CNI News

29 March 2024

Kachin and Rakhine States including northern Shan State must be effectively stabilized in accordance with the law, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council and the Commander in Chief of the Defense Services. 

He said the above at the 79th anniversary celebration of the Tatmadaw on 27th March, 2024.

The acts of some EAOs and certain foreign-backed organizations were carrying out for the interests of their organizations only but not for the interests of Myanmar and Myanmar citizens, in fact they were trying to destroy to build a union based on democracy and federalism and the events taking place in northern Shan State, Kachin, Rakhine States and some regions were testifying that it was right, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.  

While seeing the TNLA force and the MNDAA force (Myanmar Now)

" They had rights to carry out democratically. But they did it by force. So, the interests of local people were destroyed and school-age children lost their right to education. Their acts are very stupid. That's why security forces including the Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force and militias must effectively stabilize the regions whose stabilities were lost in accordance with the law in collaboration with the public." he said.

Saying that the regions where there were armed resistance and waging battles to capture territories would be stabilize in accordance with the law was questionable, pointed out some military analysts.

"I wonder how he will take action against the elements waging armed attacks. Because they aren't afraid of the law, they are trying to overthrow even the Tatmadaw. How will these elements be taken action against in accordance with the law? In fact, the Tatmadaw must carry out, considering how it will regain control of the military camps and towns that it lost control of. Otherwise, it's not easy to do as he said." he said.

While the AA force

The Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government on 1st February, 2021 and took the State power after saying that the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the vote list dispute that took place in the 2020 general election.

After that, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing led and formed the State Administration Council after which the council is managing administration, legislation and judiciary. So, democratic elements, NLD members of Hluttaw and some EAOs are fighting against the Tatmadaw to overthrow it.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA) launched Operation-1027 in northern Shan State on 27th October 2023 and waged battles to capture towns and cities.

In the same way, the AA has been waging offensives to capture towns and military camps of the Tatmadaw in Rakhine State since November, 2023. Moreover, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is attacking in Kachin State and Sagaing Region to capture towns and military camps of the Tatmadaw.

Because of these battles, the Tatmadaw has lost control of over 60 townships and over 200 military camps.

CNI News

28 March 2024

Over 300 Myanmar people who did the jobs that Thai citizens only have been allowed to do were arrested during past six months, reported Thai media. 

Because of of doing the jobs that have been designated for the Thai citizens from October 2023 to 18th March 2024, the number of foreign migrant workers who were arrested was 721 and among them, 316 Myanmar people were included.

The reason why they were arrested was because the Thai citizens complained, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the FED, told CNI News.

While seeing a service business on the roadside

" Because the Thai citizens complained, arrests emerged. For example, you sell Myanmar products, in fact you are not allowed to sell Myanmar goods, but if you don't compete their market, it's not a big problem. But if you sell the Thai products, they are not pleased with you. And then they complain to the authorities. The problem emerges. Selling goods is just for their citizens." he said.

However, although some Myanmar people are selling goods under the name of a Thai citizen after bribing the Thai authorities, when the Thai citizens complain, the Myanmar people are taken action against.

Restrictions on migrant workers regarding employment should be reformed in the law relating to migrant workers, migrant workers organizations in Thailand have demanded the Thai government, Ko Naing Aung Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News.

The current Thai government is to amend the law relating to migrant workers and it can start after Thingyan or in the coming year. However, whether the points demanded are included in the amendments or not have to be watched, he said.

A restaurant on the roadside

" The Thai authorities were planning to amend the law relating to migrant workers every five years and they said they wanted to get some facts and information from most of the migrant workers and the officials from the department of labor came and met with NGOs and workers. We have suggested them to review the case relating to selling goods. Most of our migrant workers draw their salaries once a month. Sometimes, they have to wait 45 days to draw their salaries. Because they don't make ends meet, they have to buy food on credit. So, if they to have buy food on credit from the Thai shops, it won't be convenient for them. Whether the points that we have demanded will be included in the amendments of the law relating to migrant workers must be watched." said Ko Naing Aung Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization.

