CNI News

9 April 2024

Due to the lack of territorial insecurity and because the legal trade was delayed in exporting or importing through border trade, almost the current border trades became , said traders. 

If legal trade was conducted, because there were delays, more illegal trade would have been conducted, they said.

Because there are no territorial stabilities in the border trade areas, when trades are conducted, traders must pay armed groups.  Although there were illegal trades in export, according to the domestic demand at present, more and more import was being conducted, U San Win, a trader from Myla, told CNI News.

While the TNLA force is collecting money from trucks and buses

" There are illegal trades in every border trade. It's not convenient to conduct legal trade. Because there is no rule of law, the amount of illegal trade is much more. You have to pay armed groups on the way. If you conduct legal trade, it will be very difficult and take a long time. There are a lot of illegal imports or exports. No one can scrutinize it. If you are scrutinized, it will take a long time. Traders can't wait such a long time. Mainly, it's worse in importing. You have to go only after paying armed groups on the way because there is no territorial security whether you conduct legal or illegal trade.” he said.

Because there are illegal trades, it can damage the country's economy and delay legal trades. 

The government should relax the trade policy and open trade channels so that the market economy would develop and the trade sector would improve more as well as import and export could be conducted more, pointed out traders.

Because some imports had been restricted and it took a long time to get an import license, illegal trades arose, an import businessman told CNI News.

While the police force is checking trucks

" It's necessary to relax the trade policy regarding essential imports to the country. It's necessary to reduce many process steps. The staff in every step take advantage. For example, if a product was ordered from abroad, it is paid one kyat. But as soon as it arrives in Myanmar, it is paid 100 kyats. Traders don't make a big profit. But consumers have to pay so much. Monitoring these, if the government relaxes the trade policy to make it easy, consumers can buy things at a cheaper price. We can carry out faster. If there are difficulties and delays, the prices are higher and the poor have to buy things at a higher price. It would be better if one stop service is everywhere." he said.

At present legal trades are being conducted in Myla, a China-Myanmar border trade, Tachileik, a Myanmar-Thailand border trade and Kan Pite Tee, a China-Myanmar border trade. 

The goods from Thailand are being illegally imported after paying the checkpoints of the Tatmadaw and EAOs along the Thailand-Myanmar trade route according to traders.

CNI News

9 April 2024

The movement of the Spring Revolution that wasn able to threaten Naypyidaw has reached a stage, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News. 

Naypyidaw was attacked for the first time during the past 70 years and the revolutionary movement has reached a situation that could threaten Naypyidaw, he said.

" Revolution has reached a stage that can threaten Naypyidaw which can be said to be the safest place of the military council. Revolutionary elements have the foresight to match the situation rather than being technically superior. That is to say, those drones were not high-tech drones. But they were Kamikaze drones. So, they were able to fight effectively." said U Than Soe Naing to CNI News.

While seeing the drones that were shot down by the Myanmar Tatmadaw

However, political and military analysts asked a question which situation was designated to measure a revolution. The drones that entered Naypyidaw Airport and Zeyarthiri Township were shot down on 4th April 2024, the State Administration Council stated.

On the other hand, revolutionary elements attacked the military headquarters in Naypyidaw by 16 Kamikaze drones and Aylar Airforce (Naypyidaw Airport) by 13 drones on 4th April 2024, the National Unity Government (NUG) stated.

However, it was not likely to threaten inner parts of the country although revolutionary elements could threaten border areas, said a politician.

While seeing somewhere downtown Naypyidaw

" Revolutionary elements can't threaten inner parts but border areas. Now the Tatmadaw has lost control of the Thin Gan Nyi Naung military camp. In the upper part of the country, it lost control of Kunglong and Laukkai. But it will be difficult for the revolutionary elements to take control of inner parts where easy logistics can be performed. Drones can enter. It is possible. To the east of Pyinmana, there are forests and mountains." he said.  

The Tatmadaw was able to re-capture Kawlin, Kani and Mabein Towns which are located in the inner part, he pointed out. Currently, both the Tatmadaw and revolutionary elements are using drones.

