CNI Interview

19 February 2025

Telegram fraud (Zha pian) and human trafficking are taking place in Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko in Karen State, Myanmar. 

So, China is putting pressure on Thailand and China, Myanmar and Thailand are jointly trying to suppress the Zha pian. 

With a view to suppression of Zha pian, Thailand has cut out providing electricity, internet service and fuel oil to Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and Paya Thone Zu Towns which have been dominated by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF).

Regarding the above situation, CNI News interviewed the DKBA Chief of Staff Maj-Gen Saw San Aung.

CNI News: Let us know what the DKBA is currently carrying out regarding the Zha pian and its future plan?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We'll have to crush up the Zha pian because it's inhumane and cruel. It's been notorious.

CNI News: How's the DKBA cooperating with the Myanmar Tatmadaw now?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We have agreed to a ceasefire with the Myanmar Tatmadaw. We have signed the NCA. There is communication and exchange of information between the two sides.

While checks were being conducted to hand over those involved in Zha pian to Thailand

CNI News: How's it going with Thailand? What agreements are there between the DKBA and Thailand?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: Not particularly. We haven't any agreements with Thailand. People here on the Myanmar side go to the Thai side to buy things. And crops produced in Myanmar are exported to Thailand. 

We have difficulty transferring people ( who worked for telegram fraudsters) to Thailand. The large number of people makes transportation difficult. We were not able to hand over the detained people to the Thai side in accordance with the immigration law of Myanmar. 

In fact, they came here through Thailand. So, we hand over these people to Thailand effortlessly. We haven't read the exact laws.

CNI News: If China ask the DKBA to hand over the telegram fraudsters to it, how does the DKBA plan to send telegram fraudsters to China?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We won't hand over telegram fraudsters to China whenever it asks us because China hasn't fed rice to us.

CNI News: What will happen if China enters your region to arrest the telegram fraudsters by reason of Zha pian as it did in the Wa and Kokang region? How have you planned to face the situation?

While Chinese Assistant Minister for Public Security was meeting those involved in Zha pian from Myawaddy

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: The Wa region is next to China. The Wa people have to enter and leave China.

CNI News: As Thailand has cut out providing electricity, it hurts the people on the Myanmar side. How has the DKBA made it up?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: Cutting out electricity is an inhuman and cruel act. Ordinary people here outnumber those involved in the Zha pian. In terms of humanity and human rights, there is no reason to cut off electricity. Thailand has to suppress the culprits only. All the people involved in the Zha pian came here through Thailand.

CNI News: Thailand is also preparing to arrest and prosecute the BGF leaders. They are saying to arrest the DKBA leaders. How do you want to respond to it?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We won't respond to anything. The nature of the world is that if you are weak, you will suffer. If Thailand provides evidence, it will arrest. But it's necessary to know that if they can arrest us, we can arrest them as well. That's what a soldier says.

CNI News: What else do you want to say regarding the regional cases?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We want this region to be peaceful. I feel sorry for the people when I hear the sound of mines and bombs.

CNI News

18 February 2025

The Karen National Liberation Army (LNLA)- the People's Defense force (PDF) joint forces that were waging battles against the Myanmar Tatmadaw might be able to reach the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway through the west side of the Sittaung River, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance, U Myo Kyaw told CNI News. 

The joint forces attacked the check-points and outposts of the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Kyaukkyi, Kyauktaga, Phyu and Nyaunglebin Townships at the same time, the Information Department of the Karen National Union (KNU) released on 16th February 2025.

The KNLA-PDF joint forces might be able to reach the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and if they were able to capture the expressway, they could cut off connections to big cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, said U Myo Kyaw.

While seeing the commander of the Cobra Column fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw

" I came to know since before that revolutionary elements are being active around the old Yangon-Mandalay Highway in the west side of the Sittaung River. And then, they might come to the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. If they were able to capture the expressway, they would be able to cut off connections to big cities such as Yangon and Mandalay. There are often battles in Kyauktaga and Nyaunglebin while there are more severe battles in Kyaukkyi. The revolutionary forces often surround it and firmly deploy themselves in this area. Revolutionary forces are strong there. We heard that they would penetrate into the main land in 2025. They are putting it into practice, I think." said U Myo Kyaw.

