CNI News

23 Mar 2023

As a large number of Myanmar nationals who hold visit visas opened accounts at the Bangkok Bank in Thailand, the bank is likely to suspend such accounts, labour activists for Myanmar workers told the CNI.

The bank has suspended opening such accounts for holders of visit visas since 8th March, the Myanmar embassy in Thailand announced.

The number of Myanmar nationals who open accounts at the Bangkok Bank by faking recommendations from hospitals and clinics and applying documents recommending that they are Myanmar nationals have increased recently, Ko Thar Gyi, who has been helping Myanmar workers in Thailand, told the CNI.

He said, "There are Myanmar patients who come to Thailand to receive medical treatments. Although they hold visit visas, the bank opens accounts for them by requiring them to submit recommendations from the Myanmar embassy and their physicians. Therefore, such accounts have increased recently. Some Myanmar nationals do not understand money laundering laws. They fake recommendations from hospitals and clinics, apply for the embassy recommendations to open bank accounts. The Thai government has been launching an anti-money laundering campaign for four months before the embassy announcement. When the Thai anti-money laundering agencies investigated the accounts, the majority of them were of Myanmar nationals who came to Thailand on visit visas. Thai authorities know whether such visas and accounts are still valid. However, there are transactions in the accounts."

A counter offering services of the Bangkok Bank at the Myanmar embassy in Thailand.

Despite suspension of opening accounts for visit visas at the Bangkok Bank, the bank will continue to open accounts for holders of business visas, students at private and public schools, patients receiving treatments at hospitals, those who submit property rights, investors, staff of NOGs, retirement visa holders and members of religious organizations with the recommendations of the embassy.

However, holders of Thailand Elite/Thailand Privilege Card, foreigner members of Thai household lists and legal migrant workers are not required to apply for the recommendations from the embassy, according to the announcement.
The suspension of opening accounts at the Bangkok Bank for foreigners who hold visit visas will cause delays for Myanmar nationals who really need bank accounts, Labour Activist U Min Oo of the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI.

He said, "Thai authorities are launching investigations into drug trafficking, money laundering and tax evasion. They have intensified the operations. However, there are about 10 exceptions for business visa holders, students, investors, members of religious orders and legal migrant workers. When migrant workers have officially registered, they can open bank accounts officially."

As Thai authorities are launching a campaign against money laundering, they are worried about opening accounts for those who are involved in illegal businesses, according to labour activists.

CNI News

23 Mar 2023

As Rakhine State was hit by gales on 20th March and shelters in camps for internally displaced people were damaged, IDPs have needed aid, according to them.

More than 80 shelters of IDPs were destroyed by the gales in Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung and Mrauk-U townships.

Although international organizations are providing assistance to IDPs, it will take a long time to receive assistance for rebuilding the shelters. As rains are expected, we are worried that the rain will further damage more shelters, Ma Aye Khaing, a woman leader from Taungminkalar IDP camp in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, told the CNI.

She said, "Some shelters were damaged. Roofs were blown away. Walls were destroyed. From 10 to 20 shelters were damaged in each camp. We need to rebuild shelters in early April. However, it will take time to receive aid from international organizations. Monsoon has started. One or two more rains will destroy all shelters. We are worried because there are many vulnerable groups like single mothers, infants, pregnant women and the disabled."

An IDP camp in Rakhine State.

In some IDP camps, shelters are being rebuilt on a self-help basis by using thatches, bamboo and small wood posts.

IDP Ko Tun Nyo from Tainpyin IDP camp told the CNI, "Our camp is located in a monastery compound. Now, the roofs of all shelters have been damaged. Now, it is raining unseasonably. It is very difficult for residents and will be more difficult when the rainy season begins."

As the monsoon is going to begin soon, IDPs want to rebuild their shelters as soon as possible, he added.

Those who lost their shelters to the gales include residents from Zeditaung and Pyarchaunggyi IDP camps in Rathedaung Township, Kawiyadana camp in Kyauktaw Township and Gananhtaung and Butaryon camps in Ponnagyun Township.

CNI News

23 Mar 2023

The National Unity Government will never do anything against the will of the entire ethnic peoples, Acting President Duwa Lashi La of the NUG said.

The NUG has been holding constructive talks with ethnic armed organizations and views the talks between China and the northern alliance positively, he said.

