CNI News

1 April 2023

Thailand's reduction of the visa-free period for foreigners including Myanmar nationals from 45 days to 14 days seems to aim at earning revenues, labour activists for Myanmar migrant workers told the CNI.
In the past, Thailand granted a 14-day visa-free period to citizens from countries that reached visa agreements with it including Myanmar but it extended the period up to 45 days as of 1st October, 2022 to attract visitors.

As Thailand now has received a large number of foreign tourists, it might have slashed the visa-free period to 14 days as of 1st April, Consultant U Aung Kyaw of the Migrant Workers Rights Network told the CNI.

Thai authorities make preparations to inspect arrivals in a Thai airport.

He said, "Since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in December, 2019, the world faced a disaster and Thailand did not earn any tourism revenue. So, when it could control the pandemic, it attracted foreign tourists by extending the visa-free period up to 45 days. Now, it has priortize the tourism revenues and slashed the visa-free period. If tourists want to stay in Thailand more than 14 day, they will have to pay taxes to the government. They aim at earning revenues."

The reduction of the visa-free period to 14 days may have something to do with the current political situation and the general election scheduled in May, the labour activists said.

Those who have been granted a 45-day visa-free period before 31st March can stay in Thailand 45 days and those who have received visas on arrival are allowed to stay in Thailand 30 days, according to a statement released by the Myanmar embassy in Thailand.

However, those who want to stay in Thailand more than 14 can apply for visas in the Thai embassy in Yangon, the statement said.

The interior of a Thai airport.

Labour activist U Min Oo of the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI, "Even if Myanmar nationals have received visas, Thai immigration can reject them. So, it is important to answer the questions asked by the immigration properly. It depends on the personality of individuals. When a plane from Myanmar lands, if they think poorly of someone, they detain him or her and extort money. If you have all documents, are smart and answer all questions properly, it is OK. They will ask you where you are going and what you are doing. You must answer properly and must show money. If you can't answer properly, you will have problems.

The visa-free period has been slashed not only for Myanmar nationals but also from those who are from countries like Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia and many others.

CNI News

31 Mar 2023

Although the floating Inlay Thingyan festival, which has been suspended since the outbreak of COVID-19, has been sceduled to resume this year, it is too late to attract domestic and foreign tourists, hoteliers and tour operators told the CNI.

Although it was necessary to advertise the floating water festival comprehensively to domestic and foreign tourists, organizers were too late to announce the program, Deputy Director U Sithu Kyaw of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism told the CNI.

He said, "In fact, they were required to organize and sell the package tours far ahead of the festival. As they seemed to arrange the festival too late, it was difficult to sell the package. Such a festival should have been announced earlier so that tour operators could sell the packages. The most important factor is to make the package known to the foreign tourist and the public earlier. The organizers failed to make foreigners known what a floating Thingyan festival is. They needed to promote the package. It is too late to do so."

The Inlay floating Thingyan is to be scheduled for the first time after the outbreak of COVID-19 and pavilions and rafts are being repaired.

A floating Thingyan pavilion on the Inle lake in the past.

In the past, Nyaungshwe was a tour destination and hundreds of thousands of tourists participated in the festival, according to the MTEA.

However, it is expected that only domestic tourists will visit the lake, Chairman U Naung Naung Han of the MTEA told the CNI.

He said," During the Thingyan festival, domestic tourism is important for us. In the past, we were able to sell all packages before the Thingyan festivals. We arranged related tours to Pindaya and Kalaw and souvenir shops. Local people earned a lot of income."

It is reported that the majority of domestic tourists are travelling to beaches, Shan state, Mandalay and Bagan, according to the MTEA.

CNI News

31 Mar 2023

Due to suspension of new licenses to export rice through the border trade in a bid to stabilize domestic rice prices, the exports of rice and broken rice at the China-Myanmar border have almost ground to a halt, according to rice merchants in Muse.

It was reported that new licenses have been suspended and rice exports have been restricted to stabilize domestic rice prices.

As rice exports have been restricted and summer paddy are being harvested, domestic rice prices will fall, Vice Chairman U Min Thein of the Muse Rice Exchange told the CNI.

He said, "There are only a few licenses that have already been issued. Authorities have suspended issuing new licenses since 14th February. However, it was heard that the new licenses will be issued in April. However, merchants have stopped exporting rice to China since it was not profitable for them because of the requirement to sell 65 percent of their export earnings at the CBM rate to banks. So, rice and broken rice exports have almost ground to a halt. Although authorities have not announced that they have restricted rice exports officially, they have restricted it gradually. As summer paddy is going to be harvested, domestic rice prices will fall back to some extent."