According to the statement released by the KNU, revolutionary forces attacked and captured the Naywebin Camp, the camp between Tauweek and Htaintabin Villages and the Kyungone Village Camp under the No. 560 Infantry of the Myanmar Tatmadaw on 15th February 2025.

While seeing the KNLA and its allies

Although the revolutionaries were motivated by the ability to attack small camps, they still needed time to carry out large-scale operations, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" When the SAC's ground forces are weak, revolutionary forces will be able to attack and capture small camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw. It may motivate them. It will take them time to wage large-scale military operations such as Operatgion-1027 or as the AA does." said Col. Khun Okkar.

There are over one million IDPs in Karen and Bago Regions at present and they need humanitarian aids, reported the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) on 28th November 2024.

# Col. Khun Okkar #KNLA #PDF # Naypyidaw# Yangon # politics #cnimyanmar

CNI News

18 February 2025

Senior officials from China, Thailand, and Myanmar met and discussed issues related to combating online fraudsters (Zha Pian) in Karen State, Myanmar on February 17, 2025. 

The meeting was held on the Myanmar side and attended by Deputy Home Affairs Minister of Myanmar Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Kyaw and Deputy Chief of Myanmar Police Force,  Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi, Thai General Trisak Indraransmi on behalf of Thai Defense Minister, and advisor to the Thai Defense Ministry Mr. Sakhorn Boongullaya.  

The high-level delegates from the three countries went to Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and the KK Park, Karen State, Myanmar, where they met those trafficked in the Zha Pian gangs.

The delegates discussed matters relating to foreigners detained in Myawaddy back to their countries.

The Myanmar government investigated and identified Zha Pian gangs and their businesses in Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and the KK Park, and was able to detain 1030 foreigners between 30th January and 16th February 2025.

Officials concerned are carrying out in order to send the foreigners detained back to their countries in accordance with the law. Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and the KK Park have been controlled by the DKBA and the Border Guard Force of Karen State.

CNI News

17 February 2025

Thailand's suspension of exporting fuel oil and electricity to the Myanmar side in order to combat Zha Pian (telegram fraud) in the Myanmar-Thailand areas hurt locals more, some Myawaddy locals told CNI News. 

Electricity provided by Thailand is used only by Myawaddy General Hospital, banks, and other Chinese businesses and the local community uses only local electricity, so there is no problem for them, they said.

Locals in the Myanthe mar-Thailand border areas are depending on the fuel oil coming from Thailand and because Thailand has suspended exporting fuel oil to the Myanmar side, locals have to pay 15,000 kyats per liter just now although 7,000 kyats were paid one liter before, an official from the Alinthit Social Assistance Association, told CNI News.

While seeing people who were waiting to buy fuel oil in Myawaddy

" Because Thailand has cut out exporting fuel oil, all residents of Myawaddy find it difficult because we have to depend on the fuel oil coming from the Thai side. Fuel stations in Myawaddy sell fuel oil part-time only. If they have no fuel oil, they have closed the stations. The price is going up regularly. Now a black market has emerged in Myawaddy. They are selling at double the price. Fuel trucks don't enter the town. There are only cars on which fuel oil is carried and sold." he said.

Thailand has cut out selling electricity, fuel oil and internet service to the five places, including Myawaddy on the Myanmar side since 5th February with a view to suppressing online fraud or Zha Pian.

Thailand has banned exporting its 12 products including mobile phone handsets, inverters and solar panels to Myanmar since 12th February.

Power cut-out only slowed down the operations of the Zha Pian and hurt the public more, U Khun Sai who is taking part in the peace process, told CNI News.

