CNI News

26 January 2024

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) stated for the people living in the Special Region (1), Shan State not to sell or buy real estate as well as to hand over the weapons and ammunition issued by the leadership team of the Kokang Autonomous Region to the MNDAA. 

The statement was released by the Military Administration Committee of the Special Region (1), Shan State.

The committee released the letter (1) containing informed instructions in which temporary management rules relating to real estate sales and rentals are designated and the letter (2) containing informed instructions in which the rules relating to maintaining weapons and ammunition are designated.

The MNDAA waged the Operation-1027 in collaboration with the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA), the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) and the Karenni National Defense Army on 27th October 2023.

The operation is to control the towns and cities in northern Shan State and to capture the Tatmadaw military camps. 

The MNDAA and its allies have controlled Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Chin Shwe Haw, Kunlong, Phaung Sai, Theinni, Thibaw, Namkham, Nansang, Mang Ton, Kutkai, Namtu, Mong Ngor Townships and captured several hundreds of the Tatmadaw's military camps until 23rd January 2024.

CNI News

25 January 2024

Although foreign countries have sent orders for Myanmar coffee like previous years, it is difficult to export the coffee due to the current situations within the country, according to coffee entrepreneurs. 

Some coffee farms in Shan State were having trouble picking coffee beans and there were difficulties in transprting coffee. So, it is difficult to export the full amount on the orders, U Min Hlaing, founder of Sita Coffee, from Mandalay, told CNI News.

" Even though orders have been received, coffee beans cannot be picked in some coffee farms. Coffee cannot be produced as much as needed. Orders regularly enter. Coffee beans cannot be picked in some coffee farms such as those in Naunghkio Township. In Ywar Ngan, buyers don't dare to buy a lot. Some people have suspended coffee industry." he said.

Although there were reports that exporting Myanmar coffee from border trade was forbidden and it must only be shipped by sea, at present any route could be used, according to coffee entrepreneurs. 

The current time is when the coffee beans are ripe and the beans are picked and produced from December to March. And then coffee is sold all the year round from late April.

While coffee beans are being selected

There are limitations in allocating farms to promote coffee production reportedly. Moreover, because there were policies controlling export promotion, coffee export had not progressed as much as it should have, U Ye Myint, patron of Myanmar Coffee Association, told CNI News.

" Whether you export by border trade or by sea, the main thing is to sell your goods. If you want to sell at higher market, exporting by sea is convenient. Your coffee can be exported your coffee to Japan, Europe, England and US only by sea. If we can produce more, we can export more. Demands have increased. Sometimes people think 'if you promote exporting, will it work for you?' 65 percent of the export earning dollars must be exchanged to Myanmar kyats at the price designated by the Central Bank in the past. But now 35 percent only must be exchanged to Myanmar kyats at the price designated." he said.

While seeing Myanmar coffee beans

Although Myanmar coffee can be sold at a profitable price, main routes that were used to export to China and Thailand cannot be used for the time being due to the battles. So, other routes are being used. However, as coffee production has declined, the amount that orders have demanded will not be fully exported, according to businessmen.

Coffee is grown most in Shan State and Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region and it is also grown in Chin State. Myanmar coffee is being exported to Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Thailand, US, Britain, Iceland, South Korea, Japan, Germany and UAE reportedly.

CNI News

24 January 2024

Because foreign migrant workers including Myanmar nationals are without jobs stranded in Malaysia by the thousand, Malaysian authorities are reducing the number of migrant workers by arresting instead of creating jobs for them, Myanmar people in Malaysia told CNI News. 

As Malaysia's economy has greatly declined, Malaysian government would not be able to create jobs for foreign migrant workers or to issue any more of evidence documents, Hmwar Michael living in Malaysia, told CNI News.

" Even legal migrant workers are living on basic salary. There is no possibility that Malaysian government will create jobs for overstayers or undocumented workers because the country's economy has declined. Undocumented workers could be sent back by conducting surprise checks." he said.

While the Malaysian government is arresting illegal migrant workers

There have been no new job offers for Myanmar nationals from Malaysia since 2021. Myanmar workers who were offered jobs before the Covid-19 pandemic are being sent to Malaysia. However, as the number of illegal workers is being reduced at present, new workers might be offered in April 2024, U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News.

