CNI News
3 June 2024

While the State Administration Council (SAC) was planning to arrest and take action against ten people including owners of Weint Sein, Aung Thamardi and Zwe Htet gold shops for making the price of gold unstable, because they had run away, the SAC issued arrest warrants on them on 2nd June, 2024.

A total of 21 suspects who was carrying out to make the price of gold unstable had been identified and arrested and were being inspected, stated the SAC.

According to their testimony, those who were carrying out to make the price of gold unstable behind the scene are U Aung San Win, owner of Aung Thamardi gold shop, U Aung Kaung Myat, owner of Weint Sein gold shop, U San Win, owner of Zwe Htet gold shop, U Myo Thu Win from Academy Gold Refinery Industry, U Thet Naung Win from Khayan Thongwa gold shop, U Kyaw Nyein from Sein Kyaw Moe gold shop, U Aye Kyaw from Shwe Zin Win Gold Refinery Industry and brokers, U Kyaw Win (b) Panthee, U Nyi Nyi Oo (b) Chekkyi and Daw Tin Tin Khine (b) Daw Sanda Tin and they all have been on the run.

     
So, authorities are performing to take action against them in accordance with the law.

Those who knew where the fugitives were staying could secretly inform the security organizations concerned, stated the SAC.

Moreover 21 people who had been arrested would be taken action against in accordance with the law, said in the statement.

The price of pure gold was 57 lakh kyats per tical a few days ago and now is just over 50 lakh Kyats.

CNI News
2 June 2024

India conferred the International Award for Promotion of Buddhism on State Ovadacariya Sangha Raja of Shwekyin Nikaya Buddhist Order Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru
Sitagu Sayadaw Dr Baddanta Nyanissara on 31st May, 2024.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Indian Center on Shwe Bon Tha Street, Pabedan Township, Yangon.

The ceremony was attended by Sitagu Sayadaw Dr.Baddanta Ashin Nyanissara, Sagaing Region International Buddhist Education Center Abbot U Sawbita, Rakhine State Alodawpyae Vipassana Meditation Center Abbot U Pannya Jota and monks.

Moreover, Information Minister U Maung Maung Ohn, Minister for Religion and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, Chief Minister of Yangon Region U Soe Thein, Yangon Mayor U Bo Htay, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar H.E. Mr Abjay Thaku, Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR) H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin, Chairperson of the U Nu-Daw Mya Yi Foundation Daw Than Than Nu and Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) U Khin Yi attended the ceremony as well.

The ICCR has conferred the International Award for Promotion of Buddhism on foreigners, individuals and organizations since 2021. 

Otani University(Japan), Dr.Duong Thi Thanh Huong(Vietnum) and Mr.Choijamts Demberel(Mongolia) had been conferred this award.

CNI News
2 June 2024

The Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP/SSA) stated on 31st May, 2024 that the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA/PSLF) had no desire to co-exist.

In the current situation which could quickly change politically and militarily, they wouldn't change their political position and as the first priority, they have maintained the policy solving the political problem with the political means, said in the statement by the SSPP.

Because of the actions of some allies, not only making the public get the SSPP/SSA wrong, the incidents which could hurt its political prestige and its co-exsistence policy were ceaselessly taking place, said the SSPP.

" There is tension between the TNLA and the SSPP due to territorial dispute. Regarding the dispute, top delegates from the two groups met and discussed on 21st April. Although the SSPP had ordered its forces to comply with the discussion results, according to Lwe Ye Oo, spokesperson of the TNLA to news media, the TNLA obviously has no desire to co-exist." stated the SSPP.

While seeing the SSPP's statement

There are territorial disputes in Namkham township and administrative disputes as well and a military tension between the TNLA and the SSPP. The TNLA sent the SSPP troops to Muse Township by force on 26th and 27th May, 2024.

" We took SSPP troops of our ally to their original movement camp in Muse Township by car on 26th and 27th May. This matter has been conveniently settled. The decision made at the meetings held several times was implemented." said Lwe Ye Oo, In Charge of News and Information of the TNLA to CNI News.

