CNI News

7 November 2023

Officials from Thai Labor Ministry and Myanmar Union Minister for Labor Ministry discussed to enable undocumented Myanmar workers in Thailand to stay and work legally with certificate of identity (CI) book, the ministry of labor stated.

Although it would be convenient if Thailand complies with Myanmar's request, Thailand would agree on the basis the need for workers and the number of undocumented workers, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

" Thailand doesn't make a list of new workers at once. It is done after consultation with all departments. But the labor ministry is the main. According the ministry, we heard how many undocumented workers. The case of new worker registration will be presented at the cabinet meeting. And recommendation is needed also from the ministry of home affairs and the ministry of health depending on the number of undocumented workers. And then the Prime Minister approves it and it is decided at the cabinet meeting." he said.

A camp that provides service for CI books

If undocumented Myanmar workers were issued Baht Pink Card (Thai Pink ID Card) instead of CI, it would be more convenient, Ko Thargyi helping migrant workers told CNI News.

" It is very good if an undocumented worker gets a document because the security is important. But under the government led by Thakson, you were able to work in any part of Thailand if you had a labor card alone also known as a pink ID card. If the card like that was issued, a worker could go to anywhere in Thailand independently and work. And it would be low-cost for workers and reliable for safety." he said.

An undocumented worker has to spend 8,000 to 12,000 bahts to get a CI book at the CI camps in Thailand reportedly from those who are helping migrant workers. 

Moreover, Every Myanmar worker who has a CI book probably will have to pay Myanmar government income tax that was being implemented starting from 1st October, they pointed out.

CNI News

7 November 2023

Due to the demand for sugar cane at present, Mya Bayin Taung Lay Lone Sugar Mill in Shwe Nyaung Town, southern Shan State is buying a ton of sugar cane at 1.5 million kyats, according to the Myanmar Sugar and Cane Related Products Association.

Although the price of sugar cane was expected to be 110,000 to 130,000 kyats per ton this year, due to the increased demand for sugarcane from the sugar mill in southern Shan State, sugarcanes are being bought at a higher price.

As sugarcane cultivation is low and corn cultivation is high in southern Shan State at present, in order to increase the cultivation of sugarcane, the price of sugarcane was raised, U Maung Swe, a sugarcane grower, told CNI News. 

While seeing a sugar mill

" The number of people who grow sugarcane in southern Shan State has decreased. Their sugar mill is in need of sugarcane. Only if the price of sugarcane is raised, will farmers be interested in growing sugarcane. The yield of sugarcane is low. So, the mill has raised the price to make farmers want to grow more sugarcane. The mill adjusted the price of corn and increased the price of sugarcane." said U Maung Swe.

There are 17,000 acres of sugarcane cultivation in southern Shan State and largely it is grown in Nyaung Shwe, Lawksawk, Shwe Nyaung and Taunggyi. However, corn that is more profitable than sugarcane and can be exported is grown more.

Because the cost for inputs such as fertilizer, pesticide and fuel has been more expensive, the current price of sugarcane is reasonable, said sugarcane farmers.

However, sugar mills would not buy sugarcane at the price Mya Bayin Sugar Mill has offered because the prices have been designated under a cooperative farming system between sugar mills and farmers, U Win Htay, vice chairman of the Myanmar Sugar and Cane Related Products Association, told CNI News.

While seeing sugarcanes

" Why the Mya Bayin Taung Lay Lone Sugar Mill is buying the sugarcane at a higher price is because they want sugarcane. At the same time, the price of sugar is going up. The price of sugar can go up anymore. For example, their mill can crush 1,500 tons of sugarcane a day, but they can get 1,000 tons. So, they need 500 tons of sugarcane. But other mills might not pay this price. We estimate other mills will pay up to 130,000 kyats per ton. Other mills have signed the contract at what price and how much they will buy. Many farmers and mills are going with a contract farming type. Because this mill is weak in contract farming. There are many people who make sugarcane jaggery around the mill. As the mill wants more sugarcane, it's buying sugarcane at a higher price of kind." he said.

The sugar mills in Sagaing, Mandalay and Bago Regions have designated the price of sugarcane 120,000 kyats per ton and farmers are expecting 130,000 kyats and above per ton.

Currently, world sugar price is going up and so is local price, therefore sugar mills will raise the price as farmers have expected, according to the Myanmar Sugar and Cane Related Products Association.

CNI News

6 November, 2023

A political culture is needed to be continually built so that political problems could be solved by political means, U Khun Sai, who takes part in peace process, told CNI News. 

They had agreed to solve political problems by peaceful method since under the government led by U Thein Sein without using force, he said. 

" We had agreed to solve political problems by political means or peaceful means without solving with force - a political culture. Among those who agreed to that were the Tatmadaw, EAOs and political parties. We haven't finished building the culture as yet. If we go on emphatically building the culture, our people will surely be able to live peacefully. What we are doing is not for ourselves, but for our people. We should always take it to heart." he said.

