Prahita Association told CNI News.

" We have not been allowed to pass the Theinni-Yebu Gate between Lashio and Muse. Goods don't enter and they don't go out as well. The route between Lashio and Muse has been still blocked. The prices are going up all over the northern Shan State. But in Muse, the price of an egg has been up to nearly 1,000 kyats. So, we buy eggs from China and sell them. We give the poor free of charge. The prices are going up due to rumor, I think. Yesterday we sold over 5,000 eggs. They were not sold out. We are working to buy basic foodstuff from China and to sell them in Muse. We are still transporting. We have to buy an egg at 350 kyats from China. the prices of some goods might be higher a little." he said.

Due to battles, roads are blocked, bridges are broken, sounds of gunfire are still heard, schools and departmental offices are closed, said Kutkai residents. 

Moreover, MNDAA has prohibited people not use the Muse-Lashio Pyidaungsu Road and the Laukkai-Lashio Pyidaungsu Road.

CNI News

3 November 2023

It was not convenient to obtain documentary evidence for children of Myanmar migrant workers who have registered in the name list in some provinces, Thailand, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) told CNI News.

Thai government has allowed migrant workers who have registered in the name list to temporarily stay and work in Thailand until 13th February 2025 and their children at the age of under 18.

" But when you try to obtain documentary evidence for your children, it's still difficult. It depends on provinces. In the place where we stay, we need recommendationsfrom employers or heads of villages. It's convenient to obtain documentary for children in the 10th territory of Bangkok. It depends on provinces." said U Min Oo.

Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand

The documents for children are issued by Thai Labor and Employment Department in relevant provinces as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs. Although documents for children could be obtained through brokers, it was not encouraged due to a lot of inconvenience, said U Min Oo  

If children who were over 18 wanted to work, they would have to apply for work permit. The cost for applying like that would be the same as the cost of their parents reportedly.

Moreover, employers have to submit the name list until 15th January 2024 to allow workers to work legally, the Office of the Labor Ambassador has stated.

Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand

"This parent and this child will be correct only if it is on the identification card that is attached together. Because parents have name list documents, children are not allowed to stay. When they go somewhere, they need to show something documented. So many children were born in Myanmar. It's even worse if you can't show a birth certificate. For example, when the parents took their children at the age of 8 to 13 with them, they were checked if they were human traffickers. So, when parents apply for the Name List, they need to apply for their children as dependents." said Ko Thar gyi helping in the affairs of migrant workers to CNI News.

When documented children travel, they can travel without territorial restrictions and are not subject to interrogation reportedly.

The number of migrant workers that have registered in the name list in Thailand about one million and they have been allowed to stay and work for just over one year. However, later the renewal might be allowed, said some people.

CNI News

2 November 2023

If any attacks including airstrikes entered its territory through the battles currently breaking out in Kokang region, it would fight against any organization, the United Wa State Army stated. 

It would not take side with any organization in the Kokang war and it applied non-aligned policy, said in the statement. After that, UWSA urged the two sides to stop the war and to meet and discuss.

" The UWSA has full rights to protect its region and people. So, if any attacks including airstrikes that enter its territory, it will fight back against them" the UWSA stated. However, UWSA said that it would help IDPs who entered the Wa region.

While seeing the anti-aircraft weapon of the UWSA

In cooperation with its allies - the Arakan Army (AA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Bamar People's Liberation Army (BPLA) and the Mandalay PDF, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is capturing the Tatmadaw's military camps in northern Shan State.

The operation has been named 'Operation-1027' and MNDAA and its allies fought against the Tatmadaw's military camps, general administration offices, police stations and toll gates in Laukkai, Theinni, Lashio, Naungkio, Chin Shwe Haw, Mong Ko and Muse townships in northern Shan State.

After that, the Tatmadaw also has been conducting counter attacks and due to the Tatmadaw's military re-enforcements from Mandalay, battles are severely taking place. 

Laukkai, Chin Shwe Haw and Mong Ko townships where battles are breaking out are bordering with the UWSA's territory.