Most of the foreigners who do the jobs of the Thai citizens are found in Bangkok and there are also some foreigners who do the jobs of the Thai citizens in Phukhet,   Koh Samui, Pattaya, Chiangmai and Mae Sot regions reportedly.

Most of those who were arrested were doing the selling goods on roadside, the haircut, the driving vehicles and the body massage, according to the Thai government.

CNI News

28 March 2024

There will be battles as long as other armed groups are in the territory of the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), Saw Khun Kyaw Win from the PNO, told CNI News.

The PNO has ruled the Pa-O region after it was designated as the Special Region-6. However, about two months ago, because other armed groups entered the PNO's territory, battles broke out, said Saw Khun Kyaw Win who is serving in the PNO's party.

" The Special Region-6 has been formed according to the peace agreement between the then-government and the PNO in 1991. Regarding the territory, there are agreements among the armed groups. Since the State Administration Council has take power, the PNO has carried out for the security of Pa-O region only, But since the two years ago, another armed group entered the Special Region-6 and battles broke out. The PNO has to defense its territory. We regard all ethnic organizations as our friends. We have collaborated with successuve union governments. We don't change the policy. If the other armed groups were not in the Special Region-6, the problems would be resolved. If there are the other ethnic armed groups, battles will be breaking out." he said.

While seeing a PNLO comrade

The battles began between the PNO and the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA)/ the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) and the battles are breaking out up to now. 

The current battles are not between the Pa-O nationalities but to end the military dictatorship, Khun Wai Tun, secretary-2 of the Pa-O National Federal Council (PNFC), told CNI News.

" The current battles are not the ones breaking out in the Pa-O region alone, but they are also being waged by the entire people to end the military dictatorship. They are the battles breaking out across the country." he said.

While seeing a place that had burnt in the Pa-O region

At present, the battles are breaking out between the PNO and the PNLO/allies joint forces in Hsi Hseng, Pinlaung and Hopong. Because the directions between the leaders  of the two Pa-O ethnic armed groups are different, she doesn't think that the negotiation will be convenient, a Pa-O youth told CNI News.

“U Aung Kham Hti, leader of the PNO and U Khun Okka, patron of the PNLO _ although there was a contact between the two leaders, the chairman of the PNLO said that the PNLO would participate in the Spring Revolution. It was not convenient. There might be complexity between the two groups, I think." she said.

Because the PNO made peace with the Tatmadaw, the Pa-O region was designated as the Special Region-6. After that, the PNO formed the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone that contains Pinlaung, Hsi Hseng and Hopong Townships and has been ruling the region.

CNI News

28 March 2024

Although Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council said to develop beneficial national export strategies, there was something to think about how to develop them, said exporters and businessmen. 

The chairman of the SAC said the above at the meeting of national planning commission to exercise beneficial national export strategies within the two years. However, it was not easy to gain benefits regarding the export sector in the current situation, pointed out businessmen.

Rather than developing beneficial strategies, it would be more important to lay down a reasonable economic policy, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

While seeing farmed fish

" In fact, it's more important to lay down a reasonable economic policy. The policy must create a better economic environment or a macro-economic system. If an economic system is good, the public will automatically implement the system. The opportunities will automatically emerge." he said.

There were 14 sectors including garment, agricultural products, metal and mining products in the export and it was necessary to discuss for each sector, they pointed out. Because there is no territorial stability at the present, it is not easy to export goods through border trade reportedly.

Moreover, because the price of dollar has become higher, in the garment industries, the cost is higher and it is difficult to use electricity properly. So, it would not be easy to gain profits from export sector, said economic analysts. Regarding agricultural product export, export earnings policy should be relaxed for some products so that more profits could be gained and more export could be conducted, U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairman of the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association, CNI News.

