CNI News

4 September 2024

As most Thai businesses are depending on Myanmar workers, every one is monitoring from which businesses Myanmar workers are making money for Thailand. 

Myanmar workers outnumber the workers from other countries in most of the businesses in Thailand; Myanmar workers are mainly working in export industry, aqua product industry and construction.

Moreover, the Thai authorities are getting money by arresting Myanmar migrants and from unscrupulous collaboration with brokers in providing service for legal documents, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs of the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

" The Thai authorities are getting money even without much corruption. All the migrant workers have to depend on brokers when they apply for legal documents. The workers can't do anything about legal documents. If they hire brokers, they don't have to understand all about this. So, the government departments and brokers are unscrupulously collaborating to get money kind of." he said.

Moreover, because rich Myanmar people are buying condos, visas and other services, the Thai authorities are earning income.

Although the Thai authorities pay migrant workers for social security, deaths and injuries, there are only a small amount. 

While seeing a condo showroom in Thailand

Moreover, a migrant worker doesn't enjoy its right fully in the workplace, said those who carrying out for migrant workers' right.

The Thai authorities are trying to exploit migrant workers without carrying out anything for the benefit of migrant workers, U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Right Foundation (LRF) told CNI News.

" The authorities are weak in repaying the migrant workers. They are mainly interested in improving productivity and gaining a lot of profits from exporting to other countries. They don't take into account how to provide the best service to Myanmar migrant workers. They ask migrant workers for money for residence permit and  work permit." he said.

Although the Thai authorities has stated that they would issue Thai pink cards to undocumented migrant workers, anything exact about it has not been released up to now.

Moreover, the Thai authorities are arresting undocumented migrant workers with a 120 day plan and over 100,000 Myanmar migrant workers reportedly have been arrested.

CNI News

4 September  2024

Military and political analysts are variously reviewing in relation to what will happen next after the Three Brotherhood - the Arakan Army (AA), the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) are announced as terrorist organizations. 

The TNLA and the MNDAA are destroying the public security, lives and properties of the people, important infrastructure, state-owned buildings, road and bridges. 

So, using the authority that are included in sub-section 4 and 6 of Section.6 of the anti-terrorism law, they are announced as terrorist organizations, stated the anti-terrorism center on 2nd September 2024.

Although the announcement was released, there was no reason why battles would break out more severely and battles had reached the mainland area, U Myo Kyaw from the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News.

" We can estimate whether the Tatmadaw can do more. How much military strength does it have? The war is not breaking out in the same place. Now battles are leading to even Naypyidaw rather than middle part of the country when it could threaten. Since before, it was bombing and shooting with heavy weapons all out. It won't make any difference, I think." he said.

Moreover, lifting the announcement of the AA as an terrorist organization was cancelled under sub-section (e) and (b) of Section.6 of the anti-terrorism law, stated the center for anti-terrorism on 2nd September 2024.

While the SAC releases the announcement as terrorist groups

Because rival groups could respond to the announcement as terrorist organizations, it would be worrisome for the people, a resident of Sittwe told CNI News.

" In my opinion, battles will break out more. Although the curfew has been released after 9:00 pm in Sittwe, we have been hearing cracks of guns since about 7:00 pm. We are worried. We are scared. We are not sure that the AA troops are here in Sittwe. Because the Tatmadaw government is surely in the city, we are afraid of the government. I doesn't dare to go to the clinic when it's about 9:00 pm even I'm ill. They will arrest me although I say I come back from the clinic. We have no authority. They announce the AA and its two allies as terrorist organizations. The other side will respond as well. So, there could be a lot of worries for the people." she said.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance launched Operation-1027 on 27th October 2023 and battles broke out severely in northern Shan State and Rakhine State. 

However, because of the China's mediation, Haigen Agreement was reached between the two sides and the ceasefire was conducted. However, battles resumed between the two sides in the end of June, 2024.

Because the State Administration Council has announced the AA, the MNDAA and the TNLA as terrorist organizations, one or any organization that provided them with arms and ammunition or one or organizations that provide them with refuge or food will be taken action against under the anti-terrorism law.