Duwa Lashi La said, "The only way to achieve our ultimate goal is routing the military with the united force of EAOs and the People's Defence Forces. That is why the NUG has been holding constructive talks with EAOs. Moreover, the NUG hopes that the talks between China and the northern alliance are constructive ones. As for our government, we can guarantee that we will never do anything against the will of the entire ethnic peoples."

Members of the NUG.

As the NUG has said it will not do anything against the will of the entire people, it bodes well for the counry, U Khun Sai, who has been involved in the peace process, told the CNI.

He said, "It bodes well for the country. They are required to organize political parties, EAOs and civil society organizations. As democracy stems from elections, they need to follow the guidance of those who elected. However, they cannot accept this and call for equality.”

The NUG seems to suggest that they have the same attitude as the people but if they are thinking about their ethnic group, it is unacceptable, Kachin Politician U Kwan Guang Aung Kham told the CNI.

Members of the NUG.

He said,"They said they will not be against the will of the people. However, I don't know who the people are talking about. Are they talking only about the majority? They need to think about Kachin, Kayin, Shan and others. If the Panglong Agreement is implemented, the situation will be inclusive. Otherwise, minorities will find it is difficult to accept it. We hope they will create an inclusive environment."

The SAC seized power from the NLD by declaring a state of emergency after accusing it of forming a new government without settling voters' list dispute in the 2020 elections.

Democratic forces have protested the coup and the NUG has launched an armed struggle to topple the junta.

CNI News

22 Mar 2023

Chairman U Thar Tun Hla of the Arakan National Party told the CNI that they have registered the ANP out of political necessity of Rakhine state and its people.

He added that they still had a long way to go politically for ethnic groups in Rakhine State and for its future before building a genuine federal union together with other ethnic political forces.

He told the CNI, "As we believe that we still need a political party representing Rakhine ethnic groups, we have registered the ANP as a political party. Under the new political parties registration law, it is very difficult for us to stand as a political party campaigning in the entire country. I felt we have been restricted from forming a national political party. However, we have registered the ANP as a regional party representing Rakhine State and the Rakhine people."

ANP Chairman U Thar Tun Hla.

He said different people had different ideas about registering a political party and he did not want to make a comment on other people's opinions.

The Union Election Commission has been preparing to hold a general election in 2023 and issued the new political parties registration law and its rule on 31st January. It has invited political parties to re-register again since then.

A total of 32 political parties have re-registered so far and eight of them are parties that will campaign in the entire country, according to a press release of the UEC on 20th March.

U Thar Tun Hla told the CNI, "We have vowed to build a genuine federal union as much as we can."

The office of the UEC.

The chairman of the State Administration Council has promised to hold a general election in 2023 and to transfer power to the winning political party.

However, the acting president of the National Unity Government has vowed to disrupt the general election, which will be held as a political exit for the minilary.

CNI News

22 Mar 2023

As some fishery products exported to Thailand through the Singkhon-Mawdaung gate leaked foul-smelling liquid, Thai authorities have warned that the exports of some fishery products will be prohibited at the gate, according to the Singkhon-Mawdaung Border Traders Association.

Thai authorities have instructed exporters to pack fishery products and jellyfish, major export items through the gate, properly or otherwise, exports of them will be prohibited from the gate, Ko Myo Ko, an exporter at the gate, told the CNI.

A truck at the Singkhon-Mawdaung border gate.

"Thai authorities have been holding negotiations with us because jellyfish containers leak a lot of water that makes the gate very dirty. So, If we use plastic bags in the containers, the water will not spill. And fish trucks are told to drain water before they arrive at the gate. Otherwise, they will have to ban fishery exports. There are many other export commodities traded through the gate. Fishery products are frozen but jellyfish need water. If we can follow their instructions, there is no problem. Otherwise, they will prohibit fishery products."

There is a buffer zone known as No Man's Land at the Singkhon-Mawdaung gate and exporters dump water and wastes at the zone. As a result, the areas has been filled with wastes and foul water and Thai border guard forces made complaints to their authorities.

As the Singkhon-Mawdaung gate has mainly been used for fishery exports from Tanintharyi Region, fishery exports are banned from the gate, it would take longer time and cost fishery exporters higher transportation charges, an official from the association told the CNI.

 A fishery market at Thai-Myanmar border.

He said, "It has an impact on Myeik District because fishery products are mainly exported to Thailand from Myeik as the route is short. If they banned fishey exports from the Singkhon-Mawdaung gate, we will have to use the Ranong route and will suffer more delays and losses. We are using Singkhon-Mawdaung gate because it is easy to export fishery products in a short time.