While seeing the exports

" We want the government to relax the trade sector. Traders don't get the prices that the Thai traders because of difficult policies. The price of corn is the lowest in the FOB market. It's just between 220 and 250 dollars per ton. And then, when we have to pass the State policy, the price has gone low. Various kinds of bean are 700 to 1,000 dollars per ton in the FOB market. What I want to tell you is that to mainly collect the tax from high-priced goods. If the policy is relaxed for the corn, domestic price of corn will be higher a bit." he said.

Although exporters have been allowed to import fuel, edible oil and fertilizer, it is not beneficial to exporters kind of, said exporters.

" For example, if A company that export rubber imports, it can sell the 70 percent of export earnings at the market price. Otherwise, it can sell 35 percent at 2,100 kyats per dollar and 65 percent, at 3,150 kyats per dollar. If you want to import fertilizer, firstly you have to study rules and regulations. You'll need many certificates. And then, you'll have to compete with great companies that import fertilizer. When you sell fertilizer, you have to sell it on credit. You can get the debt only when the crops emerge. It will take you about six months to get the certificate for importing fertilizer. The deadline is the end of this March." said U Khaing Myint, secretary of the Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association.

A policy that has been laid down by the Ministry of Commerce impacts on not only the trade sector but also industry, agriculture and livestock activities. So, before a policy was laid down, systematic negotiations and discussions were needed, pointed out businessmen.

" Before policies or restrictions are released, coordination meetings are held and academics and experts attend there. But sometimes unnecessarily, they tend to interfere. In fact, the trade sector is linking with other sectors such as industries, agriculture as well as other ministries. Holding coordination meetings with those who are really understandable is still weak." said U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain.

The border trade routes that are main in the export are not dependable at present due to territorial instabilities. So, maritime trade is being used.

Because the maritime trade has to be used, it is difficult in getting export permits as well as loading onto and unloading from the ship and port clearance has not been conducted as well, according to exporters.

When exporting by sea, they were experiencing delays, said exporters.

CNI News

28 March 2024

Some Myanmar people who went to press their fingerprints for the Ricarlibraci permits were arrested, those who are helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens, told
Ricarlibraci permit told CNI News. 

Those who have already submitted the permit registration list must carry out the approval of the employer, pressing fingerprints and medical checkups in the end of March at the latest.

There are two kinds of submitting the name list and one is allowed and the other, not allowed. However, because agents gave priority to their interests, some Myanmar citizens were arrested, U Barbu Gyi, a person who is helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia, told CNI News.

While Myanmar people are pressing fingerprints

" For example, overstayers four or five years ago or those who have become overstayers after having permits in the past can apply for permits, which they said, but any one who entered in 2023 are not allowed to apply for permit. Those who entered through the Thai border illegally are not allowed to apply for permit, which they have clearly announced. Agents and brokers should warn that. But agents or brokers registered for those who entered through the Thai border illegally. When they went to press their fingerprints, immigration department scrutinized and found out that they made mistakes and then they were arrested. This happens almost everyday." he said.

Undocumented foreign migrant people were allowed to register to apply for permit until the end of December, 2023.

Ricarlibraci permits (RTK 2.0) stickers will be issued until the end of June at the latest and  pressing fingerprints will be performed until the end of March at the latest, Malaysian Ministry of Immigration has stated.

While seeing the immigration department in Malaysia

when a worker was arrested like this, his employer and a person who helped applied for permit could vouch for him and if their arguments were complete, he could be released, U Aung, chairman of the Ratana Sekka Funeral Service in Malaysia, told CNI News.

" In my opinion, there might be a disconnect between the Myanmar Embassy in Malaysia and the Immigration Department in Myanmar. That passport book represents Myanmar wherever you are in Thailand or Malaysia. I wonder how the Myanmar Embassy has connected with the Malaysian government. Last month, a company received 200 workers. If there were about 100 workers left to apply, they would be allowed to apply until 31st March 2024. Mainly, it's just necessary to fill any more of 100. So, other agents bought permits from the company and they refilled workers." he said. 

