CNI News
3 December 2023

It may be difficult for banana export to China through Kan Pite Tee border trade, Kachin State because most of the truck drivers haven't got the Chinese border pass books aka red books, according to truck drivers.

Although red books have been issued to truck drivers at a time like this in previous years, because at present they have not been issued, some truck drivers whose red books have not expired have been allowed to drive into the Chinese side.

Those without a red book are working through the driver replacement system. There has been no difficulty because a small amount of bananas can be exported to China for the time being when bananas start coming out reportedly.

While seeing Chinese border pass book and the bananas

If the red book are not available when bananas are abundant, banana trucks may pile up at the Kan Pite Tee border and the bananas may be damaged, Ko Shan Gyi, a truck driver, CNI News.

" The red book haven't been issued. In the past, red books were issued to those who entered with banana trucks. Any driver with any registration card was issued. If the red books were not issued, it would be really difficult when the bananas were abundant. Even now, you have to hire someone who has a book to enter the Chinese side. When the bananas are abundant, banana trucks will pile up in Kan Pite Tee and the bananas will overripe and be damaged." said Ko Shan Gyi.

At present, one third of the truck drivers have got the red books and most of the drivers who will come next have not got the red books reportedly. Although there are reports that the red book will be issued early next year, it has not been clear.

Only if the red books are issued in January when the bananas will be abundant, will it be convenient, said truck drivers.

While seeing the trucks

Because the driver replacement system has to be used at the border for the drivers who have not got the red books, he got net 50,000 kyats only for the driver's fee, Ko Kalarlay, a truck driver, told CNI News.

" You get 300,000 kyats for the driver's fee. But the cost is 250,000 kyats. After driving a long distance, there will be about 50,000 left." he said.

Currently, about 300 banana trucks are entering the Chinese side each day through Kan Pite Tee border trade.

CNI News
3 December 2023

The Shanni Nationalities Army hung up vinyl with letters saying that Shanni must protect Shanni land in some places of Homalin Town, upper Sagaing Region and started informing the local people.

Gathering Kalay, Tamu, Homalin, Katha, Mawlike, Banmauk, Phaungbyin, Kawlin, Wuntho, Pinlebu in Sagaing Region and Bhamo, Myitkyina, Mohnyin, Mogaung, Indawgyi in Kachin, the SNA, an EAO, is trying to get Shanni State.

The battles are breaking out between the SNA and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Homalin, Banmauk, Shwe Pyi Aye, Phaungbyin, Mohnyin, Mogaung, Indaw and Hpakant among the regions the SNA has been active.

The KIA is using the People's Defense Force (PDF) in fighting against the SNA to control Shanni regions, said local Shanni people.

CNI News

1 December 2023

The current internal armed conflict was being led by western countries, Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the Tatmadaw stated on 29th November. 

Those who were killed were only Myanmar citizens due to battles and as a result of civil wars after Myanmar had gained her independence, ,the country has not developed as much as it should, he said.

"Due to the flattery of the subversives who live abroad and Western-leaning media that is based on abroad and rumours, many people were killed. They are Myanmar citizens. Whether the deaths are from the Tatmadaw side or from the enemy side, they are all Myanmar citizens. Myanmar has experienced internal insurgency since it gained her independence and the country has not developed as much as it should. We are still in this whirlpool. Western countries that colonized us led to cause internal conflict in the past. They also are leading the conflict now. Our entire public must be aware of this." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun

While the revolutionary forces were moving in the city of Kawlin

Because of political changes after 1st February 2021, armed conflicts have been taking place widely across the country. Due to the battles between the Tatmadaw and some EAOs/PDF joint forces, there are casualties from both sides and also civilian casualties.

If you said that western countries were leading the revolutionary forces who were trying to overthrow the Tatmadaw, you would be wrong, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" Western countries are leading? It's unlikely. US has recognized that Myanmar is in China's sphere of influence. The US doesn't interfere as a gentleman's agreement. The NDAA program of the US also didn't implement. It's just blaming those who don't belong because there's nothing to say. It's not right at all." he said.

The battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the revolutionary forces in Kayin, Kayah, Rakhine States, nothern Shan State, Chin State, Sagaing and Magway Regions. 

Although some EAOs, political parties and international organizations are trying to solve the armed conflicts, they haven't been able to solve it yet reportedly.

CNI News

1 December 2023

More and more arrests might be possible by the end of this year, those who are helping in the affairs of Myanmar nationals in Malaysia, told CNI News. 

The number of foreign migrant workers is more than before and the Ricarlibraci permit that has allowed undocumented foreign workers to apply so that they can work legally would expire to be applied in the end of December. 

So, more arrests might be possible more than previous years, Hmwar Michael helping in the affairs of Myanmar nationals in Malaysia, told CNI News.

While stopping and checking vehicles on the road in Malaysia

" In comparison with previous years, the number of migrant workers has increased a lot. More arrests might be possible in the entire country. Malaysian authorities have a plan to make the country free from illegal migrants. Overstayers may be safe a bit because they have to work in the farms or in the rural areas. Authorities can check all the other places." he said.