Border trade at Singkhon-Mawdaung gate, exports make up 70 percent of trade and imports accounted for only 30 percent, according to the statistics of the ministry of commerce.

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, border trade from the gate hit as much as Baht 5 million daily.

CNI News

22 Mar 2023

The government of Thailand has been planning to employ more migrant workers from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, labour activists, who have been offering assistance to Myanmar workers, told the CNI.

The labour ministry of Thailand discussed the matter at a meeting on 20 March but has not announced the detailed recruitment program, Ko Thar Gyi, who has been helping Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand told the CNI.

A restaurant in Thailand.

He told the CNI, "It is likely that they would recruit MoU workers from countries that have signed MoU with it, including Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. We haven't known the details or whether they will continue the former policies, which hurt the rights of workers. The process is too expensive. So, I think they will issue pink cards to illegal workers."

At present, labour demand is very high in many sectors including the manufacturing and construction sectors, according to labour activists in Thailand.

It is beneficial for Myanmar illegal migrants if Thai authorities choose to issue pink cards or temporary work permits.

If Thai authorities choose to issue pink cards to illegal migrants, it is beneficial for Myanmar migrants, Labour Activist U Min Oo of the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI.

 Myanmar MOU workers in Thailand.

He said, "Even if authorities issue stay permits, illegal migrants will be able to stay in Thailand. It is a blessing in disguise because it is impossible for undocumented migrants to stay in Thailand. It is even difficult for legal workers to renew their documents and it costs them a lot of money because they have rely on agents and agencies as documents are written in Thai language. Their rules and regulations are too complicated for Myanmar migrants.

Labour activists in Thailand have assumed that authorities will not recruit MoU workers.

Thai authorities will try to earn revenues by issuing pink cards to illegal migrant, Ko Thar Gyi told the CNI.

He said, " In most cases, they issue pink cards to illegal migrants because the earn much more revenue in doing so, especially from agencies, companies and employers. The migrant have to apply for pink cards through them. They will give 15 days to apply for pink cards. It is the best way for them to earn revenues. I am almost sure they will do this."

Thai authorities issued pink cards for about 700,000 illegal migrants in 2022.

CNI News

21 Mar 2023

Residents have been unable to buy rice and some foodstuffs in Paletwa in Chin state, which relies heavily on Kyauktaw for trade, as only a few people have been permitted to transport them, according to residents.

In the past, Paletwa residents were allowed to buy rice from Kyauktaw but now they were not allowed to carry even a bag of rice, U Tun Aung Din, a resident, told the CNI.

He said, "We are having a hard time. Authorities operate ships only when they want to transport goods. At other times, operations of ships and motorized boats are banned. The military has also been doing what it wants. Authorities sometimes allow Rakhine merchants to transport goods. However, they do not permit us to carry goods and arrest us. We are not allowed to carry rice. We have to buy rice from Rakhine merchants."

Residents of Shinletwa Village in Paletwa Township.

Paletwa residents have to rely on Kyauktaw Township to buy commodities.

The Pawsanhmwe rice price hits MMK 100,000 per bag while that of rough rice reaches MMK 60,000 per bag in Kyauktaw at present.

As a result, the price of rough rice in Paletwa stands at MMK 70,000 and that of fine rice hits as much as MMK 180,000, according to residents.

Although authorities announced that rice can be carried with the permission of the township administrator, resident families get permission to carry half a bag of rice once in two months, U Hla Maung Thein, a Paletwa resident, told the CNI.

Provision of food to IDPs in Shinletwa Village in 2017.

He said, "They have imposed such restrictions not because of instabilities. Paletwa is now stable. Fighting has stopped. If they do not give permission, we cannot go to Kyauktaw to buy rice. If we carry a little rice for our children, who are students. They ask us so many questions like for who we are buying rice and where we are carrying rice to. They say they will seize rice if we carry a full bag of the crop. They allow us to carry half a bag of rice."

In transportation of goods to Paletwa, a z-craft is operated twice a week and private ferries are still prohibited.

Rice rations provided by the WFP to IDPs have been prohibited since early March while internet connections have been cut off, according to IDPs.

Local residents are required to apply for permission from relevant administrators to carry certain commodities.

CNI News

21 Mar 2023

Myanmar migrant workers who will have to renew their passports at the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are getting into trouble and are not likely to get their documents renewed in time as the embassy has been issuing appointments that extend until 2024, Myanmar nationals in Malaysia told the CNI.

