CNI News

10 May 2024

A multi-party democratic general election would be mandatorily held, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council, on the night of 8th May 2024.

He said the above while he released the news about the meeting of Cambodian president of the senate Hun Sen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC.

" We have guaranteed the people to build a democracy and federalism-based union. We will mandatorily hold a multi-party democratic general election. We are making preparations for that. And we have laid down five point road map. We'll carry out mandatorily in accordance with the road map." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

To hold a general election is included in the road map.

While the UEC was meeting with political parties

However, the SAC has not clearly said when the election will be held. Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that census-taking would be conducted all over the country in 2024 after which the election would be held. And then, the power would be handed over to the winning party.

It was necessary to end or reduce armed conflicts taking place within Myanmar and to have stability and peace so that the election could be held. The election could be  held in 2025, reviewed political parties.

Having said that the NLD government was trying to form a government without resolving the ballot disputes, the Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government and took power.

After that, the Tatmadaw formed a caretaker government called the State Administration Council and is making preparation to hold the election again.

CNI News

10 May 2024

Instead of using the Kalay-Tamu-Kalaywa order trade, the main border trade route of the Myanmar-India border trade, another route is being used, according to Tamu traders.

Not only had India closed the border trade, the territory along the Kalay-Tamu road was unstable. So, jungle routes and waterways were being used, traders said.

Even if India opened the border trade gate when the route on the Myanmar side was not safe, jungle route only would be used, Ko Min Ko, a trader from Tamu, told CNI News.

" If the main road has been closed due to many problems, we have to use jungle route to carry goods by motorcycle. There is a waterway between Kalay and Kalewa. Khampat Village is on the way of the waterway, from which goods are carried to Kalay by car. Some traders carry their goods to Kalewa. If the routes between Monywa and Kalay were closed, goods are carried from Kalewa to Monywa by waterway. Even if India opens the border trade gate when there have been no stabilities' on the Myanmar side, Locals have to make a living at their own convenience." he said.

While seeing Tamu PDF

There are three rotes in the Myanmar-India border trade and they are Tamu-Kalewa-Taze- Ye U - Monywa (Mahamyaing Route), Mandalay-Tamu-Kalewa-Monywa (Yargyi Route) and Mandalay-Tamu-Kalay-Gangaw-Pale-Monywa-Mandalay and they were used to trade in the past. However, these routes are not used due to territorial instabilities at present.

Because of the communal riots that took place in Manipur State, India has closed the border trade and only after the riots could be resolved, the border trade would be reopened, U Hla Maung, from the border traders association (Tamu-Kaly-Kalewa).

" India is more important for the border trade. Ethnic problem between Kuki and Meitei has been taking place for long in Manipur State, India. It's not safe in their territory. The problem is complex in their country. Unless the problem cannot be resolved, the border trade cannot be officially reopened." he said.

While seeing Tamu PDF

If the Tamu-Moreh border trade gate, one of the Myanmar-India border trade gates, was reopened, Tamu locals could enjoy job opportunities. Moreover, higher prices and
shortage of goods could be reduced.

At present, India has closed the Tamu-Moreh border trade, the Tamu-Kalay-Kalewa border trade, the Paletwa-Mizoram border trade and the Pansaung border trade. So, the Myanmar-India border trade is being conducted illegally reportedly.

CNI News

10 May 2024

There are reviews and discussions among political circles in relation to whether a political dialogue could emerge in 2024. 

Former Cambodian PM Hun Sen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council online on 7th May, 2024 and Hun Sen requested Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to allow him to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

In the same way, former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met with delegates from the RCSS, the KNU, the KNO, the KNPP and the NUG and discussed to help solve the Myanmar political crisis.

Because of attempts from neighboring countries and international for the Myanmar issue, a political dialogue could emerge to solve the Myanmar political crisis, U Tun Aung Kyaw, member of the policy steering committee from the Arakan National Party (ANP) told CNI News.

While seeing General Saw Mutu Say Phoe and the Chinese Special Envoy

" ASEAN members and neighboring countries are particularly worried about Myanmar. Battles are so severely breaking out. The situation in which Myanmar government was called Yangon Government in 1948-49 or so has come again, I think. They seem to be worried that their economies might be damaged. So, they are making efforts to make Myanmar peaceful." He said.

