CNI News

13 September 2024

Members of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP ) were not in Maungdaw Township, chairperson of the ALP, Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin told CNI News. 

While 4 mile (NaKhaKha-2) in Maungdaw was attacked by air strike, those who were related to the ALP were included in those killed, which was not correct and their troops had not been there since 2020, she said.

" Our troops have not been in Maungdaw area since 2020 because there were many arrests and various difficulties. Our men left there and many people who left the Indian border were arrested on the way by the Arakan Army (AA). Last year, a man called Khine Chin Lin and a comrade of the ALP were arrested by the AA. We don't believe that he was not in the place that was bombed. We believe he was taken away to another place. We are worried the people thought that our troops were with the troops of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA)." said Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin.

The ALP force

4 mile (NaKhaKha-2) Camp, Maungdaw where prisoners of war and other prisoners were detained temporarily was bombed on the night of 9th September 2024 and prisoners of war, troops from the ARSA and the RSO, armed Muslims who had already attended military training who were all detained there by the AA were killed, released the AA on 11th September, 2024. 

Moreover, those who were arrested because they disturbed the AA and the Arakan National Revolution, those who were related to the ALP and those arrested with suspicion were included those killed because of bomb attack, said in the statement.

" We don't think our men were arrested in the place in Maungdaw that was bombed. They might be in Ponnagyun or between Buthidaung and Rathedaung. We still don't know if they were killed or lost. The place in Maungdaw where prisoners of war were detained may be the place where the troops arrested during the battles that were recently broke out in Buthidaung and Maungdaw were detained. People from various religions may be included." said Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin.

The ALP is an NCA signatory and it is based on Sittwe and mainly active in southern Rakhine State.

CNI News

13 September 2024

Because of the political instability and worrying security conditions, travelling within the country in the open season could decrease, according to tourism entrepreneurs. 

As the restricted area has been more spacious because of territorial instability, trips within the country have decreased, U Thet Lwin Toe, a tourism entrepreneur, told CNI news.

" Now there has been an increase in the number of restricted territories. When we are in Mandalay, we are not allowed to climb up the Mandalay Hill. And we can't go to Mingun as well. In addition, we can't go to Pekon. Moreover, We can't go to Chin, Kayah, Rakhine States and the Ngapali Beach. And we can't say it's safe in northern and southern Shan State. But we can go to Inle Lake. We can't send our tourists to Tanintharyi. But we can go to Kyaiktiyo." he said.

Although there were about seven million domestic tourists in previous years, there might be a decrease in the number of domestic tourists by road because commodity prices are going up and there has been a shortage of fuel oil, reviewed people. Moreover, young and middle aged people are checked and asked on the way.

While seeing some tourists at a beach

For the time being, it is reportedly convenient to go on a trip to Bagan, Inle, Kalaw, Yangon, Bago, Kyaiktiyo, Ngwe Saung and Chaungtha. 

Moreover, with the political instability, because there is a lack of security, the number of tourists from abroad could decrease, said U Thet Lwin Toe.

" The number of international visitors who entered Myanmar last year was 1.2 million. Of them, only 250,000 entered from the Yangon Airport. The rest entered from border gates such as Muse, Tachileik, Kawthaung. But now, Muse gate has been closed down. I think the number of international visitors will decrease this year." he said.

However, more tourists within the country would enter Bagan in the open season to come although there has been an decrease in the number of tourists who enter Bagan at present, Ko Kyaw Swar Lin, a hotel and tourism entrepreneur, told CNI News.

" According to the current situation, there are some groups that come from abroad as well. But we mainly hope more local pilgrim groups will come to Bagan." he said.

While there has been a sharp decrease in the number of tourists from local and abroad, only a few foreigners who live within the country can be found. So, Those who make a living in the tourism industry are facing crises.

CNI News

12 September 2024

As the regions where EAOs have seized control of are very often facing attacks by air strikes and heavy weapons, locals in these regions are worried more. 