Drying paddy under the sun.

As the rice variety mainly exported to other countries is 25-mark emata variety rice, the prices of emata rice will drop but the yields of paw san hmwe variety rice have decreased this year, paw san hmwe rice price will not fall, according to rice merchants.

As domestic rice prices have skyrocketed, it is not profitable for merchants and most of them have stopped exporting rice.

As rice exports have halted and falling rice prices can affect paddy farmers, export licenses are being issued after thorough scrutinization to stabilize the market, Secretary U Than Oo of the Bayintnaung Commodity Exchange told the CNI.

He said, "It has something to do with domestic rice prices. However, if we do not export rice, farmers will suffer losses. It is impossible to ban rice export on the one hand and we cannot allow domestic rice prices to skyrocket on the other hand. As a result, we will have to try to strike a balance. Last month, monsoon paddy stock was low and rice prices skyrocketed forcing merchants to export rice at losses. And it still takes some time to harvest summer paddy and authorities had to restrict issuing licenses. Merchants were not allowed to export rice recklessly. Now, summer paddy is being harvested."

Loading rice bags

Summer paddy has been harvested since the second week of March and as rice supply has entered the Bayintnaung Commodity Exchange, rice prices have fallen.

The prices of rough rice, which is mainly exported to other countries, have dropped from MMK 53,000 per bag previously to MMK 50,000 per bag at present and the prices are likely to fall further because of the moisture of newly harvested rice, according to the commodity exchange.

Although the Myanmar Rice Federation aimed to export 2.1 million tons of rice in the 2023-24 fiscal year, it will have to export only about 150,000 tons of rice a month, according to rice merchants.

CNI News

31 Mar 2023

A peace conference that focuses on northern ethnic armed groups is likely to be organized, Political Observer U Ye Tun told the CNI.

He added that the peace conference can be held more broadly if EAOs that are signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement are invited to it.

He told the CNI, "A peace conference is likely to be organized. After meeting the Chinese special envoy, the northern alliance of seven EAOs announced that there are various ways and means to build a federal union. Another factor is that when the NCA was signed during the term of former president U Thein Sein, the northern EAOs refused to sign the agreement and they also refused to join the Panglong conference organized during the term of the NLD. Now, a peace conference will be organized by inviting them after negotiations, it can be said that the conference is focused on northern EAOs. The conferences for the NCA and during the term of the NLD can be said as southern focused ones. Therefore, we will have to wait and see whether EAOs in the southern part of the country will attend the conference. The SAC will invite them but I am not sure whether they will attend the conference or not. If NCA signatories attend the conference, it will be a more comprehensive conference."

The NSPNC holds talks with the UWSA, the SSPP and the NDAA on 22nd March, 2023.

It was announced that the SAC, the USWA, the NDAA and the SSPP held discussions on 22nd March to hold a peace conference.

In the same way, the SAC and seven EAOs, which have strike ceasefire deals with the former, discussed possibilities to organize a peace conference.

The SAC will reveal the outcomes of the negotiations with the EAOs to the public after the peace conference, which should be organized, Chairman Dr Aye Maung of the Arakan Front Party.

He told the CNI, "As the slogan of the NSPNC suggests, they might amend the constitution and later organize a conference or a peace conference. It might also end up in amending the constitution. The key to the question is whether the SAC, the CCP and the Chinese government have agreed that the new elections and the new parliament is the best exit from the crisis and whether the FPNCC and the seven PPST member NCA signatories have agreed to the concept."

The NSPNC holds talks with seven EAOs from 28th to 29th March, 2023.

He added that a peace conference might be a major exit from the crisis by amending the constitution by NCA signatories. The 21st Century Panglong Conferences have been held four times. Fifty-seven points have been agreed and shall they continue to organize the conference? How many points have been agreed during the negotiations. They can reveal their agreements to the public only at a conference. So, they may and should organize a conference. Only then, will they be able to proceed. It is a peace process in which the EAOs and the SAC have agreed to amend the constitution. The role of political parties and the 2008 constitution will continue in their own way."

Union peace conferences had been organized since the term of the former president U Thein Sein and the last one was held in August, 2020 during the tenure of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

CNI News

30 Mar 2023

To create a political climate for dialogue of all stakeholders, seven signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and the National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee held talks.

The talks were held in Nay Pyi Taw on 28 and 29 March, 2023.

The seven NCA-S EAOs said in a statement, "At the first day of the talks, the informal negotiation team of the seven NCA-S EAOs discussed issues for creating a political dialogue of all stakeholders, the peace processes and federal basic principles."