Most of those who were arrested were comers from Thailand and fake book holders were included as well reportedly.

Those who have held the books and nominated for the permit should not take risk, suggested the people who are helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens.

CNI News

26 March 2024

Thailand was to ban importing corn from its neighboring countries including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar from January to April 2025 in order to solve the problem of cross-border smog due to air pollution that was taking place in Thailand, said Thai PM.

Although the Thai government is planning to close importing corn, livestock industries and food processing industries using corn in Thailand might find it difficult and whether these industries could accept or not must be discussed. 

So, there would be no worry about the corn industry in Myanmar, said Myanmar corn traders.

Because the Thai government has announced that it would close importing corn only in 2025, corn farmers would have enough time to prepare to grow corn or other crops, U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairman of the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association, told CNI News.

 While preparations are being made to export corn by sea

"Smoke dust and dust spread in the air. Instead of the type of chicken currently being raised, they might think about breeding other types of chickens that are not fed corn. However, there are businesses and food processing factories relating to corn in Thailand. It will be necessary to have a broad discussion regarding whether they will accept or not. We don't have to worry so much about it. Because Thailand doesn't buy our corn, even though we find it difficult to sell others, corn is not a perennial plant. It's a kind of crop that is grown every four months. We can change to other crops such as bean and oilseeds or potato, chilli and onion. We can choose. We have a lot of time to make preparations." he said.

The Thai government made a decision to suspend importing corn so as to reduce the annual smog problem that arose from setting fire at farmlands in neighboring countries including Myanmar, reported Thai news agencies.

The Thai government had discussed with ministers concerned from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos to reduce importing corn, said the Thai PM on 16th March, 2024.

The Myanmar government has allowed corn exporters to export corn with tax exemption from February to August. So, they could not implement it in time for this year's corn season and it would be convenient only in the coming season, Ko Sai Kham, a corn trader from Tachileik, told CNI News.

" Thailand has allowed imports of corn for this year's season. They will close next year. If China continues this way, it won't be easy to export Myanmar corn." he said.

If Thailand banned importing corn from January to April only, although the damage may be less, if the ban took long, corn export might be adversely affected, said corn traders.

CNI News

26 March 2024

Although the Arakan Army (AA) might be able to attack the Tatmadaw until 10th April, whether it could cease fire before Thingyan or not should be watched, said military and political analysts. 

The AA was built on 10th April, 2009 and it will be 15 years old on 10th April, 2024. So, the AA might attack towns or cities in Rakhine State as much as it could. And then, the AA might start a ceasefire after 10th April, pointed out some military analysts.

The AA might find it difficult to attack Sittwe and Kyaukphyu that have outlets to the sea, said a politician.

" It's difficult for the AA to capture Kyauk Phyu.The AA is attacking Kyauk Phyu just like it is doing Ramree. But Kyauk Phyu has an outlet to the sea and so has Sittwe. Although Ann Town is close to the mainland, there are PDF troops between Ann and the mainland. The AA can't capture Sittwe and Kyaukphyu kind of. Moreover, the Rakhine people in the south do not have a strong Rakhine spirit. So, militias have been formed even in Thandwe. Historically, northern Rakhine people only had a stronger Rakhine spirit. Southern Rakhine people don't have a very strong Rakhine spirit. That's why the NLD won in the election in the southern part of Rakhine State. To the south of Kyaukphyu, Rakhine people have no Rakhine spirit anymore." he said.

While seeing a crossroads in Rakhine State

After the battles between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army broke out again on 13th November, 2023, roads and waterways were closed. 

After the Operation-1027 waged by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA,TNLA and AA), the AA has been able to capture Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Myebon, Mrauk U, Taungpyo Letwe, Minbya, PonnaGyun,and Ranbye in Rakhine State as well as Paletwa and Samee Towns in Chin State.