If undocumented foreigners were arrested, they would be sent to the immigration camps and be punished.

Of those who have served their punishments, the people who could afford air tickets would be sent back to Myanmar by flight.

The population has become more inflated and jobs are scarce this year, making it more difficult to live in Malaysia, said the people helping Myanmar people in Malaysia.

Those who have been detained

" Malaysian government will issue a statement in early 2024. In the meantime, I want the workers to be patient with their jobs and watch the situation. You shouldn't go anywhere if you don't have to." said U Barbu Gyi who is helping Myanmar nationals in Malaysia.

Due to the escape of a Myanmar citizen designated as a suspect in the murder of a Malaysian citizen a few days ago, Malaysian authorities searched the hostels where Myanmar citizens stay. 

The period allowing undocumented workers to apply for Ricarlibraci permit will expire in December. So, Myanmar citizens who have not applied should apply in time, the people helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens in Malaysia have urged.

CNI News

1 December 2023

Due to the difficulty of the export route to the Chinese border, domestic corn prices have declined, according to corn traders. The price of corn is currently less than 20,000 kyats although the price was more than 20,000 kyats in the past. 

As a result of battles between the Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, it is difficult to export corn produced in Shan State to the Chinese border as well as to the Yangon and Mandalay markets. 

So, corn prices are coming down If the road difficulties continued like that, the price of corn might continue to fall, an official from the Northern Shan State Corn Industrial Association, told CNI News.

" Normally, now is not yet the time when the price of corn falls. The price tends to decline by the end of December. We can't go through Chin Shwe Haw and Muse in northern Shan State due to the battles. It's not convenient to go from Lashio to Mandalay. If you go via southern Shan State the transportation fee is three or four times more. You can't go to the border any more. Moreover, You can't go from Lashio to Mandalay as well. So, the corn price will go on declining." he said.

While seeing corn plants

Currently, corns produced only in Shan State are being sold and corns have been grown in Ayeyarwady Region not very lang ago. 

When the corns produced in Ayeyarwady Region start appearing, since it is a period of duty-free export to Thailand, farmers are worried that the price will decline.

The traders who will store are buying the corn in the domestic market, including other demands. The corns produced in northern Shan State cannot be sold for the time being. When the corns were exported to Thailand duty free, the corns would accumulate more than last year, Ko Min Khaing, a corn farmer from Ayeyarwady Region, told CNI News.

" When one trade route is suspended, we haven't been able to export the corns to Thailand through Myawady. At present, the corns are being mainly sold in the domestic market only. So, the corn price is leading downward only. Although the corn hasn't appeared yet in our region, there will be impact on us. The traders or farmers in Shan State don't sell their corns. Later, the corn from Ayeyarwady Region will appear. When the prices will be good a bit, the corns will be plentiful as well. The corns are being exported to many countries by road or by sea. But when the corns are exported to Thailand, the amount will probably be more than previous years." said Ko Min Khaing.

At present, the world corn price is declining and Corn demand will increase when the corn appears from Ayeyarwady Region and corns are exported to Thailand duty free. 

So, the domestic corn price could increase, according to the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association. Because the export policy relating to corn could be changed, traders are watching the situation.

CNI News
30 November 2023

He believed that the two Shan EAOs - the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) will combine, Sai Ai Pao,, chairman of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party told CNI News.

In accordance with the will of Shan people and monks, they have agreed to ceasefire, said in a statement jointly released by the RCSS and the SSPP on 29th November.

" As a Shan ethnic, I'm proud of them. The agreement will last long. Later, it would be better if the two groups became one. All Shan ethnic people want their combination. Shan nationalities want to see them to be as the same group. I believe it will be like that because people young and old want it. To tell you frankly, all the people of the union also want to be like that. If they become a single group, they will be able to completely protect the interests of the Shan people." said Sai Ai Pao.

troops of the RCSS/SSA

Three representatives from the SSPP and four representatives from RCSS, they met and discussed and formally agreed to a ceasefire on 29th November 2023, said in the statement. The RCSS and the SSPP were often fighting over territorial disputes and due to the battles, locals had to flee to safety.

He hoped that the two organizations will form a combine as one through the ceasefire, Sai Sai, spokesperson of the Shan ethnic civil organizations, told CNI News.

" We can expect a lot. This is the first step. In the current situation, the battles are severely breaking out in our country. In northern Shan State, as you know, the battles are fiercely taking place. At a time like this, first of all, it is necessary to cease fire between our EAOs so that they can protect our people. We have been demanding it since 2021. Our Shan nationalities local and abroad hail the ceasefire. We have expected them to form a combine as one. But there are a lot of things to do, I think." he said.

The RCSS is an NCA signatory and the SSPP is an NCA non-signatory.

CNI News
30 November 2023

About 50,000 tourists entered Shan State during the seven days of Tazaungdaing Festival, an official from the Directorate of Hotel and Tourism, told CNI News.

