CNI News

16 Nov 2022

Myanmar migrants have been warned of protests and travel to other districts they are not allowed to go to, labour activists for Myanmar migrant workers told the CNI.

The summit is scheduled from 16 to 19 November and Thai democracy activists, oppositions, labour and feminist activists are planning to stage protests.

As a result, security has been tightened in the venue of the APEC and related areas in Bangkok.

Preparations for the APEC Summit. (GETTY IMAGES)

Ko Thar Gyi, who has been offering assistance to Myanmar migrant workers, told the CNI, " Thai authorities have announced this officially, the oppositions can secure the release of their citizens who are involved in illegal protests on bail. However, if Myanmar migrants involve in the protest of the opposition, legal action will be taken against them because they are not Thai citizens. The summit is an important one for Thailand, security has been tightened in border areas. Even if labour activists want to stage protests for their rights, they are required to seek permission from authorities."

Thai authorites have announced that legal action will be taken against protestors who come to Bangkok from other provinces during the summit.

Thai authorities are closely monitoring Myanmar migrant workers associations, Consultant U Aung Kyaw of the Migrant Workers Rights Network told the CNI.

He said, "As we are one of the entities which have been pressured by Thai authorities, we can't do anything. They have been pressuring us repeatedly. Don't go to the protests. They will accuse us of tarnishing the image of the country in such an important occasion. As we have been at the forefront of the public movement, they are pressuring us. Those who live in Bangkok may do something else. However, we do not encourage people from other provinces to go to Bangkok as they can be deported to Myanmar. Individuals and organizations are urged to take the issue seriously."

Myanmar migrant workers. (GETTY IMAGES)

U Min Oo of the FED echoed the similar view.

He told the CNI, "Migrant workers are required to bring all official documents if they have to go to other provinces. They should prepare for contacts with their employers and friends. They are now searching not only Myanmar migrants but also for other nationals. It is more important for them to take extra care than before."

Thai authorities have tightened security since October for the summit and been launching stop and check operations.

CNI News

14 Nov 2022

The Peace Process Steering Team announced that it supported the claims of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that she would make a statement after meeting with the central executive committee.

The announcement of the the PPST.

The PPST announced that it supported the announcement that Joe Biden recommended the cooperation of the SAC in implementation of the five consensus.

Currently, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is detained and some CEC members of the NLD have been detained.

CNI News

15 Nov 2022

Many of the Myanmar nationals who were detained for various charges and have served their terms in prisons and camps in Malaysia are facing difficulty returning home, Myanmar communities in Malaysia told the CNI.

They have remained in camps and detention centres as they have lost contacts with families in Myanmar or their friends in Malaysia and they cannot afford air tickets while the Myanmar embassy in Malaysia have been able to send only a few of them back, the communities told the CNI.

U Babu Gyi, who has been offering assistance to Myanmar nationals in Malaysia, told the CNI, "There is a large number of them in crowded camps and detention centres in Malaysia. They have lost contact with their relatives and friends and no one pays for their air tickets. They have faced difficulty returning h and some of them have been stranded there for months. I can help only a few of them because I cannot afford air tickets for all of them because it costs me Ringgit 900 to buy a ticket. I am just an ordinary worker here. If they had passports and NRCs, it would be easier to contact their families."

Hundreds of them are stranded in each camp and detention centre in Malaysia.

Their personal data are required to submit to the Myanmar Embassy in Malaysia, which will issue a certificate of identity after the data have proved to be true and correct.

A prison in Malaysia and a police van.

As they are required to pay Ringgit 900 for air tickets after their data have proved to be true and correct, the process takes a long time and their returns have been delayed, Myanmar communities in Malaysia told the CNI.

As a result, camps and detention centres in Malaysia are crowded with Myanmar nationals.

U Babu Gyi said, "Those who afford ticket fares can return home after they have contacted their families. Moreover, there are many people with the same names. Recently, I went to see a Myanmar woman in a prison but she was not the woman I wanted to see. She has the same name with the woman I wanted to see.
Now, I am looking for a man but there were three people who has the same name as him in the prison. I didn't know which of them was the person I will have to recommend. We have a lot of difficulties offering assistance to them.

