CNI News

18 June 2024

Overseas employment agencies were finding it difficult because they were asked to present remittance accounts of workers they sent to foreign countries, said overseas employment agencies.

The agencies must submit whether the workers they sent abroad transfer 25 percent of their basic salaries to their families within Myanmar, said in the letter released by the Ministry of Labor a few days ago. 

So, they were finding it difficult, an official from the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation, told CNI News.

" The agencies that can't submit remittance accounts, they will be suspended. The workers will transfer their money to their families on their own plans. They probably will transfer 25 percent of their basic salary to their families through the banking system. We have to submit remittance accounts of the workers. We can't go and take their money. We can't ask them to transfer their money by force. We, agencies, told them all to transfer money through the banking system. Some of them transferred money, I think. Others have to transfer money plus interests." he said.

Those who have signed the contract with agencies to go abroad

25 percent of basic salary must be transferred to the families within Myanmar through an official channel, said in the contracts between the workers and overseas employment agencies. 

However, it was difficult to enforce the contract, overseas employment agencies told CNI News.

Because of the difficulties like this, it was a situation where the ministry and agencies have to renegotiate, U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News.

Dollar and kyat

" We have sent so many workers abroad. They are from many different parts of the country. It's not easy for us to go to their native places to collect remittance accounts. Agencies are asked to do so. Agencies must take responsibility. But it's not easy. It will be convenient only if the ministry present difficulty to the top officials. We can work only if they relax." he said.

As the age of the people who will go abroad to work has been limited, the business of overseas employment agencies is showing the red reportedly. 

So, agencies are sending workers from the old demand letters and as the rate of cost from the new demand letters in the neighboring country has been high, agencies can't send new workers abroad reportedly.

CNI News

18 June 2024

There were onion cultivations in Meiktila District, Mandalay Region and by carrying out to improve the yield of onion, it could help regional and national economies a lot, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC). 

He said the above while he was meeting with elders of the town and departmental officials.

After carrying out to improve the yield of onion, it could exported to local and abroad; moreover, onion-based value-added products could be produced; so onion should be produced and sold all the year round, urged Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Although there were onion cultivations in Meiktila District many years ago, it could produce 80 vises. 

However, starting from the last 3 years, locals have been expanding cultivation in the district and at present, the onion yield of the district has been the same as those of Myingyan and Pakokku Districts, U Aung Myint, an onion trader from Myingyan, told CNI News.

" Onion was cultivated on a small scale many years ago, but since three years ago, locals from Meiktila, Pyawbwe, Thaedaw and Wundwin have been expanding onion cultivation. Onion was not cultivated in Thaedaw and Wundwin Townships. Now the onion production of these regions, Pyawbwe and Meiktila has been the same as those of Myingyan and Pakokku districts. There are creeks in Taungtha and Myingyan Townships and there are not creeks in Thaedaw and Wundwin, but the quality of the onions from Thaedaw and Wundwin is even better." he said.

While seeing Myanmar onion

Summer onion only is grown in Meiktila District and locals start growing it in December and it is produced in March reportedly. 

Myanmar onion is being exported to China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. Fried onion is being produced as a value-added product and distributed all over the country by the lakh viss reportedly.

Some businessmen were exporting fried onion to foreign countries, U Thaung Naing, an onion trader, told CNI News.

"As a finished product of onion, the main is fried onion. First, onion is dried. And then it is fried. And then fried onion is exported. The fried onion that is being sold within the country is the export reject and the fried onion produced in Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Regions that is distributed all over the country is about 100,000 vises." he said.

Although Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing urged locals to grow onion in Meiktila District for availability throughout the year, because the amount of water available from the creeks was low, the lack of rainfall and the fields were higher, it might be difficult to grow onion in the rainy season, said onion farmers. 

Moreover, if rainfed onion was grown, the yield might be lower and it could affect the yield of summer onion, they said.

CNI News

18 June 2024

The State Administration Council (SAC) was making preparations so that a free and fair multi-party democratic general election could be held, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC. 

He said the above while he was meeting with Meiktila district and township level departmental officials and elders of the town on 15th June, 2024.