While seeing those who are involved in peace process at the 8th Anniversary Celebration of the NCA on 15 October 2023

Domestic armed conflicts have been taking place since 1948 when Myanmar gained her independence and they have not been able to be solved up to now. 

Armed conflicts are breaking out widely across the country due to political changes after 1st February 2021. Political problems could not solved by war and disagreements should be negotiated at a round table, U Shwe Min, patron of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party) told CNI News.

While seeing General Yawd Serk and U Khaing Soe Naing Aung at the 8th Anniversary Celebration of the NCA on 15 October 2023

" All the stakeholders must carry out the peace as a priority so that all the citizens can live peacefully and wealthily, keeping abreast of the people from other countries. So, I'd like to urge all the stakeholders to sit at a round table and negotiate the disagreements. Let's find the solution at the round table so that it will be convenient for our country. If we go on in a military way, our citizens will be very much hurt." he said.

Some EAOs, some ethnic elements, political parties and ASEAN are trying to solve armed conflicts in Myanmar. However, the armed conflicts have not been able to be solved until today and the people are facing with crises.

CNI News

6 November 2023

Farmers in Rakhine State sold their harvesting and threshing machines to those who bought at a high price and at present, they can't buy these machines again. 

So, the farmers there are in need of the machines now, said farmers. 

Buyers from Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway and Yangon came and bought the machines at a high price and farmers in Rakhine State sold their machines.

Although farmers could buy harvesting and threshing machines with loans from Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank or by instalment three years ago, because farmers have to buy the machines in cash, they can't buy them. 

Moreover, because a harvesting and threshing machine was paid 500 lakh kyats in the past, it was very difficult for the farmers to buy them again, U Maung Thein Hla, secretary of Mrauk U Township Danyawady Farmers Federation, told CNI News.

While seeing a harvesting and threshing machine

" About three or four years ago, if you wanted to buy a harvesting and threshing machine, if you had 1,630,000 kyats and 10 acres, you would be able to buy one. At that time, the price was around 500 lakh kyats.If you had given one third, you would have paid the rest four times within two years. But now if you want to buy a machine, you must buy it in cash. Farmers faced with Covid-19 pandemic and instabilities. We had a drought last year. We experienced Mocha cyclone this year. We are in debt to pay the Agricultural Bank. The current price of a harvesting and threshing machine is 960 lakh kyats. The machines that our farmers bought at about 500 lakh kyats were used for three to four years after which the farmers sold the machines at 500 lakh kyats, considering they made a profit."he said.

The number of harvesting and threshing machines sold from Rakhine State is estimated to be by the hundred. So, Rakhine state needs the machines very badly this year.

While seeing a harvesting and threshing machine

Many youths in Rakhine State sold harvesting and threshing machines to go abroad for work. When they wanted to buy the machines again, because the price was so high that they could not buy the machines, U Maung Htwee, a farmer from Kyauktaw Township told CNI News.

" The number of harvesting and threshing machines has decreased about 25 percent, I think. Rakhine youths sold their machines to go abroad for work. Most of the machines have reached the mainland. 
People used to buy the machines with the credit system. For example, you have to pay 100 or 200 lakh kyats for the first time and the rest must be paid within five or six months. If so, people can buy it. But if they have to pay about 900 lakh kyats in one go, they can't buy it." he said.

There are over 1,200,000 rainfed cultivation acres in Rakhine State and the state is in need of over 300 harvesting and threshing machines. Mrauk U township needs about 120 machines and Kyauktaw township, over 100 machines, according to the Danyawady Farmers Federation. 

Farmers have asked the Rakhine State Rice Millers Association and the Rakhine State Council for help to use the machines in time.

When the farmers did not get the machines in time, if rice paddy had to be harvested with man power, in addition to having to reap at the post-harvest period, the costs would be higher. 

Ripe rice plants caught fire due to heat in the previous years. Farmers are worried that it will happen like that again this year.

CNI News

6 November 2023

The statement released by the National Unity Government (NUG) that the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) has been void was different from the policy of the seven NCA signatories, Col.Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) told CNI News. 

The NCA was approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and it would not be void because some individuals did not comply with it, he said.

" Their (NUG's) statement is different from the policy of our seven NCA signatories that are walking on the NCA path. Their first part review is correct. But because one or two organizations destroy the NCA, it won't be broken because it was approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. It is only the responsibility of the people who have to follow it. Because they don't comply with it, it won't be broken. But it can't be implemented for the time being, which might be right. But we can't say that it has be broken." he said to CNI News.

The Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting (JICM),the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPJDC) and the Joint Monitoring Committee which are political discussion framework and mechanisms of political dialogue automatically stopped after the Tatmadaw toppled down the civilian government, said in the NUG's statement. 