" New workers might be offered in April 2024, I think. Although many KDN approvals were granted under the previous Prime Minister, the current government doesn't allow to renew the KDN approvals. The authorities are trying to arrest illegal workers in a big way. After arrests like this, offering new workers will be allowed, I think." he said.

Although migrant people from Bangladesh and Nepal arrived in Malaysia by the thousand last year, the jobs promised to give them could not be available, authorities said at the press conference held a few days ago.

Because of volatile economy, granting job quotas would be reviewed depending each country and job quotas for every sector would be allowed to transfer, said Malaysian authorities.

While the Malaysian government is arresting illegal migrant workers

Telling like that didn't mean that new workers from the countries that have agreed with Malaysia would be offered, U Barbu Gyi who is helping in the affairs of Myanmar nationals, told CNI News.

" There are four main places - factory, service, construction and agriculture. Factory and service sectors don't need any workers. But agriculture and construction still needs workers Among those who applied for permits with the RTK 2.0 system in Malaysia, the applicants who are surplus from factory and service sectors are asked to apply in construction and agriculture sectors. It doesn't mean to call new workers from 15 countries." he said.

There are arrests every day in Malaysia and the number of foreign migrant workers who have been arrested by the thousand. 

Moreover, if Myanmar national were late to apply for Rekalibrasi permit register in the list at a time like this, it wouldn't be easy and the government has not reopened officially, suggested Myanmar organizations in Malaysia.

CNI News

24 January 2024

Military and political analysts are reviewing about what the Tatmadaw can do next because it has lost many military camps at the current battles. 

The Tatmadaw lost most of the townships in northern Shan State and several townships in Mandalay Region and Rakhine State during the Operation-1027 that was launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA, TNLA and AA) on 27th October 2023.

If the country was in a state of chaos, it could not be restored and the economy would not improve as well, U Thet Zaw, a political analyst, told CNI News.

When the AA has taken control of a Tatmadaw military camp

" To tell you frankly, we consider whether the Tatmadaw really has enough strength because the rear does not send reinforcements to the front and if the soldiers in front can't fight, they retreat. This kind of pattern happens every now and then. Frankly speaking, we are even worried about the defense of the country. There is only the Chaung Nakhwa camp that the Tatmadaw can defend. All the rest had to retreat. I don't know why the fighting ability of the Tatmadaw has declined so much. If the country is in a state of chaos, it can't be restored and the economy won't improve. The country's situation may get worse." said U Thet Zaw.

The State Administration Council could make a change on 31st January 2024 and the Tatmadaw `could work to stabilize the territories, said a politician. 

The Tatmadaw has retreated from some of its military camps in Chin, Rakhine and Kayah States at present and revolutionary forces are capturing some towns.

The Tatmadaw might restrict food, medicine and travels, Saw Law Kapaw from the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) told CNI News.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council

" For the time being, threatening the villages, shooting with heavy weapons, waging air strikes, cutting off food, medicine and transportation - these are the works currently being done by the military council," he said.

The SAC is experiencing military and political crises for the time being and depending on what kind of change will be made on 31st January, the good and the bad of the country would be found.

Saying the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the vote list dispute in the 2020 general election, the Tatmadaw toppled down the NLD government on 1st February 2021 and has taken power after declaring the state of emergency.

The state of emergency will be 3 years old on 1st February 2024 and another six months might be extended.

CNI News

24 January 2024

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) told the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP/SSA) not to do matters such as money collection, military and administrative affairs, including recruitment of troops in Namkham Township where there have been peace and stability in a letter sent to the SSPP by the TNLA. 

The letter was sent on 21st January 2024 to the head of Ally Affairs Department of the SSPP.

The TNLA stated in its letter that its community administrative groups reported that the SSPP was working to force the local Shan people to form a village security force and to serve in the military for the SSPP. 

The people in Namkham area have been free and independent now. and the TNLA that drove off Burmese military dictator's soldiers has taken the responsibility in order to make Namkham Township stable and develop in accordance with the will of the people in the township, said in the letter sent to the SSPP.

While seeing the letter sent to the SSPP by the TNLA

" So, the TNLA makes a special request to the SSPP, a brotherhood ally, not to proceed with matters such as money collection, carrying out military and administrative affairs including recruiting troops in Namkham Township where there have had peace and stability." said in the letter.

If the SSPP went on carrying out those matters against the people's desire, because unwanted problems would arise between the two brotherhood allies, the letter of request was sent. said the TNLA.