The TNLA had a desire to take political advantage without alliance ethics and the racial discrimination and any act of behavior beyond tolerance was nothing short of inviting solution by military means. So, the SSPP has totally objected and condemned the TNLA, stated the SSPP.

The SSPP and the TNLA are allies and also members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee.

CNI News

1 June 2024

Economic experts should be appointed as officials to lead economic departments such as committees and commissions relating to investment, trade, finance and flow of goods, pointed out businessmen and economic analysts. 

Those who not skilled in business and economy are not appointed to lead economic industries in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, ASEAN and other Asian countries so that economic decisions will be correct, they pointed out.

The people who are not businessmen and economists are participating in the economic sector of Myanmar and but, it depends on their consult ability, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert told CNI News. 

" How much economic officials know technically? How much can they consult with technical experts? It is important. Those who are not experts in business and economy are not appointed in all the economic agencies in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and South Korea so that correct decisions can be made. The C in C of the defense services is not an economist. But it depends on his consultancy with economists." he said.

While seeing Lt-Gen Nyo Saw and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

At present, the State Administration Council has appointed Lt-Gen Nyo Saw as the chairman of the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee (FESC). Moreover, General Mya Tun Oo has been appointed as the chairman of the Central Committee on Ensuring Smooth Flow of Trade and Goods and the chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission.

Although economic experts should take responsibility in economic sector, military experts took responsibility in the sector under the military government led by U Than Shwe and the country enjoyed the trade surplus. Whether economic or military experts took responsibility in the economic sector, it mainly depends on the economic policy that was applied. 

While military officials were taking advice from economists, it would be convenient only if the policy supported the economy, an anonymous economic commentator told CNI News.

"  If you had export income, you would have to import goods under the military government led by U Than Shwe. It was convenient for importers and exporters got good prices. In the past, military officials took responsibility and at present military officials take responsibility, too. But as the policy is different from each other, the situations have been different. The current military tried to win the trade surplus, but the situation is getting worse. Officials from the military might not understand the economic policy. They have to take some advice from economists. If they do so, the policy, it will be a balanced policy with the economy. Otherwise, it won't be convenient." he said.

While seeing a grocery store

Currently, Myanmar's economic sector is declining and because of difficult transport, controlling foreign currencies, limiting import and export licenses, trade is decreasing; foreign investments are also leaving and the investments re-entering are also very low reportedly.

Moreover, Because of devaluation of Myanmar Kyat, the prices are higher within the country.

It was mainly necessary to relax the centralization system so that the economy would recover and the value of Myanmar kyat would increase. Moreover, the government should relax the export earning policy and carry out to export more, pointed out economic analysts.

It was necessary to raise the exchange rate so that the income of expatriate migrant workers would officially enter the country, they pointed out.

CNI News

1 June 2024

40 Thai senators signed and demanded to remove the Thai PM Srettha Thavison from office and if the Thai PM was removed from office, it might impact on migrant workers, those performing affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.

Appointing the lawyer who had spent 6 months in prison for giving two million Baht as a bribery in 2008 as the Minister of the Prime Minister's Office in April was unethical, said the senators who demanded to remove the Thai PM, which was accepted to hear by the Thai constitutional court.

If a cabinet reshuffle was conducted or something was changed in the government, it could impact on migrant workers more or less, U Min Oo, In charge of Labor Affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) told CNI News.

While seeing Sretha and the Thai court sign

" If there is a change of government, there will be policy changes. There are departments relating to migrant workers under the Ministry of Labor. It's likely to prepare the laws on migrant worker employment management. Worse or better than the current situation depends on a newly appointed team. The current PM often talk about foreign affairs policy and minimum wages relating to migrant workers. If the Thai PM was removed from office, it would impact on migrant workers more or less." he said.

According to the Thai constitution, ministers of the PM's office need to be honorable people and if they are not honorable, they should not be appointed as the ministers. 

However, the current Thai PM appointed the lawyer without following the points of the constitution, which was decided by the constitutional court that will hear and inspect.