Lashio City where has been controlled by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in northern Shan State was attacked by air strike on 8th September and Namkham, Mogok and Momeik, where have been controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) were also attacked by air strike.

Some locals have moved to other regions, saying there was no security in Lashio, a resident of Lashio told CNI news. 

" Some residents came back and lived, but because shells fell down, they left the city again. The problem is that it's not clear what the target is." he said.

During Operation-1027 that was launched on 27th October, 2023 by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA, TNLA, AA), the Myanmar Tatmadaw lost control of many towns in northern Shan State and Rakhine State. 

And then, the MNDAA, the TNLA and the AA are carrying out to make administration, legislature and judiciary operate in the towns they captured.

Although people live in the region controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), they are worried because the rival group could attack by air strike or heavy weapon, a resident of Sittwe told CNI News.

" We are deeply concerned although we live in a liberated area or an AA-controlled territory because the military council can attack by air even though not by manpower. 

As soon as they hear the sound of airplanes, they have to look for somewhere to hide while they are struggling for livelihood. They are always worried." he said.

A medical building of the AA in Shin Village, Pauktaw Township was attacked by air at about 7:00 pm on 8th September and casualties took place there. 

Moreover, Namkham Town that has been controlled by the TNLA was attacked by air on 6th September and casualties took place. 

While the state-owned media has mentioned the SAC's warning

He had been shocked whenever the sound of airplane was heard since Namkham Town was attacked by air, a resident of Namkham told CNI News.

" I couldn't sleep very well at night. Even though an international airplane crossed the Myanmar airspace, we have to sleep with anxiety. After being bombed from an airplane, as soon as we hear a sound, we are shocked." he said. 

Because of territorial insecurity, many locals are reportedly moving to Naypyidaw, Yangon and other regions.

Armed groups are using the public houses and buildings and persuading temporary IDPs to come back in order to use as human shields so that they could defend towns and villages where they are staying by force from the Tatmadaw's possible counter-offensives. 

The Tatmadaw will compulsorily protect the sovereignty of the state and respond to the armed groups in accordance with the necessity. 

So, the people in towns and villages where armed groups are staying by force need to be careful so as not to be used by the armed groups and to be safe, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council on 3rd September, 2024.

The speech is mentioned daily in the state-owned media, which is a warning.

CNI News

12 September 2024

Global public security cooperation forum was held at the Haizhou Bayview Conference Center in Lian Yuat Keng Town, China on 9th September 2024.  

The Myanmar delegation led by Lt-Gen Yar Pyit reportedly attended the forum and discussed.

"Practical cooperation must be carried out in the rule of law sector for the multi-nationally cooperated eradication of criminal gangs that can cause long-lasting terrorism and conflicts; for the social life stability and for the safety of lives and properties of the people. Moreover, altogether eradication of conventional and unconventional challenges must be emphatically carried out." said Lt-Gen Yar Pyit.

And then, the delegation led by Wang Xiaohong, Minister for the Public Security of China and the Myanmar delegation led by Lt-Gen Yar Pyit discussed the matters relating to cooperation for the bilateral security and rule of law.

Moreover, the MoU relating to the establishment of the Chinese-Myanmar police force cooperation center and the MoU that China will provide Myanmar with articles for police activity worth five million Chinese yuan were signed by ministers. 

And then, the Myanmar delegation led by Lt-Gen Yar Pyit got back to Myanmar on 10th September.

CNI News

12 September 2024

As the prices of foreign currencies fell again a few days ago, questions are emerging among the people whether Myanmar kyat has been hard again. 

It was too early to say that Myanmar kyat became hard again because the prices of foreign currencies fell and the prices of foreign currencies falling might be because a case that demanded dollars a lot had stopped temporarily, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

" It's too early to say that Myanmar kyat has been hard again. A case that demands dollars a lot seems to suspend all of a sudden. There is no reason for demanding dollars a lot for trade at present. A case that demands a lot of dollars has suspended kind of. Everyone has to consider why a lot of dollars are demanded." he said.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi

Moreover, Myanmar received the Chinese aids after Chinese FM Wang Yi visited Myanmar and some agreements were reached between the two countries, according to businessmen.

