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.

CNI News

25 March 2024

Myanmar people were competitively renting houses, dormitories and apartments in Mae Sot on the Thai-Myanmar border and they were finding it difficult, residents of Mae Sot told CNI News. 

House rental fees and advancement payments were much higher than before, Ko Thargyi, a person who is helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.

"An apartment whose rent was 6,000 bahts per month in the past has been 13,000 bahts now. In the past, if you pay for one month in advance and advance payment (that is equal to rental fee for one month), you can stay there. But now, only if ypu pay for four months in advance, will you be able to stay. The people from Myanmar enter here and then they are competitively renting houses or apartments. The problem is that it's not convenient for those who came into just now to rent a house or an apartment. Even though your acquaintances help you with renting an apartment, if you are illegally staying, landlords or landladies can be prosecuted with human trafficking." he said.

While seeing inner Mae Sot city

The reason why Myanmar people are competitively renting houses in Mae Sot is because those who evaded the conscription law and locals who fled the battles in Karen State entered Mae Sot in droves reportedly.

Moreover, it is not easy to rent houses because all apartments and houses for rent have been already rented and houses only in nearby villages can be rented reportedly. Because there are so many renters, landlords are stricter than before in renting, Ko Moe Lay, a resident of Mae Sot, told CNI News.

" Landlords give priority to documented people. They were not so fussy in renting in the past because there were not so many IDPs and refugees. They are afraid of being prosecuted if they receive undocumented people. But they can take advantage of the situation." he said.

While seeing inner Mae Sot city

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, house rents in Mae Sot were from 1,500 to 5,000 bahts only. However, because there were political changes in 2021 and battles are breaking out in Myanmar, the number of Myanmar people who migrate to Mae Sot has increased. So, house rents have gone up.

Inspections by Thai authorities are also more frequent than before when a large number of Myanmar people has arrived in Mae Sot reportedly.

CNI News

25 March 2024

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang Yung Aung (NSCN-K-YA) wouldn't accept forcing Naga people to participate in the Myanmar political crisis, it stated on 21st March, 2024. 

After the State Administration Council (SAC) stated that the People's Military Service Law had come into force, the lists of the people who have to  do the military service have been collected, which NSCN-K/YA issued a protest and then it said the above.

" The statement of the current military service law doesn't impact on the Naga region and we demand the Naga people to reject the law. Forcing to serve in the military  goes against the NSCN-K/YA's position not to get involved in the Myanmar politics. We can't accept forcing Naga people to take part in the Myanmar political crisis." the NSCN-K/YA stated.

While seeing the statement released by the NSCN-K/YA

The NSCN-K/YA would object what the Myanmar Tatmadaw was planning to change Naga people into human shields and if Naga people were forced to serve in the military, they could notify to the NSCN-K/YA, it said.

" We have maintained the policy of non-interference regarding Myanmar politics and the People's Defense Forces that were formed in Naga region in the beginning of the current conflict have not been politically recognized and they have no rights to control territories in the Naga region, which NSCN has announced." said NSCN-K/YA.

Moreover, it said that it have let the Tatmadaw know to abstain from matters that could harm the Naga region.

While seeing the statement released by the NSCN-K/YA

There are many Naga armed groups in the the Naga Self-Administered Zone and they are the NSCN-K/YA, the Naga Socialist Council of Nagaand Khapland Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM), the Naga Socialist Council of Nagaland Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), the Eastern Naga National Organization/Eastern Naga Defense Army (ENNO/ENDA), and the Naga People's Defense Force (NPDF).

Representatives from the Northwestern Command of the Tatmadaw met and discussed with those from the NSCN-K/YA and the NSCN-K/AM in February 2024 in relation to the formation of militia within the Naga region.

Because the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government and took the State power on 1st February 2021, saying the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the vote list dispute that took place in the 2020 general election, armed conflicts have been breaking out across the country.

And then, the Tatmadaw has lost control of towns and military camps and is summoning recruits after approving the People's Military Service Law to reinforce the Tatmadaw.

CNI News

23 March 2024

The biggest problem of Myanmar was ethnic armed revolution, Dr.Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News. 

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, the Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD civilian government on 1st February, 2021 and took State power.

After that, some NLD leaders and democratic elements waged an armed resistance after which the country has been facing various crises.

The power struggle between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic armed revolution - which one should be solved first? It must be reviewed by those who would solve, said Dr.Aye Maung.

While seeing ethnic people

"Just solved the current problem caused by the NUG, are the EAOs, that revolutionized for more than 70 years, the NUG's followers? Does the participating in the landscape that arose due to the NUG dwarf the roles of the ethnic revolution leaders. They must ask it themself. In my opinion, the biggest problem of Myanmar at present is ethnic armed revolution. It's the revolutionary history for national liberation generation after generation. The history of this revolution cannot be erased. Identity cannot be erased. For example, Rakhine cannot replaced by Dhanyawadi. Mon people cannot be replaced by Yamanya. Shan people cannot be replaced by Kanbawza. The NUG is just three years old. This is as far as they can go. They received somewhat foreign support. It's necessary to understand ethnic armed revolution and these things for those who will solve. Those who will solve must review which one to be solved first and which one second or things related to both." he said.

As soon as the problem between the NUG/PDF and the Tatmadaw, ethnic armed revolution could not resolved which political circles are reviewing. In the union that would be built in the future, ethnic and federal democratic affairs must be based, Khun Wai Htoo, secretary-2 of the Pa-O National Federal Council (PNFC) told CNI News.

While seeing PDF comrades

"Rather than which one will be prioritized they both are opportunities that are important to us. The federal democratic union that will be built in the future must be based on these two. The necessary constitution for the country must be enacted based on these two affairs." he said.

Ethnic armed revolutions have emerged for over 70 years because of equal rights and self-determination after Myanmar gained her independence in 1948. But it cannot be solved up to now.