CNI News

8 April 2024

Because the preparations are being made to conduct court hearings to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP), if the MFP was dissolved, there may be an impact on Myanmar migrant workers, those who are carrying out for the sake of Myanmar migrant workers told CNI News.

The MFP collected data and information about the migrant workers during the election campaign and if it was dissolved, a party that would demand for the migrant workers at the parliament could be reduced, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the FED, told CNI News.

"MFP is powerful. If the party is no more, it will weaken us. If there's no party that will argue and demand for migrant workers at the parliament, migrant workers will lose some rights they deserve. The MFP collected data and information about migrant workers. If their party came to power, they said that they would lay down the better policy relating to migrant workers. We can't count on other parties so much." he said.

Although there were opposition parties like the MFP at the parliament, if there were many opposition parties, it would be better, pointed out those who are helping migrant workers.

People should not conclude that the party would be dissolved and their party would be protected after the legal team proved that the party was innocent, said the spokesperson of the party.

While the MFP Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat was campaigning before the election

Moreover, the case was very important. It was an example not only for the future of the party but also for the Thai political world, he added. 

If the party was dissolved, its MPs would remain at the parliament as independent ones. However, they would not be as strong as a party, Ko Naing Aung Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News.

" If the party was dissolved, its MPs would remain as independent ones. There could be a lot of difference. It would be better if they are allowed to discuss and given the freedom. If the MFP was dissolved, the Thai people and migrant workers would be sorry." he said.

The Thai Election Commission sent a complaint letter in which the Move Forward Party should be dissolved because it and its former leader, Pita Limjaroenrat attempted to overthrow the constitutional monarchy to the constitutional court.

The MFP promised to amend the laws that take action against those who speak ill of or against the king as well as to reform the monopolies of the Thai army and enormous businesses and won the election last year with the most votes.

However, after the election, the MFP was ostracized in attempts to form a coalition government and is facing political and legal problems.

CNI News

8 April 2024

Territorial ownership problems have arisen among the EAOs after the Myanmar Tatmadaw retreated from some townships in northern Shan State.

Ethnic groups concerned are keeping a close watch on how to solve the territorial ownership disputes. After Operation-1027 that was waged by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, territorial disputes have widely arisen and battles broke out among the EAOs.

Local people have become innocent victims because of territorial problems among the EAOs and it was necessary to negotiate and discuss, U Aik Lu, a Palaung politician, told CNI News.

While seeing the TNLA.force

" There are difficulties at the bottom because meetings have not been held to make a decision. As soon as there are problems among the armed groups, local people have become innocent victims. I don't think the problems will be forever. Recently, there were negotiations and discussions between them. For the time being, they have ceased fire. It's just a territorial problem." he said.

There were battles that broke out between the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP/SSA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) on 26th March, 2024 and the MNDAA attacked the SSPP over 50 times with drones, the SSPP stated. 

In the same way, battles broke out sometimes between the SSPP and the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA); between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the TNLA; between the KIA and the MNDAA because of territorial disputes.

Territorial disputes must be solved by political discussion, U Kun Gawn Awng Kham, a Kachin politician, told CNI News. 

While seeing the KIA force

" It's a kind of problem that must be solved at the political round table after the war. It's unlikely to solve by weapon forever." he said.

During Operation-1027 launched on 27th October,2023 by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA,TNLA,MNDAA), they have captured many military camps of the Tatmadaw and the Tatmadaw lost control of Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Chin Shwe Haw, Phaungsai, Kunglong, Hopang, Pangwa, Theinni, Kutkai, Namkham, Nangsang, Mangtong, Namtu and Mong Ngor Townships.

After that, territorial disputes arose obviously among the SSPP, the MNDAA, the TNLA and the KIA. The SSPP, the TNLA the MNDAA, the KIA, the RCSS, the AA and militias including the Tatmadaw are active in northern Shan State.