The informal negotiation team included leader Col Sai Ngin (the RCSS), deputy leaders Daw Saw Mya Yazar Lin (the ALP) and Naing Aung Ma Ngay (the MNSP), members Col Saw Kyaw Than Htay (the DKBA), Col Saw Kyaw Nyunt (the KNU/KNLA-PC), Kyar Phu (the LDU) and Maj Khun Min Thein (the PNLO) and five assistant representatives.

Representatives of the NSPNC included Secretary Lt-Gen Win Bo Shein, member of working committee Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo (Retd), negotiation committee members Lt-Gen Min Naing, Lt-Gen Aye Win, U Hla Maung Shwe, Col Wunna Aung and member of the supporting team Col Aung Kyaw Tun.

CNI News

30 Mar 2023

A Rakhine youth who was suspected in the death of a Thai national for 10 months has been acquitted, Labour Activist Ko Thein Tun of the Migrant Workers Rights Network, who has been helping the accused, told the CNI.

The youth is from Sittwe and faced trial since June, 2022 because his fingerprints were found at the scene of a murder of a Thai national at the Thai-Malaysia border. He was acquitted by a court of seven judges on 28th March, 2023.

He said, "The presiding judge said he had been acquitted. However, the prosecution can lodge an appeal against the decision within 30 days and he will have to wait. Ko Aung Ko Win will not be sent back to jail and will be detained at the Songkhla Province Police Station, which arrested him previously, because authorities do not have power to detain him in prison. The prosecution will decide whether to lodge an appeal against the court decision. So, we don't know when he can return home precisely. However, witness statements and evidence firmly showed that the case has nothing to do with him. The prosecution lawyers are very smart but they cannot provide firm evidence and witnesses. It is their weakness."

Ko Aung Ko Win and his lawyer.

Moreover, another suspect in the case, who has been sentenced to two years and three months for a human trafficking case, has also been acquitted of the murder case.

She is glad to hear that her son has been acquitted and she wants her son to come back home as soon as possible, Daw Than Kyi May, the mother of Ko Aung Ko Win, told the CNI.

She said, "It is the happiest day in my life. When he comes back, our family will lead a happy life together. I want him to come back to us today. I haven't heard his voice. I am sure he will come back after one month has passed. I would like to thank Ko Thein Tun, who offered help for the release of my son. We don't have anything to offer except expressing gratitude.

As the two suspects has been detained for ten months, compensation will be sought for them, Ko Thein Tun told the CNI.

Ko Aung Ko Win's lawyer and officials from the MWRN in front of the court.

He said, "As they detained Ko Aung Ko Win and Ko San Aye for ten months, we will seek compensation for them. We have asked them to sign the compensation forms, which we will complete them today and submit to the court. However, whether the court will grant compensation for them or not.

As the body of a Thai worker was found at the Thai-Malaysia border on 31 May, authorities detained more than 300 Myanmar migrants who were trying to enter Malaysia illegally for questioning. As his fingerprints were found at the crime scene, Ko Aung Ko Win was detained and charged with murder.

CNI News

30 Mar 2023

A low turnout is expected in the upcoming elections because the National League for Democracy and the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy will not run for election, Political Observer U Ye Tun told the CNI.

Moreover, the security for political parties and candidates to run for election held by the State Administration Council is worrisome and they will not be able to campaign for votes comprehensively, he added.

NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

He said, "The NLD and the SNLD were the major parties that won most seats in the previous elections. They garnered the most votes. The SNLD enjoyed the largest support in Shan State while the NLD won the most votes in the entire country. So, the turnout is likely to be low. Under the current circumstances, the security for political parties and candidates is worrisome and they will not be able to campaign for votes comprehensively. The new government that will emerge from the upcoming elections will not be recognized by the people and the international community, especially by the US and the West."

The Union Election Commission announced on 28th March that 40 political parties including the NLD and the SNLD had been dissolved.

The SAC enacted a new political parties registration law, which requires political parties to re-register within 60 days.

Forty political parties decided not to re-register and were dissolved by the commission on 28th March.

a Union Election Commission Office.

In a democracy, elections must be held without fail and whether elections can be held properly or not is an important question, Director U Thein Tun Oo of the Institute for Strategic Studies told the CNI.

He said, "If democracy is to be exercised, we will have to go through elections without fail. So, the success of elections depends mainly on the turnout and whether they are held properly or not. I think if the SAC is able to hold elections and transfer power to the winning party, it will be able to perform its duties successfully. So, what is important is how smooth the process is.