Because the Myanmar Tatmadaw has warned individuals or organizations that are supporting the AA, the MNDAA and the TNLA, the Myanmar Tatmadaw could put military pressure on them, reviewed military analysts.

CNI News

4 September 2024

There are discussions about how the State Administration Council (SAC) will make up for the closure of border trade camps among businessmen and economic analysts. 

As the SAC get not only the tax from border trade camps for the country but also foreign currencies, the country loses gaining foreign currencies. 

However, traders are illegally If the border trade activities were conducted after trade camps were built in other places, it would be so difficult; so legal border trade could be restarted only when territorial stability has been carried out first, U Aung Pyit Sone, a businessman, told CNI News.

" Even if a small border trade camp is built, it is necessary to have government departments such as commerce, custom, police force and general administration there. But it's not easy to build such a small border camp if there is no territorial stability. If there is no stability, the country will be tax losses. Only if there is territorial stability, will the border trade be restarted. Illegal trade won't bring any benefits for the country." he said.

While seeing the Muse 105 Mile trade zone

Although Myanmar is earning foreign currencies from imports and exports, because the policies on import and export have been tightened, it is not convenient for importers and exporters.

If the government wanted import and export industries to facilitate, it would need to relax in some parts, an economic analyst told CNI News.

" At present, normal trade is being carried out. If the government wants to conduct the trade quickly, it needs to relax many things especially in export because it can get a lot of foreign currencies on if it can export a lot. 25 percent of export earnings must be exchanged at the price designated up to now. Next, whenever export is conducted, it is necessary to have a license. License is needed for both import and export. But the government wants export to conduct quickly, it should relax things it can." he said.

The SAC has instructed traders to start the barter system between the trading partners to reduce the foreign currency demand, according to traders.

While preparations are being made to export rice

However, the barter system is so out of date that no country uses it anymore, reviewed people.

" In my opinion, it's not easy to use the barter system for the time being. The barter system arose before the currency unit was invented. Because it was difficult to define a unit, a currency system arose. The currency system must center the technique. Then, how will the technique be centered? Ways and means are not convenient in the modern times." said U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert.

If the barter system was used, trade would be reduced and because there will be a wide gap between the products that trading partner countries want to import and the products that Myanmar wants to export, it will be difficult. 

At last, the people will suffer the trading difficulties.

CNI News

4 September 2024

Political and military analysts are reviewing in relation to how the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) would respond China that warned it to stop fighting. 

The Ruili City State Security Committee sent the TNLA a warning letter in which the committee warmed the TNLA to stop fighting immediately and to maintain the peace and stability in northern Shan State and the China-Myanmar border areas on 29th August 2024.

The TNLA must guarantee the securities relating to civilians in the China-Myanmar border areas and businesses of Chinese citizens in Myanmar; the TNLA carry out to end military activities that can damage the peace and stability of the Chinese border as well as the properties and lives of Chinese citizens. 

Otherwise, the TNLA must be responsible for all the consequences, said in the letter.

The TNLA is taking part in the Shan-Man operation and the battles won't stop, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" Generally speaking, the TNLA won't talk back, but it will continue. It won't conduct fighting around and in Muse. But it is fighting around Pyin Oo Lwin. And it is participating in Operation Shan-Man. It will go on what it should do, I think." he said.

While seeing the letter sent by China to the TNLA

The National Unity Consultant Council (NUCC) condemned the rude threat on the TNLA and the revolution of the Myanmar people, released the announcement by the NUCC on 31st August 2024.

The TNLA wouldn't be able to go on fighting without the China's help. So, the TNLA must comply with the China's warning, said a political commentator.

" The TNLA can't build a powerful military strength without the China's support with its population. China told the TNLA that it has received the territories it should get. Don't go on fighting. That is, for  the self-administration. China told the TNLA that China would demand more than the current area for the TNLA. But don't try to damage Myanmar. China would say so. The TNLA will comply with the China's warning." he said.

Because of the China's mediation, although the ceasefire was conducted between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood, battles resumed between the two sides in the end of June.

And then, battles spread until Mogok, Madaya, Sintku and Thabeikkyin in Mandalay Region including northern Shan State. Currently, battles are breaking out in Nawnghkio, Kyaukme and Thibaw in northern Shan State.