CNI News
6 April 2024

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai recently visited former leader Than Shwe, his former deputy Maung Aye, former President General Thein Sein and Daw Than Than Nu, daughter of former Prime Minister U Nu in Naypyidaw, the Chinese Embassy said in a statement posted on WeChat on Friday (5th April).

China was willing to help Myanmar for the stabilization and peace process as well as reconciliation, economy, the public livelihood and the development activities, the Chinese Embassy stated.

While the Chinese Ambassador was meeting with former president U Thein Sein on 5th April 2024 ( Chinese Embassy)

Moreover, the Chinese Special Envoy Mr.Deng Xijun met with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council in Naypyidaw on 1st April 2024 and discussed the re-opening bilateral border trade posts, the stability of the border area and peace process.

The current armed conflicts that are taking place in Myanmar are accelerating with a lot of support from China. On the other hand, China is carrying out to strengthen the diplomatic channel. So, China is using the policy of provocateur in the guise of a peacemaker, pointed out military and political analysts.

CNI News
6 April 2024

The lowest daily wages would be raised until 400 bahts to the employees in the hotel and tourism industries starting from 13th April 2024, reported in the Thai news media.

The Thai authorities have been discussing a wage increase since February and people thought wages and salaries would be raised for the workers in all industries.

However, according to the reports, wages would be raised to the employees in hotel and tourism only in some regions of the ten districts and the employees in this industry earned more wages than other employees, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the FED, told CNI News.

" In fact, their jobs are well-paid. they at least earned 15,000 bahts and above. But after April, foreign tourists have gone back. At that period, their jobs are suspended. Other jobs are not suspended all the year round." he said.

While seeing the Thai government's plan to increase wages

In the hotel industry, employees in the four star and above hotels as well as in the tourism industry where 400 employees and above are working must receive 400 bahts at least each day.

The places where have been designated to raise wages or salaries are Wattana and Pathonwang in Bangkok, Pattaya in Chunbury District, Chiangmai in Chiangmai District,
Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan District, some regions in Krabi District, Khut Khat in Phang Nga District, Phukhet District, Ban Phai Township in Rayong District, Hat Yai in Songkhala District, Koh Samui in Surat Thani District.

However, some hotels protested against the pay raise and responded that they had not got ready to raise the wages and salaries, reported the Thai PBS News.

There are many Myanmar citizens working in the hotel industry in Thailand and some of them are legally working and others without documentaries. So, it was difficult to apply every worker, reviewed the people who are carrying out for the affairs of migrant workers.

While seeing Myanmar migrant workers

Moreover, although the government has designated to raise wages and salaries, some employers don't pay fully their employees, Ko Thargyi, auditor general of IBECSWO, a social assistance association, told CNI News.

" Some employers pay the wages and salaries fully, but others don't. If you don't have any documents regarding residence permit, you will find it difficult because some employers don't dare to hire you. Because the number of Myanmar citizens who entered Thailand has increased sharply, employers especially, masons - their economy has declined." he said.

There might be about five million Myanmar citizens in Thailand and most of them are mainly working in factories, workshops, construction site and seafood industries.

So, the organizations that are helping in the affairs of migrant workers in Thailand are demanding ceaselessly to raise the basic wages and salaries reportedly.

CNI News

6 April 2024

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council said that elections would be held in one place after another and political parties are reviewing regarding whether elections could be held.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing expressed that elections would be conducted in phrases while he was meeting with TASS, a Russian news agency, a few days ago. 

There were elections that were conducted in phrases and firstly elections were conducted in stable places and if there was a situation in which a Hluttaw could be called, a civilian government could arise, Mahn Pyi Aung Soe, Chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party, told CNI News.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with political parties

" Elections were conducted one month or one year after another under the government led by U Nu. The SAC might do so. I didn't know exactly how the elections were conducted under the government led by U Nu. But, for example, elections would be conducted firstly in stable places. And then if there was a situation in which a Hluttaw could be called, the process would be continued. If a situation in which a Hluttaw could be called didn't reach, would it be OK to wait, I'm not sure. According to the history of our country, elections were held in phrases by place or period. So, the SAC might do so. I have no comments about it." he said.