The Thai PM Srettha is carrying out the matters relating to raising minimum wages for migrant workers and social security.

Arresting undocumented migrant workers was very lower under the government led by Srettha than the previous PMs and some illegal people are being only arrested politically.

While seeing some migrant workers in Thailand

Moreover, under the current government, more and more foreign migrant workers have been able to get the jobs which they were not officially allowed to do, Ko Moe Lay, who is staying and working in Mae Sot, told CNI News.

" Arrests are very low in my eyes. Many Myanmar citizens are doing their own businesses in Thailand. For example Myanmar people are opening shops or stores that are not allowed by the Thai law. They are seen a lot in Mahachai,Thailand. There were a lot of arrests in the past. But under the government led by this PM, arrests are very few." he said.

Srettha was elected as PM three months after the general election held in May, 2023 and his tenure is just about one year.

The PM must submit the defense letter to the court within 15 days and if the court decided that he was guilty, he would have to resign, said in the Thai media.

CNI News

1 June 2024

Future leaders the people can rely on must be able to be produced, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) while he met with demonstrator officials from the Defense Services Academy in Pyin Oo Lwin. 

He wanted demonstrators to teach their pupils, combining with their experiences and to produce leaders that the country and the Tatmadaw can rely on, he said.

" It's necessary to carry out strictly when it comes to training and not to indulge trainees. Moreover, instructors also should not indulge themselves. As qualified instructors, they must systematically teach literary education and military science, combining with their experiences and must be able to produce future leaders. Cadets must have really learned the lessons and lead on the ground with good and firm mentality and leaders who can be relied by the State, the Tatmadaw and the people must be produced." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While seeing the Myanmar Tatmadaw

The Defense Service Academy is mainly teaching and training to produce good officers full of physical and mental qualifications; cadets must learn and train the training lessons specified by the course year to ensure physical and mental fitness, he said.

However, the curriculum of the defense services academy must be changed; the history is being wrongly shaped and taught; teaching that the Tatmadaw is the savior of Myanmar must be changed, said U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" The Tatmadaw is fighting against the public and vice versa now. In the situation like this, the public is no more in the eyes of the Tatmadaw. The public he means is just the army family community. The public doesn't stand with the Tatmadaw any more. Soldiers don't dare to go out in uniform. The hatred between the Tatmadaw and the public is now the biggest of history, I think." he said.

While seeing the Myanmar Tatmadaw

Except for the national defense industry, the Tatmadaw must be under a civilian government and the Tatmadaw has no business to take part in politics, administration and other industries, he added.

The Defense Services Academy that is located in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region is teaching military science and university education and producing lieutenants.

CNI News

31 May 2024

Not only has Myanmar Kyat devalued, general prices are also increasing, so the public is facing more crises, which could push Myanmar citizens to go abroad more, labor affairs and economic analysts told CNI News. 

Several months ago, the prices of foreign currencies were over 3,000 Kyats per dollar, over 500 Kyats per Chinese Yuan and about 100 Kyats per Thai Baht. Moreover, the price of gold was over 40 Lakh Kyats per tical only.

At present, the prices are over 4,700 Kyats per dollar, over 6,000 Kyats per Yuan, and about 120 Kyats per Baht; the price of gold also has been higher until over 57 Kyats per tical. 

While seeing dollar and kyat

Because the prices of foreign currencies had been very highly on the rise while the value of Myanmar Kyat was plunging, there may be an increase in the number of Myanmar citizens who wanted to go abroad to work, those performing in labor affairs locally and abroad told CNI News.

" Because the Myanmar Kyat is so inflated that those who want to go abroad must spend more money a lot. May be it can cost them 35 to 40 Lakh Kyats if they go to Thailand now although it cost them only 20 to 30 Lakh Kyats in the past. Because the price of everything related to foodstuff has become higher, it's difficult to make ends meet. So, Myanmar citizens will try to leave for neighboring countries where can be more convenient for them to work." said U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the FED.