While seeing Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin, leader of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) and Col.Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO)

Due to political changes after 1st February 2021, the NCA could not implemented any more, said some NCA signatories and the Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) have said that the NCA has been void.

However, because the KNU stated that it had suspended its peace process since November 2018 under the NLD government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the NCA's peace processes could not be implemented any more. So, being unable to implement the NCA did not arise only after 1st February 2021, some people pointed out. 

Those who didn't like the NCA would say it had been void, and the NCA was not void, U Shwe Min, patron of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party) told CNI News.

While seeing the leaders attending the NCA 8th anniversary celebration

" Those who don't like the NCA will say that it's been void. But the NCA is not void. EAOs started drafting the NCA and it took them nearly two years to finish drafting it after debating. The NCA was signed by political parties, international witnesses and relevant political leaders. I'd like to say it's a much more advanced agreement than even the Panglong." he said.

There were many points that can implement the future peace through the NCA that was an agreement signed in order that the wishes of EAOs could be fulfilled, he added.

Because the Tatmadaw has taken power, the principles and objectives of the NCA were damaged. 

Moreover because it made the 2008 Constitution void, the process and discussion channels that were based on the NCA have stopped, KNU, CNF and ABSDF stated on 12 October 2023.

However, the 8th anniversary celebration of the NCA was held in Naypyidaw on 15 October 2023 and the seven NCA signatories attended the event.

CNI News

6 November 2023

Many tourists entered Bagan, Ngwe Saung and Ngapali during Thadingyut holiday, officials from the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism told CNI News. 
Over 100,000 tourists entered Bagan and 7,000 tourists, Ngwe Saung during Thadingyut holiday from 28th October to 30th October. Of these tourists, over 500 were foreign tourists reportedly.

Moreover, over 4,000 tourists entered Ngapali and of them, about 70 foreign tourists were included. During Thadingyut holiday in 2022, over 2,000 only entered Ngapali and of them, over 100 foreign tourists were included. 
However, the number of foreign tourists who entered Ngapali decreased in comparison with last year and more domestic tourists entered.

While seeing tourists on the beach

" 153 foreigners came last year. We have expected a lot of foreign tourists will come. Now the tourism season starts. The rain is not over yet in October.The next season is the open season, so it's good to travel. A Fan Trip from Russia came here from 28th October to 30th October and 11 people were included in the group. Among these people, travel agents and company owners were included. They really like the nature of water and ground here. Sand and water here are pure. Another thing, If you go into the water when it's cold, the water is warm. They were surprised to know that. They also like the temperature of water." said U Tin Tun Aung, director oif the Directorate of Hotel and Tourism, Rakhine State, to CNI News.

Moreover, Over 200,000 tourists entered the Ngwe Saung Beach from January to October 2022. However, during the same period this year, over 300,000 tourists entered the beach, U Soe Win, assistant director from the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism (Pathein, Ngwe Saung Branch) told CNI News. 

Over 5,000 foreign tourists entered Ngwe Saung and The foreign tourists who entered the most were Chinese nationals and Indian, the second and Russian, the third and Japanese, the fourth and Thai nationals, the fifth, he added.

While seeing a night of a full moon day at Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan region

" There were five Thadingyut holidays last year. But this year, just three holidays. 121,704 more people entered than last year during the same period" he said to CNI News.

Moreover, there were a lot of domestic tourists who went to Shan State where hotel room booking was just normal, U Naung Naung Han, chairman of Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (MTEA) told CNI News.

" There are many tourists who come from Yangon in Kalaw and Inle during Thadingyut holiday. Westerners plan their trip 6 months to a year in advance. But Myanmar people plan two weeks or one month in advance. Bookings are made a week or two before the Tazaungdaing holiday and the rooms are often full. Lots of domestic tourists are travelling. Foreign tourists' arrival has improved as well. But a lot of them haven't come here yet. So many domestic tourists seem to come in November and December including Christmas days." said U Naung Naung Han.

Currently, hotel bookings are being made in some areas for the Tazaungdaing holiday reportedly

CNI News

6 November 2023

Among the armies in Myanmar, Rakhine army is the most powerful after the Myanmar Tatmadaw (considered as Bamar Army), U Kun Gawng Awng Hkam, a Kachin politician, told CNI News. 

Many Rakhine youths are serving in the Arakan Army (AA) and AA has deployed its troops across the country, he said.

" To the best of my knowledge, among the armies in Myanmar, AA is the most powerful after the Bamar Army ( the Tatmadaw). AA contains a lot of Rakhine youths. So, AA can deploy its troops across the country. AA troops are in Karen, Kachin and Shan States. And AA has their own territory. AA troops are at battles with their allies in other parts of the country." he said to CNI News.