"We are carrying out in order to be able to conduct population and census taking during October this year and making preparations so that a free and fair multi-party democratic general election in 2025." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

By reason of politics, if they did not not carry out the work that they must do, progress would be delayed, he added. 

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with departmental officials in Meiktila

Census-taking would be conducted all over the country and a general election would be held in 2025 after which Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing seemed to hand over the State power to the winning party in 2026, reviewed political analysts.

Armed conflicts are taking place across the country and because of territorial instability and weak rule of law, in practice, it is impossible to hold elections, pointed out some people.

Not only was it necessary for the SAC to end the armed conflicts, it needed to implement territorial stability and rule of law, said political parties.

CNI News

17 June 2024

Because there was an abundance of migrant workers on the Thai-Myanmar border, the Thai employers didn't want to raise wages or salaries, those who are carrying out for the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News. 

The number of migrant workers has increased by two times than before on the Thai-Myanmar border. 

If the workplace and the number of workers were compared, as the number of workers was more, the Thai employers didn't want to raise wages and salaries, U Moe Kyaw, associate secretary of the Yaung Chi Oo Workers Organization, told CNI News.

" The Thai government has said that it would raise wages and salaries. The Thai trade unions are demanding to raise wages and salaries. It is being discussed at the parliament. But employers on the border don't want to raise wages and salaries because the number of workers is very large." he said.

Myanmar workers who have arrived in the Labor Registration Office in Samut Sakhon District, Thailand (Photo-EPA)

The reason why there has been a sharp increase in the number of workers on the border is because so many people have entered Thailand for many reasons. 

So, financial scandals have arisen because the workers have to make documents for residence permits and security cases.

The reports that migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have to go to the border to renew their visas and work permit in February, 2025 have come out, according to the people performing the affairs of migrant workers.

If they must renew like that, workers and worker organizations should demand to renew on the Thai side, U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Rights Foundation, told CNI News.

While a Myanmar worker in a factory in Pathum Thani City, Thailand was recorded in 2018 (photo- AFP)

" We have always demanded to provide service for all the documents within Thailand only. But if they have to renew their documents on the border, because they will no danger to their lives or other troubles rather than going to their native country to renew, it won't affect in a big way." he said.

After the Thai government approved to issue the Thai pink ID cards to undocumented foreigners, an operation that will last four months is being planned by the Thai government to arrest undocumented foreigners.

So, undocumented people should travel and work with care and should try to get the Thai pink ID cards, suggested the people helping migrant workers.

CNI News

17 June 2024

Because ethnic armed organizations and the Myanmar Tatmadaw are making more military preparations in northern Shan State, locals are worried that battles will resume. 
Battles may resume in northern Shan State and the locals who could afford have fled to safety, a resident of Kyaukme, told CNI News.

" Political and military situations are not good in northern Shan State. Battles can resume. Those who could flee have fled to safety. Those who couldn't flee have to be living in fear. Moreover, locals suffer from higher commodity price." he said.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw is reinforcing forces in northern Shan State and at the same time, the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA) is making preparations for the military affairs reportedly.

While seeing the TNLA

If the TNLA launched an offensive against the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) probably would join the TNLA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw would be on the defensive condition, a Myanmar political analyst, told CNI News.

" The Myanmar Tatmadaw just can respond as a defensive action. We heard the Tatmadaw is making preparations for offensive, but we have never seen it. The TNLA may launch an offensive and then, the MNDAA might join the TNLA. To tell you the truth, battles can resume. " he said.

Because armed conflicts are breaking out across the country, the public was receiving just a little assistance, battles might resume at any time, said a resident of Kyaukme. 

While seeing the MNDAA

" If they are in trouble, they can't even save each other. when the IDPs came to our region by the thousand, we helped them with food and other things. When our urban areas are unstable, where shall we flee to? When the people from rural areas run towards cities, they have things to depend. Because battles can break out at any time, we find it difficult." he said.

The TNLA and the MNDAA were able to capture many townships in northern Shan State during Operation-1027 that was started on 27th October, 2023 by the Three Brotherhood Alliance.