Tazaungdaing Festival was held in Taunggyi, Shan State from 21st to 27th November and the festival was as crowded as it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. So, it was a good result reportedly.

" 66 percent of the rooms of hotels and guesthouses were full with tourists from 21st to 23rd November. But all the rooms were full with tourists from 24th to 27th November. It was not only in Taunggyi but also in Kalaw. But 50 percent of the rooms in Nyaung Shwe were full with tourists. On 26th and 27th November, the entire field of the festival was as crowded as it was before the Covid-19 pandemic." said an official from the directorate of hotel and tourism.

Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Festival was not held in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The festival was held only from 7th to 9th November.

While overlooking the balloon launches at the 1385 Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival from Awaiyargon Thayagon

The number of tourists who entered the Bagan ancient culture area was low during the Tazaungdaing holiday last year.

Although the number of tourists entered the area was not exactly known, this year's tourist arrivals have increased more than last year, according to an official from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum in Bagan.

Although the number of tourists who arrived in beach areas decreased a bit due to cancellation of hotel bookings,  tourist arrivals increase than last year.

Tourism and hotel operators expected tourist arrivals would increase during the Tazaungdaing Festival this year. However, because there were cancellations of trips due to territorial instabilities, tourist arrivals were fewer than expected, U Naung Naung Han, chairman of the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, told CNI News.

1385 Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival was crowded with visitors

" Tourist arrivals decreased a lot. There were many domestic tours planned. Cars were rented in advance. But almost all the trips were cancelled. Preparations haven't made a lot for the Christmas and New Year. The problems with trip cancellations are still being solved. Some tourism companies lost a lot and so did hotels. Some tourism companies paid advanced money. But the trips were cancelled." he said.

Hotel bookings have not been made for the coming December holiday for the time being reportedly. Tourists can go to Chaungtha, Ngwe Saung, Bagan, Taunggyi, Kalaw and Mandalay only during the December holiday, said U Naung Naung Han.

The number of foreign tourists enters Myanmar through Thailand is 100 to 200 and tourist arrivals from China and India increased a bit reportedly.

CNI News

30 November 2023

Myanmar Tatmadaw may launch an offensive against the Three Brotherhood Alliance aka northern group, Col.Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) told CNI News.

Just as the Chinese army conducted a military exercise near the China-Myanmar border in the past few days, currently Myanmar and China are jointly doing navy military exercises. 

This situation is possible because China and Myanmar want to show that their relations are good. After that, China might carry out to stop the operation that is being waged by the northern armed groups, Col.Khun Okka told CNI News.

While preparing for joint Chinese and Myanmar naval exercises

" What landscape is, it is tantamount to show that Naypyidaw and China have good relations. Moreover, there is a sense that China will put into practice what it is talking about stopping the operations being waged by northern group. It seems that Naypyidaw is going to launch an offensive against the northern group by the end of this month. If the northern groups stop when they should stop, both sides will suffer less." said Col.Khun Okka.

Battles have been fiercely taking place between the Tatmadaw and the joint forces of the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State since the Operation-1027 was launched by the alliance. 

Due to these battles, China-Myanmar border trade has stopped and most locals have been fleeing to safety.

If China did not participate in the operation of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, the battles could become more widespread, U Htet Myet, a writer and a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News. 

While seeing northern Three Brotherhood Alliance

" There are two types. One is that China is not behind the Three Brotherhood Alliance. If so, the war waged by the three brotherhood alliance may deepen. It may be stronger. Chin and Rakhine can fight together with these three groups. At the same time, armed groups that are active along the Myanmar-Thailand border can take part in the operations. Even Rakhine armed group (the AA), according to its understanding, it has already joined the attack. That is to say if China is not behind the Three brotherhood Alliance. But if they move this according to China's attitude, if they stop this because China tell them to stop it, the current revolution will actually be just a show." said U Htet Myet.

The Battles between the two sides have been breaking out fiercely since the Three Brotherhood Alliance launched the operation on 27th October. 

The operation that was launched in northern Shan State has been spreading to Kachin State, Sagaing and Mandalay Regions.

CNI News

29 November, 2023

The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) jointly announced that they have agreed to ceasefire for the protection of Shan people on 29th November while the battles are severely breaking out in Shan State. The two armed groups reached an agreement to stop fighting over territorial ownership dispute.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA) have been waging battles under the name of the Operation-1027 in Theinni, Thibaw, Kyaukme, Naunghkio, Namkham, Laukkai, Phaung Sai, Kyukote (Pangsai), Mong Ko, Chin Shwe Haw Townships since 27th October to capture towns and cities. Due to these battles, local people are displacing and some of them have lost their lives. 

Among them, the Shan people are facing the most.

While seeing the ceasefire agreement jointly released by the RCSS and the SSPP

So, the two Shan ethnic armed groups - the RCSS and the SSPP have prepared to protect the Shan people and Shan regions after reaching the agreement. 

The TNLA is trying to get the Palaung State by participating in the Operation-1027 and at the same time, the TNLA is striving to control Namkham Township where Shan people live most, which Shan nationalities don't accept.