CNI News

4 September 2024

It is difficult to sell highway bus tickets to the Rakhine and Shan State locals, according to highway bus lines. 

If the passengers from Shan and Rakhine States were carried on the bus, because they were questioned more and the trip was delayed, it was difficult to sell them, said an official from a Yangon-Meiktila-Mandalay bus line.

" If locals from Rakhine, Shan States and Sagaing Region are on the bus, the trip is delayed. If the locals from Rakhine State are on the bus, it gets worse. It's not convenient. If the young men are on the bus, it gets worse." he said.

If the passengers who have held UID cards were on the bus, it reportedly would be more convenient. 

At present, it is convenient for older people to travel and youths are mainly checked, according to highway bus lines. 

The roads to Rakhine and Shan State have been closed, said the bus lines.

However, the Information Team of the SAC has answered to media that all ethnic groups could travel with no one being restricted.

Regarding the news was coming out of directions so as not to sell Palaung, Kokang and Wa nationalities holding 13 stroke (Shan State) national registration cards at the highway bus terminals, information team answered that.

Checks and verifications were being mainly conducted in the border areas related to online scams or Zha Pian, which was included in the answer.

CNI News
1 September 2024

Efforts must be made to make dignified Hluttaw and election emerge, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council while he was meeting with the government of Bago Region.

Census-taking activities would be conducted in October this year to ensure accuracy of ballot information. So, it was necessary to make an all-out effortfor the 100% collection capacity in Bago Region in carrying out census-taking within Bago Region, he said.

" Efforts must be made to hold an orderly general election and national responsibilities must be handed over to the government that emerges from the election; efforts must be made to make the election and Hluttaw as well as to have meetings quorum in the Hluttaws and to be able to hold dignified meetings of the Hluttaw as well as to enable designated representatives to attend the Hluttaws." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Only if those who should be included in the Hluttaws in the respective regions were included, would there be representation in the parliament, he said. Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that a general election would be held in 2025 and the State power would be handed over to the winning party.

At present, the Union Election Committee has allowed over 50 political parties to register.

However, it has refused a powerful Arakan National Party in Rakhine State to register.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) that is powerful throughout the country and the Shan and Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) that is powerful  in Shan State did not register.

China would support the election that would be held by the SAC and wanted all the stakeholders to participate in the election, said Chinese FM Wang Yi while he was meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on 14th August.

CNI News
1 September 2024

As the leaders who will rule the country in future, they need to work for the benefit of the people, chairman of the Tailai (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) Sai Htay Aung told CNI News.

As citizens, they need to love their country more than individuals; a political leader's mistake can ruin the country, he said.

" Now if we review the current conflict that is taking place in the country, it's because citizens love individuals more than the country. If every citizen loves the country more than individuals, there is no reason for this problem to occur. So, both politicians and military leaders need to work for the sake of the people. A political leader's mistake can ruin the country. A military leader's mistake can make his comrades die. When the political leader and the military leader are wrong, the country has been worn out already. So, I'd like to tell the leaders to work for the sake of the people. And I want to urge the citizens to love the country more than individuals." said Sai Htay Aung.

Political change caused by the disagreement of the leaders of the country which started on 1st February 2021 caused a crisis to the people, pointed out political circles.

While seeing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

And then, armed conflicts broke out across the country and some international organizations imposed sanctions on Myanmar and devaluation of Myanmar kyat has arisen.

It was not easy to solve armed conflict by arms; political problems must be solved by political dialogue to create stability for the people, chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party Mahn Aung Pyi Soe told CNI News.

" It's not easy to solve armed conflict by arms. This method has been used for over 70 years. It will be able to be solved at the political roundtable, I think. Influential politicians, parties and scholars will gather and discuss at the roundtable. If they meet and solve problems with love for the country and with desire for peace, an answer will be produced, I hope." he said.

Political disagreements that started on 1st February 2021 cannot be solved up to now. Houses of the people were damaged or burned down. Moreover, they are facing injuries and deaths, higher commodity prices and scarcity of jobs.