At the China's mediation, the Haigen ceasefire agreement was reached and then a ceasefire arose in northern Shan State. However, military tensions between the two sides have increased. 

At present, the TNLA is approaching towards Lashio City with a lot of forces and the Myanmar Tatmadaw also excavated the Mandalay-Namtu road and cut the transportation reportedly.

CNI News

17 June 2024

U Zakhung Ting Ying, leader of the Border Guard Force in Kachin State ordered the Kachin Border Force and militias serving in Hsawlaw, Chipwi Townships and Kanpaikti Subtownship to attack and crush down the Kachin Independence Army and Kachin People's Defense Force in a letter issued on 7th June 2024 released by U Zakhung Ting. 

Ying. Commanders of the border guard force battalions 1001, 1002 and 1003 and regional militias have been ordered to decisively attack and crush down the KIA/PDF joint forces who come into to attack, kill and destroy by U Zakhung Ting Ying, chairman of the Special Region-1 of Kachin State, said in the letter.

" As the KIA/PDF joint forces have invaded to destroy the State and the peace and tranquility of the ethnic people's lives, the Border Guard Force and militias serving in Hsaw Law, Chipwi Townships and Kanpaiti Subtownship have been ordered to decisively defense, attack and crush down the KIA/PDF joint forces for every inch." said U Zakhung Ting Ying.

While seeing the statement released by U Zakhung Ting Ying

The BGF and militias must prevent and crush down any enemies who entered their region. The enemies must not be allowed to go back, said in the letter.

At present, the KIA/PDF joint forces enter and are attacking the territories of U Zakhung Ting Ying and trying to control the Kanpaiti border trade. 

And then, U Zakhung Ting Ying's BGF troops and militia are defensing and fighting back against the KIA/PDF joint forces.

U Zakhung Ting Ying seceded from the Burma Communist Party in 1989 and made peace with the Tatmadaw. And then, he established the New Democratic Army – Kachin (NDA-K) and in 2009 the NDA-K was changed into the Border Guard Force.

Hsaw Law, Kanpaiti, Panwa and Sadon that were controlled by U Zakhung Ting Ying were designated as the Kachin State Special Region-1 in 1989.by  the Tatmadaw.

CNI News

17 June 2024

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has not received the instruction regarding the demand of TNLA to intervene and solve the growing problem between the KIA and the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA), Col. Nawbu, information officer of the KIA told CNI News. 

A letter requesting the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) to intervene and resolve the territorial and administrative disputes between the KIA and the TNLA arose.

There has been no instruction from the above about it and they still didn't know it as well, said Col. Nawbu. 

" Our information department hasn't received any instruction from the above. I don't know whether the letter has reached the members of our central committee or they negotiated and discussed with their counterparts. We haven't instructed yet." he said.

While seeing the TNLA and two comrades of the TNLA

The KIA was hindering the Baw Ho Kyant mining activities in Uilaw-Mong Baw region under the management of the TNLA, administrative activities in Mangtong, Namtu and Kutkai regions and trying to operate education and health services for the general public, said in the letter of the TNLA.

Because of the actions of the KIA, several engagements between the KIA troops and the TNLA troops were taking place on the ground, the situation that was difficult to control reached. 

So, the TNLA requested the FPNCC to intervene and resolve the problems between the two sides, said in the letter sent by the TNLA to the FPNCC.

The FPNCC contains the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP), the TNLA, the KIA, the Arakan Army (AA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA).

While seeing two comrades of the TNLA

Although CNI News contacted the TNLA by phone about it, it made no answer. However, the problems had been resolved through political discussions with its ally EAOs and other armed organizations, Lwe Ye Oo, information officer of the TNLA, told CNI News by the end of May.

they have to find a solution through negotiation to avoid conflict, U Aye Maung from the Ta'ang National Party (TNP) told CNI News.

" In my opinion, to find a solution through negotiation is the best to avoid the conflict. As a member of the Hluttaw, I don't want to talk about it thoroughly. We, politicians don't want to comment about military affairs." he said.