Because Myanmar received the Chinese aids, it might impact on the foreign currency market. Moreover, because the Central Bank of Myanmar are putting a great deal of dollars into the market, the prices of foreign currencies are falling, reviewed businessmen.

It was hard to say how much dollars were needed to control the flow of dollars and the ability to control dollars depended on the policy how much dollars would be put into the market, U Aung Pyit Sone, a businessman, told CNI News.

While seeing US dollar

" How much have they designated the price of dollar should be? The government will carry out to reach up to that dimension. In my opinion, the government is making preparations to make the price of dollar reach under 5,000 kyats per dollar. It would be a very good situation if the price of dollar was around 3,800 kyats per dollar." he said.

However, it would be very difficult to reach that price, added U Aung Pyit Sone. 

Whenever the prices of foreign currencies go up, because some businessmen unscrupulously try to make the prices of foreign currencies go up again, the government departments concerned needs to take action against them effectively, pointed out people.

CNI News

11 September 2024

Political and military analysts are reviewing how important Mandalay is to armed groups including the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

Mandalay is the capital of upper Myanmar and it is important to the two rival organizations in both dignity and propaganda, U Thein Tun Oo, director of the Institute for Thayninga Strategy Studies, told CNI News.

" Mandalay is the second capital city of Myanmar. If Mandalay is damaged because of one organization, its rival group can propagandize very well to attack. If the side that will defend can't control the city pretty well, it will lose its dignity. In my opinion, revolutionary forces still won't be able to attack Mandalay with a large operation in such a short time." he said.

While seeing Mandalay People's Defense Force

The opposition armed groups attacked the Middle Command of the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Mandalay with 10 107 mm shock missiles on 3rd September 2024. 

Mandalay is located by the Ayeyarwady River and it is the main city where trading activities are being mainly conducted with northern and upper parts of the country, India and China.

Mandalay is the second capital of Myanmar and the National Unity Government (NUG) would carry out so as to capture the city without damaging it, said Zaw Wai Soe, Minister for Health of the NUG.

While seeing the moat of Mandalay City

" We have made preparations regarding Mandalay since before. In the preparation for the second wave of Operation-1027, preparation for around Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin were included. So, the second wave is strong. Mandalay is a city where the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) is strong. It's the second capital. There are consulates in the city. There is an international airport as well. There are lists and figures as well as storage for drugs and medical equipment necessary for the whole upper Myanmar. In the same way, there are  many things regarding telecommunication there as well. Without damaging these things, we have made preparations to seize control of this city in the best way. And we are still making preparations." he said.

During the second wave of Operation-1027, battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and opposition armed forces in Lashio, Kyaukme, Thibaw, Nawnghkio Townships, northern Shan State as well as in Mogok, Momeik, Sintku, Madaya and Thabeikkyin Townships, Mandalay Region.

It is said that battles might break out in Mandalay and many residents of the city are moving to Naypyidaw, Yangon and other regions.

CNI News

11 September 2024

Daily wages of the basic salary would be 400 bahts, but it would not be for every worker, those who carry out the issues of migrant workers told CNI News. 

Although there was a plan to raise until 400 bahts a day to the basic salary of every worker under the government led by former PM Srettha, under the current government led by new PM, the basic salary would be raised on the basis of limitation, reported the Bangkok Post.

" We still don't know about it in detail. The cabinet was formed just a few days ago. We still don't know the policies exactly. It was not written in their statement. The basic salary seems to be raised depending on place and job designated." said U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED).

Businessmen are worried that raising the basic salary will hurt businesses. Raising the basic salary was a campaign promise of the Pheu Thai Party. 

The party promised it would raise the basic salary any more of 400 bahts during the first year of the government's tenure and any more of 600 bahts would be raised in 2027.

While seeing a construction site in Thailand

Raising the basic salary was started a few days after Paetongtarn became PM. 

However, Minister for Labor expressed the basic salary should be raised in the companies and factories that have 200 workers and above. 