The AA was unlikely to stop its attacks until he achieved his objective, which he thought, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the AA force

"The AA has surrounded all the towns or cities they want. Now only Sittwe is left. The AA is attacking Ann as well. I think the AA will surround and the AA troops have occupied around Ann. The AA has said that it wouldn't stop fighting unless they achieve their goal. In a situation they have surrounded, they might calculate militarily how much will be given and how much will be received. Now, Sittwe can no longer move. Almost no one goes to offices. Government employees go to office one day a week only. The administrative mechanism in Rakhine State has been broken." said U Kyi Myint.

Battles are currently breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the AA in Sittwe, Ann and Kyaukphyu Townships. The AA has said that it would carry out to win the confederation status, its political ambition and it might implement its administration, legislation and judiciary reportedly.

The three northern allies (TNLA, AA and MNDAA) and the State Administration Council held peace talks for the fourth time in Kunming City, China at the Chinese mediation from 1st to 3rd March, 2024 and agreed to ceasefire. However,  the AA said that the agreement was related to the northern part of Shan State.

CNI News

March 25, 2024

According to the negotiated agreement between Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council, and Thai government, Thai government started providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand stated on 25th March 2024. 

The humanitarian aid contains rice, dry food and other materials and they have been delivered from Mae Sot, Thailand to Myawaday, Myanmar.

The aid is for over 20,000 Myanmar refugees and Myanmar Red Cross Association and Thai Red Cross Association will cooperate to hand over the aid to the refugees. The aid will be handed over to the refugees through the territories of seven NCA signatories.

While Thai officials were handing over humanitarian aid to Myanmar officials

The NCA has been signed by the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), the KNU/KNLA-Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC), the Chin National Front (CNF), the Karen National Union (KNU) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF).

Among the NCA signatories, the KNU, the ABSDF and the CNF, in collaboration with the Spring Revolution groups, is fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw to overthrow it and the seven remaining groups are discussing peace with the SAC.

Battles are breaking out severely between the Tatmadaw and armed groups across the country and the IDPs are more than one million at present.

CNI News

25 March 2024

In spite of the fact that EAOs fought to establish a federal democratic union in the past, they have changed their ways of thinking now, and political and military analysts are reviewing how they have changed.

In the current situation, the idea that they have to attack has become dominant and the idea would continue to be strong unless the political sector was strong again, U Ko Ko Gyi, chairman of the People's Party (PP), told CNI News.

“The main problem is that the political role has disappeared. If we were able to make effective reformations in time at the political talks with political parties and EAOs,  severe armed conflict like this could be reduced, we believe. But at present, the idea of having to fight has influenced over many EAOs. So, if we can't make political reform, and non-terrorist political role strong again, the idea of having to fight militarily will be influencing." he said.

While seeing the AA force

After the Operation-1027 that was launched on 27th October, 2023 by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA,TNLA and MNDAA), the MNDAA and the TNLA have started administration, legislation and judiciary in the territories that they have seized control of.

At present, battles are severely breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Rakhine State. In the same way, battles are severely breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the KIA in Kachin State. Battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and some EAOs everyday, and the territories that EAOs control might be more, U Kun Gawn Awng Hkam, a Kachin politician, told CNI News.

" EAOs that are waging armed resistance have territories that they have controlled. Battles are breaking out everyday and territories that EAOs control might be more, I think. The MNDAA has started their administrative system. Other EAOs are gradually starting. I can't estimate how the military council will respond them." he said.

While seeing the TNLA

Some EAOs were able to capture some townships in northern Shan, Rakhine and Chin States after the Operation-1027. 

And battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and some EAOs/revolutionary joint forces in Rakhine, Chin, Kachin, Karenni, Karen States, Sagaing and Magway Regions.

When Myanmar is in a political crisis and the Tatmadaw becomes weak, EAOs' ways of thinking have changed from the demand to establish a federal democratic union to get the confederation status.