If elections would be conducted, according to the weather, they could be held in November or December and election could be conducted in Yangon Region, Ayeyarwady Region, eastern and western parts of Bago Region, urban wards, Mawlamyine and Thaton in Mon State, said a politician.

The Union Election Commission released the laws and bylaws relating to political parties registration on 31st January, 2023 and political parties must apply for registration within 60 days, it stated. After that, among the political parties that re-apply for registration, nearly 50 parties have got registration.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was casting ballots in the election

Although political parties wanted to make elections held, even if elections were held in stable places, what problems could arise must be considered, U Khin Maung Thein, member of the Central Executive Committee of the National Unity Party (NUP), told CNI News.

"Even if elections are conducted in stable places, what problems can arise must be considered. Political parties want to make elections held. But it's necessary to become peaceful, free and fair elections. Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that he would hold elections in stable places first and then other places gradually. He said that elections like that were held in Myanmar in the past. But the past situation is a little different from the current one, I think." he said.

The census-taking would be finished in 2024 and then a general election would be held after which the State power would be handed over to the winning party, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

CNI News

5 April 2024

Fish have died in droves in the fish farming ponds in Ayeyarwady Region due to the adverse impact of very hot weather at present, fish farming operators told CNI News.

Because of the heat from the sun, water damage and fish diseases are taking place in almost all farming fish ponds in Ayeyarwady Region reportedly.

Due to water damage and diseases occurring in fish, fish have died from 40 to 500 each day and fish farming entrepreneurs were making a loss, U San Ngwe, a fish farming entrepreneur from Zalun Township, Ayeyarwady Region, told CNI News.

" Because of heat, there are disease outbreaks in fish and fish deaths as a result of water damage. Fish deaths are reduced a bit in the places where old water can be taken out and new water can be put in. Otherwise, a lot of fish are dead. Some owners unavoidably have to catch fish in their ponds and sell at a lower price. So, at a period like this, fish farming entrepreneurs are making a loss because fish food is expensive and the price of fish is lower. In some ponds, 400 to 500 fish are dead each day. Moreover, it's not convenient to sell dead fish. Fish farming business is adversely affected by the heat from the sun that we can say." he said.

While seeing fish farming ponds

This year is the worst one in fish deaths because of the current heat, said fish breeders. fish has died since early March and this is the worst year for the fish breeding industry during the last five years, U Thein Aye, a fish farming entrepreneur from Danuphyu Township, told CNI News.

" It happened like this in the previous years, but this year is getting worse. It's because of the very hot weather. Even a fish was not dead during the last five years. About 40 to 50 fish are dead each day. It started on 15th March. In some ponds, fish started dying in early March." he said.

More than 4,000 entrepreneurs who breed, produce and sell fish are doing business of fish farming on over 100,000 acres of ponds in Ayeyarwady Region.

The department of livestock should provide fish breeders with necessary technologies to prevent water damage and diseases occurring in fish and fish deaths because of the heat from the sun and create a market that can make up for expensive fish food, pointed out entrepreneurs.

CNI News

5 April  2024

The United Wa State Army (UWSA)/the United Wa State Party (UWSP) will have made peace with the Myanmar Tatmadaw for 35 years on 17th April, 2024 and the UWSA/UWSP has raised its flags in its region. 

The UWSA broke away from the Communist Party of Burma and made peace with the Myanmar Tatmadaw on 17th April 1989.

Making peace will have been 35 years old on 17th April, 2024 and ceremonies will be held. The Wa region was designated as the Special Region-2 and the UWSA was given the self-administration.

While the UWSA flags have been raised to mark the 35th anniversary of making peace (CJ)

According to the section 56 (f) of the current 2008 Constitution, Hopang, Mongmao, Panwai, Nahpang, Metman and Pangsang (Pangkhang) Townships were divided into two districts and the region was designated as the Wa Self-Administered Division.

All these townships are being administered by the UWSA. the UWSA is more stronger than any other EAOs within the country in manpower, weapon and finance, and has won the confederation status.