The basic salary should be equally raised for every worker, U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Right Foundation told CNI News.

" A minister said that the basic salary would be raised depending on the number of workers. This is the first time we experience. Every worker has to work eight hours a day. We want every worker to get pay raise equally." he said. 

The basic salary is between 330 and 370 bahts per day depending on province in Thailand.

However, workers in some workplaces are still being underpaid, which should be verified and supervised by the Thai authorities, pointed out those who carry out the issues of migrant workers.

CNI News

10 September 2024

7 EAO Alliance will hold the meeting of its steering team on 10th and 11th September, Col. Saw Kyaw Kyunt, spokesperson of the alliance, told CNI News. 

The three points of essence of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) - solving the political problem by political means; holding a political dialogue that contains all the stakeholders and protecting civilians - are being carried out, he said.

" We are meeting and discussing, maintaining three points of essence of the NCA, but it's still not very satisfactory while the political framework is narrow. But we are holding meetings of our steering committee. And we are discussing with international organizations every so often and organizations concerned as well as political parties, but not regularly. We have made preparations to hold the second meeting of the steering committee." said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt.

The seven NCA signatories formed the 7 EAO Alliance on 18th March 2024 and is discussing with the peace delegation of the State Administration Council. 

While the NSPNC and NCA signatories were discussing

They had believed that solving the political problem by political means was the best and would go on carrying out in this way, Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt told CNI News.

" To be honest, our means is the best. Some people might not agree with that. At any rate, as the 7 EAO Alliance, we have our own way. It hasn't emerged just now. As the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) since 2022, we have had political road map." he said.

The 7 EAO Alliance is made up of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the KNU/KNLA-Peace Council.

CNI News

10 September 2024

Malaysian businessmen and agencies have demanded the Malaysian Immigration to re-open the RTK 2.0 (RTK 2.0 stands for the Labour Recalibration Programme 2.0, a program in Malaysia that allows employers to legally employ foreign workers) Myanmar people in Malaysia told CNI News. 

It is the second time to demand because anything was not responded to the first demand; however, the immigration department has not responded anything yet, U Barbu Gyi, who helps to solve the issues of Myanmar citizens, told CNI News.

" RTK has the limited population. Because the department thought that the number of workers has been enough in the list released, the RTK 2.0 had been closed, I think. The number of workers has been limited since the start of RTK 2.0. But everyone can register in the RTK 2.0. And then, those who had broken the law are rejected. Since the start of RTK 2.0, the number of foreign workers had been released to apply in a company or a factory. But Myanmar agents accept every one who wants to apply. So, the number of workers rejected was so many ones." he said.

Although the Malaysian authorities has not responded anything to second time demand, brokers and agents have started working. So, Myanmar workers should inquire before applying for the RTK 2.0, suggested Myanmar people in Malaysia. 

While seeing a Malaysian immigration office

Moreover, because the Malaysian citizens complained, foreign migrant workers were arrested and documented workers only were hired. 

So, foreign workers faced scarcity of jobs. However, because the Malaysian citizens did not work pretty well, foreign workers had to be hired again. So, it is a bit convenient for foreign workers to get jobs, U Aung, chairman of Yadana Sekka Funeral Service, told CNI News.

" I've heard the authorities are discussing. But they haven't released an announcement. It was very difficult for foreign workers from February to June this year. But after July, it was convenient again because many foreign workers had gone back to their native countries. Moreover, the Malaysian citizens were able to work for a few months. So, foreign workers got the jobs the Malaysian citizens didn't want to. The Malaysian government took action in accordance with the demand of the Malaysian people. But the Malaysian people couldn't work effectively. So, foreign workers had to be hired again. The Malaysian PM Anwar seems to tell his citizens so. Later, the Malaysian citizens have complained just a little." he said.

When a passport is applied in Malaysia at present, it has reportedly been costlier than before. Moreover, because those who want to go abroad have been restricted, there has been an increase in the number of workers who enter Malaysia from Thailand.