Migrants detained in a detention centre in Malaysia.

Daily arrests in Malaysia make prisons and camps there more crowded with illegal migrants, many of whom are suffering from health issues including diarrhea and depression.

Therefore, it is necessary for the Myanmar Embassy in Malaysia to carry out the identification process faster, General Secretary U Chit Kaung of the Association for Assistance of Myanmar Migrant Workers in Malaysia told the CNI.

He said, "In embassies of other countries, they set up teams composed of lawyers, one or two embassy officials to help their citizens who were detained and to reduce their penalties and to return home as soon as possible. If Myanmar authorities set up such teams to help Myanmar migrants as soon as they were arrested, it will be faster and easier for Myanmar migrants to get home without delays."

In the past, the Myanmar Embassy in Malaysia often arranged free flights for those who cannot afford air tickets to bring them back home but it has not been able to do so recently, according to Myanmar communities in Malaysia.

CNI News

15 Nov 2022

Division among Rakhine resistance groups bodes ill for the revolution, Vice Chairperson Daw Saw Mya Yazar Lin of the Arakan Liberation Army told the CNI.

Some fake Facebook accounts are currently spreading false news to create misconceptions among the public and there are differences among revolutionary groups with the same visions.

She told the CNI, "There are many groups of people who support them or us. What is inappropriate is that social media attacks are launched by many fake Facebook accounts to create not only misconceptions and distrusts among the public. Although we cannot pinpoint exactly who are behind the attacks, it is thought that the attacks are being launched by supporters of different revolutionary groups. There is division among different revolutionary groups. It does not bode will for the future. As the groups are fighting under different flags through different means, there are differences although they have the same vision. This may also cause differences among the supporters of different groups. It does not augur well for the nationalist revolution."

 A road junction in Rakhine State.

On 10th November, the ALP announcded that its central committee member Khaing Mya Thar was arrested by the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army on 7th November, 2022.

The ULA/AA denied the accusation and it was learnt that the central committee member was detained by other ALP members, Rakhine Politician U Pe Than told the CNI, adding that the public support for the revolution is not likely to be undermined although the two groups are opposing each other.

He said, "We are not worried about the situation. The ULA is able to controol the entire Rakhine State on the ground. Although the ALP was formed earlier, it does not have more than 100 members. On the other hand, the ULA has taken over many camps of the junta and build up their own military posts as well. It has routed military troops and controlled various areas. The ALP does not have a military post in the country and it is also engaging in peace talks with the junta without any opposition to and clashes with it. The ALP may return to the legal fold and enter parliamentary politics. It may become a border guard force or a reseve force. Although there are differences between the two oppsing groups, public support for the revolution is unlikely to be divided and the ULA has been able to win the hearts of the people. Public support and the situation on the ground is in ULA's favour. Public support cannot be divided."

A delegation led by Daw Saw Mya Yazar Lin in Maijaryan in July, 2016.

The ALP announced that 17 of its members had been detained by the ULA/AA.

The ULA/AA, the ALP and the Arakan Nation Council/Arakan Army are active in Rakhine State.

The ALP is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement while the ULA/AA and ANC/AA are still fighting against the junta.

CNI News

13 Nov 2022

As the United States has imposed sanctions on Myanmar, there is no good news for Myanmar economy even if the House of Representatives dominated by the Democrats is replaced by the Republicans, according to Myanmar politics and economy observers.

Mid-term elections were held in the US on 8th November and as Republicans led by former President Donald Trump are likely to gain ground at the House of Representatives, Ukrainians are worried about the potential losses of military assistance from the US while Myanmar expects the easing of economic sanctions.

Mid-terms elections are not likely to have an impact on Myanmar economy and leadership change in the US has impacts on Myanmar, a Myanmar economic observer told the CNI.

Myanmar nationals queuing for daily meals at charities in Myanmar due to the economic crisis.