Dissolved political parties are likely to join the political process when elections are free, fair and inclusive, U Ye Tun said.

He said, "Looking back at their histories, they are worried about losing public support if they cooperate with the military under politically unfair circumstances. They think it will be beneficial for them to join the political process when elections are free, fair and inclusive."

The SAC chairman said a general election would be held in 2023 and promised to transfer power to the winning party.

CNI News

29 Mar 2023

Labour activists for Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand told the CNI they hoped that a new government that would address the migrant workers' issues would emerge from the elections in Thailand scheduled in May.

Thailand has scheduled to hold a general election on 14th May and political parties have been launching campaigns.

Labour activist U Min Oo from the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI that he wanted politicians and parties that would address migrant workers' issue, problems in neighbouring countries, human trafficking and transnational crimes to win the elections.

He said, "Although elections in Thailand are not directly concerned with us, they affect us indirectly because changes in leadership lead to changes in policies. So, it will affect our migrant workers in one way or another. Leaders and parties will persuade the Thai public to support them. Some leaders and parties have their own policies on migrant workers and regional stability because migrant workers are very important for the economy. Such issues will be priorities even if they are not top priorities and they will talk about them in their campaigns."

Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.

Labour activists believe that Thai people will elect the best government because they can no longer accept the current government.

During the term of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, migrant workers face a lot of difficulties and it will be beneficial for migrant workers if a civilian government emerges from the elections, they added.

Consultant U Aung Kyaw of the Migant Workers' Rights Network told the CNI, "Migrant workers have faced a lot of difficulties to get documents because there are many requirements for them. Migrant workers have to bear the brunt of the system. If a new government that the Thai people want most emerges from the elections, we will be able to enjoy democratic rights. If a democratic civilian government is elected by the people, migrant workers will see a better future."

 Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.

Labour activists also hope that the new government will cooperate with civil society organizations in labour issues.

Thai news agencies have reported that the United Thai Nation Party led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha and the Phue Thai Party led by a daughter of former prime minister Thaksin will have to compete against each other fiercely in the elections.

CNI News

29 Mar 2023

As it is said that Myanmar will be built into a federal democratic union, political observers have been wondering which will be prioritized between federalism and democracy.

Both the State Administration Council and the National Unity Government have been mobilizing ethnic armed ogranizations by vowing to build a federal democratic union. However, they do not explain the details as to which type of union they intend to build.

As Myanmar is a multi-ethnic country with different religious faiths, priority should be given to federalism, Chairman Dr Aye Maung of the Arakan Front Party told the CNI.

He said, "Everyone is talking about democracy. Myanmar people will have to decide their own political fate. The main problem of Myanmar is the constitutional issues, which should not be underestimated. It is concerned with the identity of ethnic groups. Myanmar is a multi-ethnic state with different religious faiths. Frankly speaking, Myanmar is a union forcefully formed. How shall we form a union? Shall we follow the model of India? We need to take the policy negotiated by the then leaders when agreed to form a union into consideration. If so, we need to prioritize federalism, which guarantees equality of ethnic groups and self-determination. Democracy is something everyone has accepted and it should follow later."

A demonstration calling for democracy.

He added that democracy without federalism in Myanmar will not help overcome the crisis faced by the country.

Priority should be given to democracy and it has been promised that federalism desired by ethnic groups will be implemented later, Political Observer U Than Soe Naing told the CNI.

U Than Soe Naing said, "Both federalism and democracy are important and cannot be separated. Without democracy, federalism cannot be implemented. Without federalism, democracy will not be stable. We need to establish democracy first to topple the military. At the same time, democratic forces have promised to fully implement federalism."

Democracy and federalism is the head and tail of a coin and victory will be achieved only when both of them are implemented at the same time, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told the CNI.

He said, "It has been arguing which should be prioritized between democracy and federalism for a long time. The issue has been resolved in an article. It say democracy and federalism are the head and tail of a coin and must be implemented at the same time. Neither is more important. It is necessary to implement both of the at the same time to achieve victory. It is food for thought."

An ethnic conference of EAOs in progress in July, 2016.

The nationwide ceasefire agreement stated that a union based on democracy and federalism will be built in accordance with the outcomes of the political negotiations.

Currently, the SAC and some EAOs are holding peace negotiations to build a federal union in the future.

Meanwhile, some ethnic groups are calling for formation of a Bamar state while other ethnic groups like Shanni, Pa-O, Ta'ang and Wa are demanding to establish their own states.

Currently, Myanmar is made up of seven regions, seven states, five self-administered zones, one self-administered division and the Nay Pyi Taw union territory.