Because the age of men who will go abroad to work has been limited at present, the men who are restricted to work abroad will leave for neighboring countries illegally or with visitor visas, reviewed some people.

While seeing a factory

The devaluation of Myanmar Kyat had been taking place gradually since  several years ago, the current devaluation is getting worse, pointed out economic commentators. So,  how to reform the entire economic system must be considered rather than each sector; if the economic system was not right, the current problems would go on, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

" An economic system must be built on a political system. Firstly, a right economic system must be built. A right and credible political system is needed. As soon as a political system that can transport everything can be built again, problems will be automatically resolved. The current situation is so worrisome. It's good for exporters when the price of dollar goes up. But not many people can export. When a country whose currency value declines has to import more than to export, the country is always hurt." he said.

The basic daily wage of Myanmar is 4,800 Kyats only and it is mainly paid in the factories only. So, the daily wage of a worker is just about one dollar because the current price of dollar is over 4,700 Kyats per dollar.

CNI News

31 May 2024

According to the instructions of the Ministry of Construction, road and bridge tolls will be raised from 1st June, 2024 reportedly. 

Although it has not been announced how much the road and bridge tolls will be increased, if the tolls are raised, truck fares also will be raised and at the same time, commodity prices also will be higher, according to highway freight operators.

The prices of auto accessories are on the rise at resent and driver fees and labor charges are raised as well. If the road and bridge tolls were raised, goods delivery fees would be raised as well, U Kyin Thein, chairman of the Myanmar Highway Freight Transportation Services Association, told CNI News.

While collecting road toll

" if the road and bridge tolls are raised, transportation charges will also be raised and then the prices of auto accessories, grease, engine oil and driver fee will be raised as well. There are also many untold costs on the way." he said.

Toll gates are different from one another in collecting road and bridge tolls. Some collects tolls depending on the number of wheels while others, on the vehicle and cargo tonnage.

Although town entrance fees, road and bridge tolls were raised, in comparison with other situations, the rates charged were not exorbitant, and transportation charges could fluctuate, U Thant Zin Tun, a corn trader, told CNI News.

While a road toll gate was being checked

" Freight charge will just a little more expensive. It's not a big deal. In fact, prices are higher because of higher fuel prices, bad route and unexpected problems." he said.

The Ministry of Construction had over 300 toll gates including town entrance toll gates. However, 160 toll gates didn't collect tolls from April, 2016 under the NLD government reportedly.

However, all the toll gates have been collecting tolls since November, 2021 reportedly.

CNI News

31 May 2024

As a result of a negotiated settlement, some troops the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) were sent back to Muse Township, Lwe Ye Oo, In Charge of the News and Information of the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA), told CNI News. 

The SSPP troops in Nakkham Township were took to in the direction of Muse in cars by the TNLA a few days ago.

" We took SSPP troops of our ally to their original movement camp in Muse Township by car on 26th and 27th May. This matter has been conveniently settled. The decision made at the meetings held several times was implemented." she said.

While seeing the entrance to Namkham Town

Namkham Town was captured by the TNLA during Operation-1027 launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (TNLA, AA and MNDAA).

Regarding that over 100 SSPP troops that were active in Namkham Township were carried to Muse Township by car, CNI News phoned the Information Officers of the SSPP, but  it was not able to contact them.

The campsites stationed by SSPP troops were places captured by the TNLA from the Myanmar Tatmadaw. Moreover, because there were a lot of arms and ammunition there, they were burdens for the public, said Lwe Ye Oo.

While seeing the SSPP Force

" The military camps stationed by the SSPP were places we had to fight and capture from the military council. Because there were military camps like this, collecting more taxes from the public was conducted. Another thing is public safety and raises other concerns. So, both sides negotiated and the SSPP troops had to be sent back." she said.

There were territorial disputes among the EAOs in northern Shan State after Operation-1027.

At present, the TNLA has captured Nansang, Mantomg, Namkham, Naptu, Kutkai, Monglon and Mong Ngor, and is carrying out to start operating administrative mechanism reportedly.