He said, " I can't see any direct impact. Mid-term elections are not important for US policies. Some new governors will take office. This always happens every two or four years. There is no impact on Myanmar. If the leadership was to be changed, there would be impacts. No significant change will take place. We will have to wait until 2024 to see whether the Republicans win the presidency. If the Republicans win, they won't tighten sanctions against us. At present, the US is tightening sanctions against us phase by phase."

There were speculations that support for Ukraine might be reduced if the Republicans dominate the House of Representatives, which is likely to lead the war to negotiations and the oil and dollar markets are likely to be stable.

The US has imposed sanctions on Myanmar generals who ousted the civilian government, resulting in an economic crisis.

Workers returning after work to the other side of the Yangon River in Dala.

As a result, the prices of consumer products and medicine and fuel are skyrocketing while US$ exchange rates are soaring.

Therefore, the SAC is trying to ease the crisis by importing oil from Russia.

Political Observer U Ye Tun told the CNI, "The support for Ukraine may be reduced but sanctions on Myanmar will not be lifted. If more sanctions are imposed on Myanmar, the country will have to rely on Russia for fuel. They will have to think about a better channel to import fuel from Russia via India or China."

The current political situation depends largely on the domestic political landscape rather than on the international community. political observers and economists pointed out that the economy of Myanmar mainly rests on stability and proper economic policies.

CNI News

13 Nov 2022

Four Karen armed factions will reunify eventually in the future , Col Saw San Aung of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army told the CNI.

If Karen armed factions reunify, the Karen people will be glad, he added.

He told the CNI, "We have yet to discuss the details but we are standing under the Karen National Flag in the near future. There will be no problems for armed factions of the same ethic group to reunify. The Karen people will be happy if all factions can reunify. As there are many factions, the people have to pay taxes at various gates of each group and taxes have been a burden for the public."

Col, Saw San Aung.(KNU)

He also added that it would take time for the four factions to reunify and the current political situation of the country was complicated and reunification was possible when the country was stable.

Led by the Karen National Union, leaders of Karen armed factions inclding the DKBA, the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army/Peace Council and the Border Guard Force in Karen State met with the people and discussed a peace deal.

The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win and Chief of Staff Gen Saw Johnny of the KNU, and Vice Chairperson Naw Kapaw Htoo from the KNU/KNLA/PC.

Leaders of Karen armed groups meet in Kyar Inn Village in Hlaingbwe Township, Karen State on 11th November, 2022.(KNU)

Col Saw San Aung said, "Karen armed factions have been cooperating since 2013 by forming a reunification committee. However, we did not announce it publicly.  As the committee was formed without convening a conference, there were weaknesses. At yesterday's meeting, we revealed the public that we had been working to that end since 2013. We also hold discussions to avoid bloodshed among our factions."

The four Karen armed factions are active in Karen State.

Among them, the KNU, the DKBA and the KNU/KNLA/PC are signatories to the NCA and BGF is under the command of the military.

CNI News

13 Nov 2022

SAC Chairman Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said it was important to exert efforts to hold the general election with the support of the majority of the people.

The general made the remark at the meeting 9/2022 of the SAC on 11th November, 2022.

He said, "It is vital that the upcoming general election is free and fair. Only when it is held properly with the support of the majority of the people in all constituencies, will the elected government be able to carry out its tasks successfully. We are exerting efforts to hold the general election to the best of our abilities."

A voter casts ballots.

He, then, pointed out the needs to hold elections in all constituencies in all states and regions and to elect ethnic representatives for the parliament. He also said that he had explained to EAOs that the  PR system would allow ethnic representatives to win seats at the parliament and that some of them had accepted the proposal.

The general added that, "Efforts are being made to hold a free and fair multi-party democracy general election in accordance with the 2008 constitution as scheduled and to transfer power to the winning in accordance with democratic norms."

He continued to say that elections were held in 325 townships in the first general election, in 323 townships in the second general election and 315 townships in the third general election.

The Karenni National Progressive Party.

The SAC announced that a general election would be held in August, 2023 and it would transfer power to the winning party.