" Most of the people living in Namkham Township are Shan people. So, the SSPP carries out administrative issues. It's not wrong. And the SSPP has been active in Namkham since before. The TNLA has wanted the port in Sellant of the SSPP. After controlling Namkham, the TNLA wants to get a Chinese border exit. Sham people won't accept to be ruled by Palaung. The fighting might take place between the two sides sort of." 

said a Namkham resident.

The TNLA has been participating in the Operation-1027 that was launched on 27th October 2023 and has controlled Namkham, Nansang, Mang Ton, Mong Ngor, Namtu, Kutkai and Theinni. 

However, the SSPP has been active in Namkham and Theinni Townships since before and has increased its military strength in the townships reportedly.

CNI News

23 January 2024

A battle broke out between the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA/PNLO) and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) because the negotiation did not go well, Lt-Col Khun Tun Shwe from the PNO, told CNI News. 

During the battle, a troop from the PNLO was killed and several troops from the PNO were injured, he said, adding that the PNLO set fire to the ammunitions they were carrying.

" Their cars came from the north. I didn't know where they came from. When they arrived in the Naung Yang Gate, they didn't stop. So, we chased them. We exchanged fire with them at San Phoo Village near Hopong. A troop from them was killed. Some of our troops were injured as well. Next day, negotiation was conducted. But it was inconvenient. And then, they set fire to the ammunitions that they had carried. Explosions took place from which many houses of the village were burnt down." said Lt-Col Khun Tun Shwe to CNI News.

While seeing the PNO force

Although CNI contacted the PNLO to find out its position regarding the destruction of weapons and ammunition, Maj Khun Min Thein from the PNLO did not answer the question, but he told that the battle took place. 

A convoy with five motorcars in which people who put on the PNLO uniform were checked and a small fighting took place. And then weapons and ammunitions exploded.

After that, 27 houses of San Phoo Village were burnt down, the State Administration Council stated on 21st January 2024. Relevant authorities are carrying out to help the people affected by the fire and armed groups needed to have mutual respect, Lt-Col Khun Tun Shwe told CNI News.

While seeing the PNLO force

" They are an NCA signatory and they might see that we are an illegal group. But they need to inform us that they will pass our gates. There should be mutual respect among armed groups that we had negotiated and agreed to it. Because they didn't want to be checked, the problem like that happened." he said.

Three forces including Major Khun Min Thein from the Liaison Office of the PNLO in Taunggyi were summoned and met by the Tatmadaw on 21st January 2024. 

The PNO was allowed to govern the Pa-O region which was designated as Special Region-6 after peace was achieved with the Tatmadaw.

After that, Pa-O Autonomous Region that contains Pinlaung, Sesai and Hopong Townships has been ruled by the MNO.

PNLO/PNLA is an NCA signatory and has been active in Sesai, Hopong and Mawkmai townships in Shan State. Mawkmai is designated as the headquarters of the PNLO.

CNI News

23 January 2024

The Ministry of Labor agreed to send MoU workers to Thailand by Yangon-Don Muang Flight, the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation (MOEAF) told CNI News. 

Because the Yangon-Myawady-Maesot route has not been convenient for the time being, the Kawthaung-Ranong route is being mainly used to send MoU workers. As air fares were currently skyrocketing, this route was less expensive, U Myat Thu, general secretary of the MOEAF, told CNI News.

" An air ticket for the Yangon-Kawthaung trip was about 1.5 lakh kyats before, but now it is about 4.5 lakhs. If you come to Bangkok from Kawthaung-Ranong, it is very distant. But if you want to go to southern Thailand, going from Kawthaung-Ranong is nearer. Yangon-Bangkok flights are cheaper."

If there were agencies that wanted to send MOU workers by Yangon-Don Muang flight, they could already submit it , However, there are not any agencies that have submitted so far, according to overseas employment agencies. 

Workers who will go abroad through the MoU

Although agencies have requested to allow them to send MoU workers by Yangon-Don Muang flight for quite a long time, officials from the two countries agreed to allow at the Myanmar-Thailand director-level meeting.

Because there were several airlines that operate the Yangon-Don Muang flight, there was no possibility that the price of air ticket will increase exponentially, U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News. 