While seeing an intersection in Rakhine State

At present, at the battles against the Tatmadaw in northern Shan State, AA troops are fighting with its brotherhood allies. Moreover, in cooperation with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), AA is fighting against the Tatmadaw in Kachin State and Sagaing Region.

AA had created a route from Kachin State through Chin State to Rakhine State in order that weapons could be exported, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator told CNI News.

While seeing AA troops

" AA was founded by gathering Rakhine youths who came to jade mining site. And then, AA sent its troops to Rakhine State. But AA troops are in Kachin State as well. AA has created a route from Kachin state through Chin State to Rakhine State in order that weapons could be exported. To tell you the truth, KIA gave birth to disciples and took protection. And KIA gave birth to Palaung armed group and took protection as well. AA troops in Kachin State and Sagaing Region are KIA's allies, you might say so. In other words, AA troops there are kind of mercenary soldiers." he said.

The Arakan Army was formed in April, 2009 and AA took a foothold in Paletwa Township, Chin State and penetrated into Rakhine State reportedly. Currently, the military strength of the AA is at least 30,000 troops, which those monitoring the armed groups said.

CNI News

3 November 2023

Although rice prices are high at present, farmers in Ayeyarwady Region are getting more benefits than farmers from other regions and states because Ayeyarwady Region has better transportation than other regions and provinces and also is close to Yangon Port where goods are exported abroad. 

Moreover, more exporters come to the region, U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, told CNI News.

" When the rice paddy starts appearing, the price is 16 to 17 lakh kyats for 100 baskets. But if there is no demand from international, the price won't be that much. The prices go up quickly at the places where are close to exporters and traders. When the rice from Mon State is sent to Yangon, transportation charges will cost farmers or traders more. When the rice where big trucks can't enter is carried, transportation charges will cost more. There is a difference of 200,000 kyats in profit per 100 bag of rice paddy between the farmers on the east bank and those on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River." he said.

While bags of rice are being carried

The farmers from Rakhine State, Mon State and Ayeyarwady Region have been able to sell 100 baskets of Aemahta rice paddy at 12 to 15 lakh kyats, the basic reference price designated by the Myanmar Rice Federation. However, the cost for cultivation on an acre is from 8 to 10 lakh kyats.

Moreover, because the yield is just about 60 baskets per acre, they get a little profit, said rainfed farmers from Mon State.

In the same way, the farmers in Rakhine State need harvesting and threshing machines and if they have to reap the rice paddy with manpower, they could make a loss, U Maung Thein Hla, secretary of the Mrauk U Township Danyawady Farmers Federation, told CNI News.

" Rice paddy is successful. A big challenge is that we don't have harvesting and threshing machines. If we reap with harvesting and threshing machines, it will cost us about one lakh kyats for an acre. But if we reap with manpower, it will cost over two lakh kyats." he said.

While meeting rice paddy farmer

In the Ayeyarwady Region, because of having a contract farming system, obtaining agricultural loans and being able to grow and produce high-quality rice paddy, the yield is good. 

Because rice is cultivated with machinery, the yield is better. So, the farmers in Ayeyarwady Region has benefited more than those in other regions, said farmers.

At present, rice paddy farmers and rice mill operators in Rakhine state cooperate and are carrying out to produce high-yielding rice paddy as well as to implement a contract farming system reportedly.

CNI News

3 November 2023

Chinese fugitives cooperated with some Myanmar EAOs and were lying to China and Myanmar people online, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council (SAC). 

He said the above while he was explaining regarding the incident in which the MNDAA and its allies attacked the Laukkai area and other areas as a televised briefing.

" The reasons why they (Three Brotherhood Alliance) attacked includes putting down online gambling. We have already told who are included in the online gambling. Myanmar people are not lying to Chinese people. In the same way, Chinese people are not lying to Myanmar people. Chinese fugitives running away with online gambling and other crimes cooperate with some Myanmar EAOs and they are lying to Myanmar and Chinese people through online." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

While the UWSA was handing over online scammers to the Chinese authorities

He did not reveal the names of the EAOs that cooperated with the Chinese fugitives. 

However, online scam businesses are located in the territories of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) and Kokang Militia regions.

So, after Chinese government had asked chairman of Kokang Autonomous Region, UWSA and NDAA including Myanmar government to arrest online scammers, online scammers were arrested by the thousand.

While China has issued arrest warrants for two young Wa leaders who were sacked by the UWSA

Chinese government has issued arrest warrants to the two young Wa leaders - Bao Ai Pang, head of construction department and Ai Haw, head of Mylin District, relatives of U Bao Youxiang, chairman of the United Wa State Army because they were involved in online gambling.

The UWSA released a statement on 17th October 2023 that Ai Haw and Bao Ai Pang had been sacked because they were involved in online gambling.