The Karenni National Progressive Party  and the Chin state defence forces issued a statement urging political parties in Kayah and Chin state not to contest in the upcoming elections.

Similarly, Acting President Duwa Lashi La of the National Unity Government has also vowed to disrupt the elections to be held by the SAC.

Political parties in the country  are also questioning the general election to be held by the SAC.

CNI News

12 Nov 2022

The ASEAN special envoy's visit to Myanmar could not be able to resolve the current crisis in Myanmar, Political Analyst U Ye Tun told the CNI.

ASEAN's special envoy to Myanmar Prak Sokhonn is planning to visit Myanmar in November.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at a court.

U Ye Tun said, " Even if the special envoy was allowed to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, what would they talk about? Nothing significant will emerge from their talks

He told the CNI , " The special envoy would be able to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi but what would they discuss .It would be difficult for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to give her opinion because she has not known the political situation in Myanmar. So, we cannot hope much from their meeting. It would be just a beginning.So, we cannot hope much from the meeting."

On 10th November, ASEAN leaders agreed to review the implementation of the five-point consensus of the organization and the current situation in Myanmar.

The ASEAN is toothless about resolving the crisis in Myanmar, Chairman U Thar Tun Hla of the ANP told the CNI.

Democracy protests. (Frontier Myanmar)

He said, " It has been about two years since the five-point consensus of the ASEAN has been adopted. Nothing has been implemented. They will have to decide whether they will just deliver humanitarian aid or further implement the five-point consensus. It is impossible to implement the consensus at present."

During his visit to Myanmar in July 202, the ASEAN special envoy met with the SAC chairman, the foreign minister and members of the PPST but was not allowed to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The SAC promised the special envoy to meet Daw Aung Sun Suu Kyi during the upcoming visit of the special envoy;

CNI News

12 Nov 2022

As Thailand has tightened security at home and abroad, Myanmar nationals who visit Thailand by air are required to submit all official documents to Thai authorities, labour activists for Myanmar workers told the CNI.

Thai authorities have tightened the security as they are hosting the 9th APEC summit and further security measures are likely to be imposed, according to them.

Thai Royal Police. (Bangkok Post)

Ko Thar Gyi, who has been offering help to Myanmar migrant workers, told the CNI, "Although it is true that Thai authorities have tightened the security for the summit, they have always been searching for illegal migrants. Currently, they are targeting Myanmar nationals. When Myanmar national visit Thailand with tourist visas, they target Myanmar nationals by checking whether they have required show money, have booked hotel rooms, and so on. I think Thai authorities are doing so under a certain agreement between them under a new policy. Some migrants abandoned their official documents and stay here. So, Thai authorities check everything from show money to hotel bookings. Some Myanmar visitors come to Thailand with only one thousand Baht. So, such people face problems"

In recent days, some Myanmar nationals visiting Thailand could submit show money and round trip tickets to Thailand, but they were denied entry as they had not booked hotel rooms in advance.

Later, the Myanmar Embassy in Thailand issued a statement on 10th November, saying that Myanmar nationals visiting Thailand are required to submit show money, tickets for round trips and evidence for hotel bookings or accommodation to stay.

The police inspect tourists at an airport.

Myanmar individuals are required to submit US$ worth 10,000 Baht while each family is required to show 20,000 US$.

Some airport authorities, in cooperation with agents, asked for bribe from Myanmar nationals who cannot provide sufficient documents, Labour Activist U Min Oo of the FED told the CNI.

He said, "As far as we know, they could not communicate in Thai language and authorities promised to let them go if someone guaranteed for them. However, at late night, they were ransomed for as much as Baht 10,000 for their release.However, it is important that we need to submit all the required documents including the return tickets, hotel bookings and addresses because Thailand is hosting the APEC summit. So, they are tightening the security not only at borders but also at airports."

Although security has been tightened, some migrants were not arrested when they met with empathetic officers and unfortunate ones were deported to Myanmar.

Thai authorities are tightening the security at its airports but they are scrutinizing Myanmar nationals more than others.