Former Cambodian PM and the Thai officials attempt to be able to hold a political dialogue in general. 

No matter how severe battles are breaking out, discussions must be conducted at the political roundtable after all to end these conflicts. So, a dialogue path might emerge.

While seeing senior Tatmadaw officers

With the political landscapes that emerged on 1st February, 2021, armed conflicts have been widely taking place and it cannot be solved up to now.

He hoped that the steps forwards could be taken to widen the political dialogue frame in 2024, Saw Kyaw Kyunt, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance, told CNI News.

" A news political dialogue is really needed to be held. We have never seen our country whose war frame is wider than the political frame. While we are facing various difficulties, we'd like to hope that steps forwards can be taken this year." he said.

Because of domestic armed conflicts, all sectors including politics, peace, economy, education, health and so in Myanmar are deteriorating. some EAOs, some political parties, ASEAN and international organizations are trying in order to solve the crises.

CNI News

9 May 2024

A public meeting that contains religious leaders and the Karen EAO leaders was held on 7th May 2024 in order to stop fighting and to be able to build the peace processes. 

Religious leaders led and held the public meeting at Mesameik Monastery, Hline Bwe Township, Pa-an District in the KNU's Brigade-7 territory.

Bodh Gayā Sayadaw Buddanta Sandawara served as the chairman of the meeting and Mesameik Sayadaw Buddanta Sanda, as the master of ceremony.

The meeting was attended by  Padoh Saw Aung Maung Aye, chairman of Pa-an District of the KNU, Col. Saw Kyaw Than Htay from the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt from the KNU/KNLA Peace Council, Mahn Pyi Aung Soe, chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party and Padoh Saw Shwe Maung, chairman of Dooplaya istrict of the KNU.

While seeing the leaders from Karen ethnic armed groups at the public meeting with religious leaders on 7th May, 2024

Moreover, Kyettuyway Sayadaw Buddanta Sandaw Bartha, Pharpon Township Kokkrat Monastery Sayadaw U Tayzaniya, Myawaddy Taunggalay Sayadaw Buddanta Aggawantha, Paing Kyon Baptist Pastor Saw Soe Lal. A total of about 1,000 people including religious leaders, Pa-an District leaders and local people attended the meeting reportedly.

Because the KNU/PDF joint forces waged battles to capture Myawddy, Karen State in early April, battles severely broke out when border trade stopped and local people had to flee to safety.

Moreover, battles took place severely in Kawkareik Township, Karen State as well, houses in the town were damaged and some local people were also killed.

After that, religious leaders and some leaders of the Karen ethnic armed groups are making an attempt in order to stop fighting and to make peace.

CNI News

9 May 2024

Not only are there territorial instabilities along the Myanmar-China border trade routes, check points of armed groups along the route have also asked for more money along. So, the prices of goods imported from China are getting higher reportedly.

Because of higher trade costs like that, more Thai goods could enter Myanmar than the Chinese goods.

Although the Thai goods are pricey, because the Thai products are of good quality and the trade route with Thailand is fast and smooth, more Thai goods could be imported, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

" Because the trade route going to the Chinese border is not good, More Thai products are imported. Some Thai products are of better quality. Thailand tries to lower the prices of its goods. Traders import the goods that will make a profit for them. For example, if the price of the Thai detergent is the same as that of China, the Thai detergent will be imported because the trade route with Thailand is short." he said.

However, the kinds of products coming in from China are different from those coming in from Thailand. The products coming in from China are electrical equipment, construction materials, motorcar spare parts and kitchen wares and those coming in from Thailand are mainly cosmetics and foodstuffs.

While seeing the cargo trucks

According to trade route conditions, however, the Chinese products are getting higher while the Thai products are of better quality. So, the Thai market can take the place of the Chinese market.

Although textile was imported from China in the past, it is being imported from Thailand now, added U Thiha paing.

" Largely, Myanmar imports electric products from China such as mobile phone handsets. But most of the Thai products are of better quality.At present Thailand already dominates the textile market a little." he said.