Issuing appointments for passport renewals that extend until 2024 in March, 2023 does not make sense, they told the CNI.

Hmwar Michael, who has been living in Malaysia, told the CNI, "It is impossible for us to force the embassy to issue earlier appointments but migrant workers will get into trouble. At a time when the Malaysian government is issuing the RTK work permits, the embassy is delaying the passport renewal process. Even when the host country has permitted us to stay and work in Malaysia by applying work permits, the embassy cannot renew our passports in time. It is very bad. Myanmar migrant worker will get into big trouble. Many Myanmar migrant workers are coming to Malaysia illegally. Work permits of some migrant workers expire in March, April and May. They haven't had their passports renewed."

People queuing for passport renewals.

Failure of machine to issue passports and shortages of passport booklets have led to the delays, according to Myanmar nationals in Malaysia.

At present, not only passport renewers but also new passport applicants have to wait more than seven or eight months to get passports.

Although the CNI contacted the Myanmar embassy in Malaysia, it did not answer the phone.

U Soe, who has been living in Malaysia, told the CNI, "Most of them have work permits, which are required to be extended at leat one or two months ahead of their expiries. Now, the embassy is issuing appoints that go far beyond the expiries of work permits. Migrant workers will get into trouble. Every migrant worker need a passport because factories employ those who have passports. Even new applicants have to wait seven or eight months to get passports.

Employers want to help renew the work permits of their employees but Myanmar migrant workers do not have valid passports. The other day, a list of new passport applicants was announced. However, they will not get passports at once. They will have to wait again. Employers want to apply for worker permits. However, the embassy cannot issue or renew their passports in time because of the shortage of documents.

The Myanmar embassy in Malaysia.

Myanmar nationals in Malaysia are calling for the embassy to renew or issue passports in time for application for the RTK work permits.

The RTK permits can be applied for 31st December, 2023 with passports and recommendations of employers.

As the embassy is issuing passport renewal appointment that extend until 2024, Myanmar migrant workers are likely to be arrested when Malaysian authorities launch operations against illegal migrants, Myanmar nationals in Malaysia told the CNI.

People queuing for passport renewals.

Hmwar Michael said, "Employers and agents are trying to overcome the problem in one way or another but we don't know exactly. They are trying to get certain documents like special passes. It incurs them more costs. We want the Myanmar authorities to issue or renew the passports of migrant workers in a timely manner so that they can get work and stay permits as soon as possible at reasonable costs. It is convenient for them if passport processes run regularly. I just want to call for it."

At present, it costs a work permit holder Ringgit 250 to renew their passport and for a migrant who does not have a work permit 580 Ringgit to do so.

It costs new applicants for passports Ringgit 280.

CNI News

21 Mar 2023

She accepted the chair of the Arakan Liberation Party because the party central committee proposed her to take the helm of the party, Daw Saw Mya Yazar Lin told the CNI.

Six months after the new politburo was formed, she was urged to take the helm of the party and she accepted the post in consultation with commanders during the leadership crisis.

She told the CNI, "The majority in the party has hoped to see me as a leader for a long time. To be precise, since six months after the formation of the new politburo, I have been urged to take the helm of the party. During the recent leadership crisis, I held consultations with our commanders online and they proposed that I take the chair of the party. So, I accepted the proposal. And Vice Chairman Khaing Ni Aung is a veteran politician, who has been working with the former Chairman Khaing Moe Lin in the Moelin Yazar Column. He might be old but we must respect him for his experience. So, they elected us as the chair and the vice chair of the party."

A statement on the restructuring of the ALP.

Daw Saw Mya Yazar Lin was the vice chairperson of the party and the ALP issued a statement about the restructuring of the party on 19th March, 2023. She was appointed as the chairperson and Khaing Ni Aung was named as the vice chairman, according to the statement.

After the restructuring of the party, she promised to carry out peace and development tasks in Rakhine State and in the entire country.

She told the CNI, "We will work for the stability and development of Rakhine State as much as possible in negotiation with the government. Whichever government takes office, we will talk about peace with it. We are always thinking about peace and development for the people. We are making constant efforts to carry out such tasks."

Daw Saw Mya Yazar Lin and Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

In January, 2022, the then chairman Khaing Ye Khaing and the faction led by Daw Saw Mya Yazar Ling dismissed the then vice chairman Khaing Soe Naing Aung after accusing him of forming a new party.

After the restructuring of the party, former chairman Khaing Ye Khaing was not included in the leaders of the party.

The ALP is one of the ten signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.