" There are three or four airlines. So, the ticket price won't increase so much. Charter flights can be used through the Ministry of Labor. Air tickets can be booked for 50 or 100 people on the same day. If you can't send all the workers in one go, you have to send twice." he said.

Submissions to send MOU workers via the Myawady-Maesot route have been temporarily suspended since December 19. At present, Htoh Kaw Koh-Kyaw Koh Road and Yangon-Kawthaung Ranong flight are being used to send MoU workers because New Asia Highway cannot be used for the time being.

Battles have been breaking out since December, 2023 at the Myawady-Kawkareik New Asia Road, a route where there was a main flow of goods at the Myanmar-Thailand border.

CNI News

23 January 2024

That the State Administration Council has extended six months to the state of emergency will expire on 31st January 2024 and if the SAC was not able to create a new political landscape, Myanmar economy would be more affected, reviewed economic and political circles. 

If the SAC extended the state of emergency for another six months, the current political instability could be worse and the economy also could decline more, said businessmen.

However, if the SAC was able to tackle the peace issues successfully during another six months after forming an interim government, the economy could be a little better again, U Thet Zaw, Myanmar economic commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the manufacturing industry

" We'd like to see a political change. If another six months are extended like before, instabilities will be worse, we have estimated. We want to see a government that can change the situations. An interim government might not make the economy much better. But if it was able to tackle the peacemaking issues successfully, the economy could be recover a bit after re-opening the border trade. It takes at least two years for the economy to recover. It's necessary to invite foreign investments. But about two years after an elected government comes to power, we can do so, we think." said U Thet Zaw.

At present, because the political problem is affecting the economy, only if the political problem could be solved first, the economy would be convenient, pointed out businessmen. 

If the political problem was solved, international relations could be better built and international investors could believe more to invest in the country. 

Moreover, instead of exercising the way to improve each sector that was used by successive governments, it was necessary to better the whole economic system, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

While seeing the garment industry

" If the political problem is solved, international relation will be convenient. Economic environment will better again. And then we must have the confidence of investors. People can work again. In relation to SMEs, successive governments have thought about things relating to SMEs and so have hotel and tourism since our childhood. Thinking like that doesn't get to the root of the problem. The basic reason is that the economic system must be improved. Whether the political system is good or not, politics must be stable." said U Htay Aung Kyi.

Economic experts within the country are currently teaching in universities and other facilities and their role has been weak to promote the economic development.

It was necessary to assign economic experts not only in universities but also in departments and other places. Moreover, economic academics and political scientists needed to take part in the trends, pointed out economic analysts.

CNI News

22 January 2024

If the Central Bank of Myanmar wanted expatriate Myanmar nationals to use legal money transfer activity more rather than using illegal hundi system, money transferred should be managed freely, banking experts told CNI News.

At present, expatriate Myanmar people have used the hundi system more and the price of foreign currencies are always going up, so the money transferred from foreign countries should be freely managed by the owners, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

" When you conduct a transaction, you'll want to manage it without worrying freely. People work only when there is an incentive. Myanmar migrant workers have to work hard to earn money abroad whatever they are blue or white collars. If the banks want the workers to transfer money from them, they need to give incentives to the workers. Incentives contain allowing the remitters to freely manage their money. If so, there'll be no problem." he said.

While exchanging Myanmar kyats to dollars

In the past, when the sailors transfer money to Myanmar from abroad, they were given car permits. At present, although the government was not able to issue car permits to them, if they are allowed to freely manage their money, they can use legal remittance system rather than illegal hundi activity.

" It should be performed systematically to earn the national income from the money transferred by the workers abroad. For example, how should the government provide what kind of service to the worker who who will transfer money? Is the amount of money transferred equal to the amount the families will receive? It depends on them." said U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) to CNI News.

Checks and arrests are being conducted by the Central Bank with a view to making illegal hundi agents die out. In most cases, there are illegal enterprises. So, when trying to reduce or put down illegal enterprises, economic ideologies should be considered, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

while seeing the Central Bank

" In relation to the informal sector, it's necessary to consider both to make them benefit and to make the country benefit instead of restricting them. when approaching like this, public administration idea alone cannot be reliable. Economic ideologies should be considered. Informal sector is a kind of economy. An economic ideology is needed to make those included in the informal sector benefit. An administration point alone cannot be reliable." he said.

Because illegal hundi enterprises have existed since many years ago, it doesn't seem to be effective, pointed out businessmen.