CNI News

31 August 2024

If the people change from PV (passport for visit) to PJ (passport for job), will they be allowed to go abroad to work? Businessmen and those performing for the issues of migrant workers are asking that question. 

If the problems emerged between employers and workers, because the problems could not be solved with PV, if the people went abroad to work, they'd better to go abroad with PJ, Ministry of Labor notified through state-owned media.

Why are the people who will go abroad to work for their families' livelihood and  other reasons being controlled? 

This question must be asked. 

He wondered if the people would be allowed to go abroad easily if they follow the instructions, U Aung Pyit Sone, a businessman, told CNI News.

" How fast will PVs be changed into PJs for those who will go abroad to work? How many OWIC (Overseas Workers Identity Card) cards will be issued? The problem is that
They work outside because the business at home is not good. If the door is closed, they will be only there to starve. If the people do what they ask, will they provide service easily? Because they will allow those who have PJs and OWIC cards. The people with PV went abroad and are working there and the number of them is many. How did they allow them to go abroad? " he said.

Because PJ holders who will go abroad to work are allowed on an age limit, they are making preparations to go abroad with PVs. After those conditions occurred, the passport issuing office banned changing from PJ to PV.

While seeing place inside the Yangon Airport

Allowing those with PJs to go abroad on an age limit has existed up to now; the Ministry of Labor has announced to lift the limitation; however, if those with PVs change to be ones with PJs to go abroad to work, they are questioning whether the restriction will be relaxed.

Not everybody who went abroad with PV was to work there, In charge of labor affairs from the FED, U Min Oo told CNI News. 

" Those who will go abroad with PJ must have OWIC cards. They must have jobs in the country where they will go to. Because they have to go abroad with MoU, they don't have enough time to complete all the evidence. So, they went abroad with PVs at first and they work if they are hired for jobs. If they aren't, they won't." he said.

If those with PV went abroad, they would be sent back at the airport; they would be allowed only if there was someone who would give recommendation for them, which are spreading on social media. 

Although CNI News asked an official from the immigration department about it, there was no one who would answer the phone.

Government departments are restricting and controlling people who are going to work abroad in all various ways and it affect the State because it could lose tax. 

Moreover, it could affect the public livelihood. 

So, restricting those who will go abroad to work should relax, pointed out people.

CNI News

31 August 2024

The Chinese government sent the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) a warning letter in which the TNLA must stop fighting at once on 29th August 2024. 

The Chinese side said that its military exercises were about to finish on the Chinese side and hoped the TNLA stopped fighting at once and would cooperate with China to maintain the peace and stability in the China-Myanmar border areas.

“Fighting must stop immediately in order to maintain stability and peace on the China-Myanmar border and protect the lives of Chinese citizens. Actions must be taken to eliminate dangerous military behavior that can affect the peace and stability on the China-Myanmar border and the lives and properties of the Chinese citizens. Otherwise, the Chinese will use more ways that would make fear and obedience emerge and the TNLA must be “responsible for the consequences." said the Chinese side in the letter.

While seeing the letter sent by China to the TNLA

In cooperation with the MNDAA, the AA, the MDY-PDF, the DPLA and the PLA, the TNLA waged Operation-1027 on 27th October 2023 and captured Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Kutkai, Namtu, Mong Ngor and Monglon Townships in northern Shan State during the operation.

And then, the TNLA waged second part of Operation-1027 and seized control of Kyaukme and Nawnghkio Townships in northern Shan State as well as Mogok and Momeik Townships in Mandalay Region.

In the same way, the TNLA helped the MDY-PDF to seize control of Madaya, Sintku and Thabeikkyin regions. 

Moreover, the TNLA and the MDY-PDF are making preparations to attack Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay City. Because of the battles, the China-Myanmar border trade has suspended, and towns and villages were damaged in the region.

While seeing the MDY-PDF

Although the Haigen Discussion has been held up to five times at the China's mediation so as to stop fighting, the sixth discussion cannot be held up to now.

After that, China conducted military exercises, including live-fire drills along the China-Myanmar border.

China hoped that the TNLA would come back to the right track as soon as possible so as to promote peacemaking and to negotiate and solve the disagreements, said in the letter.