The people would choose the Thai products that were of better quality if the prices were the same as those of the Chinese products, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

"Those born in the 1960s have been using Thai products. So, China is competing with the price. But the Thai products have been better since before. For example, motorcar windshield glass and mirrors that are made in Thailand are of better quality than those made in Taiwan. So, the people will choose better products if there is a narrow gap between the prices." he said.

It is not easy for goods to flow at present because battles are breaking out along the maing border trade routes with China and Thailand. So, the people are facing scarcity of some goods and higher prices.

While seeing the Myawaddy border trade zone

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA) are active along the Myanmar-China border trade routes.

Moreover, the Karen National Union (KNU), the Border Guard Force of Karen State, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the KNU/KNLA Peace Council are active along the Thai-Myanmar border trade routes.

Although the freight prices were 20 to 50 lakh kyats on the trade route with China in the past, now the prices have been 150 lakh kyats because of monetary requests from armed groups and higher tax rates at the checkpoints.

Although there are organizations that ask for money on the trade route with Thailand, there are just fewer than on the trade routes with China reportedly.

CNI News

8 May  2024

As a bomb blast took place on the Malaysia-Thailand border, the Malaysian authorities have tightened security at the border. 

So, Both those who would sneak into Malaysia and those who would come back from Malaysia needed to be careful, Myanmar organizations in Malaysia told CNI News.

Because of tightening like that, some of the people who would illegally come back from Malaysia and sneak into the country were arrested and others escaped without being arrested, U Barbu Gyi, a person who is helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens, told CNI News.

" The Malaysian authorities are tightening more security along the border. Those who will sneak into Malaysia could find it difficult a lot. Many people of them were arrested. At any rate, it is not convenient for those who will illegally enter. There are arrests almost everyday. You can see about 30 Myanmar citizens in the courts at the border areas." he said.

The bomb blast took place in Sungai Golok District, southern Thailand on 29th April, 2024. So, While those who will sneak into or those who will come back are finding it difficult, brokers are taking advantage of the situation and asking more money reportedly.

Because there are more and more scam brokers, Myanmar citizens should not come to Malaysia through illegal channels, U Aung, chairman of Yadana Sekka Funeral Service, told CNI News.

" Malaysian authorities have tightened more security along its border areas. Barrier gates have been placed at many places. It's getting more difficult to pass than before. But there might be some channels that you can enter. You have to pay more money. Agents are also increasing. You need to have a reliable agent and connecting with with relatives or friends who have already been in Malaysia, if you have to pay in Malaysia, it is convenient. If you go like in the past, you probably will be cheated. There are many liars who don't take responsibility or accountability." he said.

Jobs are still scarce in Malaysia and Ricarli Braci permit stickers will be issued at the end of June at the latest. There might be more arrests after June, reviewed people.

Moreover, Malaysia has stopped recruitment by demand letters and frauds of brokers and agents should be watched out, suggested organizations in Malaysia.

CNI News

8 May 2024 

Banning men's right to work abroad indefinitely could affect the recruitment markets of neighboring countries, those who carry out for the affairs of migrant workers and agencies told CNI News.

The Myanmar men who have held passports for job (PJ) have been banned from working abroad indefinitely since 1st May, 2024 by the Ministry of Labor.

Because of banning like that, neighboring countries would recruit workers from other countries instead of ones from Myanmar. So, the ban could affect the recruitment market, U Min Oo, In charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development, told CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar citizens who will go abroad to work

" Neighboring countries need workers from Myanmar. It's right. But when they find it difficult to recruit workers from Myanmar, they will recruit workers from other countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Moreover, Thailand and Bangladesh discussed the free trade and reached some agreements." he said.

 Although Thailand, a neighboring country of Myanmar, often recruits MoU workers from Myanmar, if Myanmar has banned its men to work abroad for long, those living illegally might be officially recruited.

Banning men from working abroad could take a few months, reviewed among overseas employment agencies.

Banning like that affects overseas employment agencies and they are waiting for the time when the ban will be lifted reportedly.