" On the surface, electricity cut-out is not effective yet. It slows down the operations of Zha Pian. But it hurt the public more. It's also a good chance for people who want to stir up unrest. The public is not pleased with it. The Thai side said that they would review it soon and they might change the current situation." he said.

Myanmar and Thailand are jointly taking strict action against telegram fraudsters while China is putting pressure on both of them.

Thai news reports cover that Thai officials are also investigating and taking action against those suspected of being involved in telegram fraud.

CNI News

17 February 2025

Chinese Assistant Public Security Minister Liu Zhongyi and Myanmar's Deputy Union PM and FM U Than Swe discussed the suppression of online gambling and telegram fraud (Zha Pian) in the border areas in Naypyidaw on 14th February.

The discussion started at 2:00 p.m. on 14th February and the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Miss Ma Jia attended the discussion as well. 

And then, they discussed the matters regarding the continued implementation of Myanmar-China bilateral cooperation projects; the enhancing legal cooperation to combat cross-border crimes; the increased cooperation between relevant departments of the two countries to jointly combat online gambling and fraud networks (scams) in the border areas.

While seeing Chinese Assistant Public Security Minister Mr. Liu Zhongyi and Myanmar Union Home Affairs Minister Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung

Moreover, Mr. Liu Zhongyi met with Myanmar's Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung and discussed the suppression of Zha Pian gangs. 

To effectively implement activities to combat online fraud and online gambling, they also discussed the issues related to holding meetings of high-ranking officials from Myanmar, Thailand and China, reported the SAC.

China is putting pressure on Myanmar and Thailand to suppress Zha Pian gangs and human traffickers in Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and Paya Thone Zu on the Myanmar-Thailand border.

The Thai government has suspended exporting electricity and fuel oil to Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and Paya Thone Zu and cut out the internet, and is putting pressure on the DKBA and the BGF.

These regions have been controlled by the DKBA and the BGF and they handed over more than 400 to foreigners who were trafficked to the Thai side on 12th and 13th February 2025. The BGF is conducting inspections in Shwe Kokko.

CNI News

17 February 2025

General Secretary of the Border Guard Force Maj-Gen Saw Chit Thu sent a letter to the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to provide guidance him in suppressing Zha Pian, telegram fraudsters in Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko, Karen State, Myanmar on 13th February 2025.

The BGF was identifying and arresting human traffickers and fraudsters who are illegally working in investment businesses in his region and sending them to the embassies concerned in Thailand, said in the letter.

Human traffickers and fraudsters were being sent through No.2 Friendship Bridge in collaboration between the Myanmar government and the Thai government, said Maj-Gen Saw Chit Thu.

While the BGF was suppressing Zha Pian in Shwe Kokko

" So, criminals, human traffickers and fraudsters will be sent quickly to their native countries in collaboration with the Myanmar government and the Thai government. For faster and smoother collaboration, the BGF requests Thai Deputy Prime Minister to provide guidance as needed." said in the letter.

The BGF formed the Special Task Force for Combating Zha Pian and Human Trafficking on 12th February. After that, the BGF has been searching for and checked telecom fraudsters and those trafficked in Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko since 14th February.

CNI News
16 February 2025

Federal transitional plan constitution that the nine organizations have started drafting needs to encompass powerful organizations, pointed out military and political analysts.

The nine organizations that contain EAOs and federal councils representing state and nationality released on 12th February 2025 that they have started drafting the federal transitional plan constitution that seems like the constitution for transitional period.

The constitution that is being drafted currently does not contain powerful northern organizations such as Wa (UWSA) and Myla (NDAA), secretary of the Women's League of Burma (WLB) Daw Nan Moh Moh told CNI News.

" Other organizations are also collaborating with the nine organizations. Northern elements including Wa are not included in the drafting of the constitution. We'll have to negotiate with the organizations that have not taken part in drafting the interim plan.”She Said.