The TNLA has captured Mangtong, Nansang, Namkham, Namtu, Kutkai, Mong Ngor and Mong Long Towns after Operation-1027 launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State and is establishing administration.

Territorial and administrative disputes arose widely among armed organizations that are active in northern Shan State and engagements are taking place among them.

The MNDAA, the TNLA, the KIA, the AA, the SSPP, UWSA, the PDFs, militia, the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the border guard force are active in northern Shan State.

CNI News

17 June 2024

Green Season Promotions that can save 20 to 30 percent are being conducted  in areas with low rainfall to make more and more foreign tourists enter Bagan and Mandalay region reportedly. 

July and August during the rainy season are the summer holiday of European countries when families usually travel. 

Although foreign tourists tend to enter Myanmar during the rainy season, currently, tourist arrivals are low. Although promotions were being conducted, it was difficult for several hotels, U Thet Lwin Toe, managing director of the Myanmar Voyages International Tourism, told CNI News.

" It is called Green Tourism. But what is the target market? Although you give a discount, you have to buy fuel. If you have bought generators for electricity, it won't be convenient for you. Because the Myanmar kyat is also inflated, it's very difficult. How many hotels that's been opened are there? Only after reviewing it, should they promote tourism. If I have to review, the situation is still not good this year." he said. 

While seeing pilgrims who have arrived in Bagan

The rainy season is a period of low tourist arrivals to Myanmar. The promotion is conducted to make more and more tourists enter Mandalay and Bagan regions in the central region of Myanmar with low rainfall reportedly.

As an air travel, the flight to the Bagan region was just twice a week and some more flights were needed, said tourism service operators said. 

Moreover, the hotels that have been closed since 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and then political changes have been closed up to now, Ko Kyaw Swar Lin, a hotel and tourism operator from Bagan-Nyaung U, told CNI News.

While seeing a guide sign in the Bagan region

" Expensive large hotels that target foreigners have been closed since before the Covid-19 pandemic. It's still not convenient to open them now. Normally, it's convenient for reasonably priced hotels and the most lowly priced hotels." he said.

Because now is the time when there has been a decrease in the number of tourists who come to the Bagan region, cars, motorcycles and pony carts there are giving discounts to the tourists reportedly.

CNI News

15 June 2024

When Myanmar nationals went to the Myanmar Embassy in Thailand to carry out documents and other matters, the embassy gave assistance to those who could show evidence of tax payment, the people who are helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News. 
The embassy should not do so, U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Rights Foundation, told CNI News.

" That shouldn't be done at all. Every embassy is responsible to resolve the problems of their citizens. Focusing only on getting money, firstly, Myanmar citizens are asked to pay the tax. The embassy will provide service to other matters only after they can show receipts that they have paid the tax already. This is nothing short of the coercive extortion." he said.

As Myanmar migrant workers in foreign countries, only if they could present tax clearance certificates, could their passports be renewed, stated Myanmar Embassies. 

However, recently not only tax clearance certificates but also receipts describing that 23 percent of basic salary have been transferred to the families are being asked. 

So, some Myanmar migrant workers are asking the philanthropic organizations for help, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

" Myanmar migrant workers are asking for help. It would be convenient if the companies that issue compensation or social security fund accepted. They largely accept those with letters of recommendation from the embassy. If the workers who haven't paid tax don't get letters of recommendation, It wil depend on the companies that issue compensation." he said.

2023 Taxation Act of the Union was amended by Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the provision came into effect from 1st October. 

25 percent of basic salary every month or 25 percent of three salaries every three months must be transferred into the country through legal channels. 

Moreover, income tax must be paid from the salaries of expatriate Myanmar workers depending on foreign currency starting from 1st October.

Income tax from the salaries of expatriate Myanmar workers is beeing calculated and collected in two ways and according to the income tax law, concessions permitted are not deducted and two percent of monthly income in foreign currency must be paid as income tax.

By calculating tax rates according to income strata after deducting concessions permitted under the income tax law, income tax can be paid, stated the Internal Revenue Department.