While seeing Myanmar citizens who will go abroad to work

When foreign countries recruit workers from Myanmar, they mainly tend to recruit Myanmar men. So, if Myanmar women were not included in the demand letters, overseas employment agencies would suspend their businesses, U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News.

" Myanmar woman workers are 10 percent of all Myanmar workers who are recruited by foreign countries. We can continue our business if Myanmar woman workers are included in the demand letters." he said.

Although men who have held PJ passports have been banned from working abroad starting from 1st May, 2024, those who have been allowed to work abroad before that date can go abroad reportedly.

Banning like that encourages men to go abroad through illegal channels kind of, pointed out some people.

CNI News

8 May 2024

He thought that Thailand would be able to find an answer to the Myanmar political problem, Dr.Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News. 

Revolutionary elements had been active based in Thailand since the government led by U Nu; revolutionary elements and former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met and he made an effort to advice, he said.

" Myawaddy issue that took place recently might be related to the position of Thailand, the US's involvement or its National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Thai government seems to consider that it would have to be involve in the Myanmar issue. Thaksin Shinawatra made an effort to be able to give an advice to the Thai government, I think. When Laos, a neighboring country of Myanmar and Thailand, is the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Thailand will attempt to find an answer, I think." said Dr. Aye Maung.

While seeing armed forces who attacked Myawaddy

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met with delegates from the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Kachin National Organization (KNO) and the National Unity Government (NUG) before he met with the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA) a few days ago before reportedly.

If there were priority on trade and pressures on ethnic armed organizations in the meeting with former Thai PM, it probably would impact on the current revolution, Saw Law Kapaw from the Karen Peace Support Network, told CNI News.

While seeing the KNPP force

" I think that these meetings were held because the current government had no different response. Another thing, the current border trade situation will be involved, I think. Especially, if there were priorities on trade and pressures on EAOs, these will probably impact on the current revolution." he said.

The Thai economy is directly involved with Myanmar and basic workers come from Myanmar as well as the trade value from the Thai-Myanmar border trade is by the billions, according to a politician.

The Myanmar-Thai border is more than 1,300 miles long and the KNU, the RCSS/SSA, the KNPP, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the revolutionary forces are active along the border.

CNI News

8 May 2024

The border trade between China and Myanmar has restarted in Lweje Town, Kachin State, which has been controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to truck drivers. 

After the battles broke out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA in April, the KIA seized control of the town.

Although the border trade stopped due to the battles, at present the trade has restarted and the KIA is collecting tax along the trade route in Lweje. But the Myanmar government is collecting tax in Bhamo Township reportedly.

However, regarding the goods imported from China, because the customs department in Bhamo didn't issue certificates that customs duties has been paid, there were checks and arrests, an anonymous truck driver told CNI News.

While seeing the KIA troops at the entrance to Lweje

" Traders have to pay tax to both sides. You have to pay tax to the KIA in the territory controlled by the KIA. But when you arrive in Bhamo, you have to pay tax to the customs department of the military council. But the officials don't issue the certificates that customs duties have been paid. So, traders can't carry the imports to the main land. If the imports are carried to the main land, there are customs duty gates and military checkpoints on the way such as in Let Pan Hla, Pinle Gyi and Madaya and there are many checks and arrests." he said.

Although the Lweje trade border gate has been reopened, some truck drivers do not dare to travel because they are worried about their security reportedly. 

Because the present period is the time when the tissue culture bananas are exported to China has ended, trade is almost non-existent, according to traders.

While seeing the Lweje border gate

Although exports are lower, imports from China remain prudent reportedly. However, the amount of collecting money from the KIA and the SAC's checkpoints becomes about two times higher than before, Ko Aung Zin, a truck driver from Lweje, told CNI News.

" The amount of money we have to pay both side become over two times higher than before. Although we had to pay more than four lakh kyats in the past, we have to pay about 10 lakh kyats. Some gates ask money for goods only while others ask for both goods and truck. But later, largely, they ask for goods only." he said.

Although the Lweje border trade gate has been reopened, those who went to China to work have not been able to use the gate and they have been allowed to enter or leave through Laiza and Maijayan border gates reportedly.