The nine organizations that released the joint statement are the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF), New Mon State Party/Anti-Dictatorship (NMSP/AD),the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC), the Pa-O National Federal Council (PNFC), the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC), the Ta'ang Political Consultative Committee (TPCC) and the Women's League of Burma (WLB).

Discussions and negotiations are being promoted to declare the common position of the groups fighting together to end the military dictatorship and build a federal democratic union as well as to encourage more groups to support and participate, said in the statement.

While seeing the UWSA

Efforts must be made to make the groups currently drafting the interim constitution stronger and they were leading to change the administrative systems of the country, chairman of the PNFC U Khun Myint Tun told CNI News.

" It's necessary to include all the remaining organizations so that this effort will be stronger. Although there were various organizations, changes of governments and  coups d'état in our country, basically the backbone of the military dictatorship is always there. We are truly moving towards a system change, a real system change”he Said.

The Arakan Army (AA) wants to achieve the Confederation as a "minimum" level. Secretary of the TNLA Maj-Gen Tar Bone Kyaw told Palaung People to get ready for the establishment of a new country of their own.

A leader of the KIA Lt-Gen Gun Maw said that the EAO leaders might demand levels beyond federalism in 2025. Wa and Myla groups have separate administrative systems and they are separately standing, which is outside the federalism and democracy all the remaining organizations are making attempts to achieve.

CNI News
16 February 2025

The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) has been restructured, reported the State Administration Council (SAC) on 14th February 2025.

Lieutenant General Ya Pyae (Minister of Border Affairs) will serve as the chairman of the NSPNC that has been reorganized and Lt-Gen Min Naing as secretary of the committee.

Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Kyaw (Deputy Minister for Home Affairs), Lt-Gen Win Zaw Moe (police chief), a colonel from the Office of the Chief of Military Security Affairs, Col. Wunna Aung (JMC), U Hla Maung Shwe, Lt-Gen Win Bo Shein (Retired), chairman of the Myanmar Veterans Association Lt-Gen Sein Win (Retired), Lt-Gen Myo Thant Naing,  Union Minister for Immigration and Manpower U Myint Kyaing and Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi will serve as members.

The NSPNC is the committee responsible for Myanmar's peace negotiations and it implements the tasks set by the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee (NSPCC).

At present, the NSPNC is discussing with the EAOs that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) so that peace processes can be implemented.

CNI News

15 February 2025

There are opinions among military and political observers whether the country's situation can be maintained by amending the 2008 constitution. 

Although there were discussions regarding the amendment of the 2008 constitution since under the former civilian government, they were not successful.

In the amendment of the 2008 constitution, if negotiations regarding the EAOs' territories were able to be conducted, a change could arise, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

While the NSPNC and political parties were discussing

" If the election has been held already, a government will arise. The meetings of Hluttaw will be held again. After that, amendment will emerged. But in the former peace conferences, division of budget and self-administrations were included. Regarding them, negotiations were able to be conducted, a change can arise." he said.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw had agreed to amend the 2008 constitution and the amendments would be conducted in the Hluttaws, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on 13th February 2024.

According to the 2008 constitution, although Regions and States were allowed to impose laws in the sectors that had been permitted, because they didn't carry out after imposing the laws, there were difficulties in some places, he said.

While the NSPNC and the political parties group

However, the country's situation could not be maintained by simply amending the 2008 constitution, U Khun Sai who is taking part in the peace process told CNI News.

" They are working on amendment of the 2008 constitution at the moment. But the country's situation cannot be maintained at all by simply amending the 2008 constitution. On the other hand, some people think that those who will come to power won't immediately change things the SAC did." he said.

The National Solidarity and Peacekeeping Negotiation Committee met with the Working Group of political parties in June 2024 and they discussed points that they supposed should be amended from the Constitution.

The points that should amend the 2008 constitution and general discussions regarding the establishment of the Union based on federalism and democracy were discussed and negotiated, reported the SAC.

The chairman of the People's Party (PP) U Ko Ko Gyi has told the media more than 40 amendments to the 2008 Constitution have been agreed upon.