CNI News

31 October, 2023

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) captured Gundauyang military camp of the Tatmadaw that is located on the Myitkyina-Bamaw Road at 6:00 a.m. on 31st October 2023, Dr.Tu Hkawng, a minister of the National Unity Government (NUG) wrote on his social network page.

Moreover, KIA's Battalion-8 under Brigade-4 in northern Shan State captured Light Infantry Battalion-324 of the Tatmadaw based on Namhai, he wrote. 

While seeing letters that Dr.Tu Hkawng, a minister of the NUG has written on social network

While those battles were taking place, the Tatmadaw's warplanes were flying over Laiza where the KIA's headquarters is located, said locals. KIA that is in military collaboration with the People's Defense Force (PDF) and the Arakan Army (AA) in Sagaing Region is at battles against the Tatmadaw.

CNI News
28 October 2023

The Autumn Festival will be held at the Ngapali Beach in Thandwe Township, Rakhine State for 10 days in coming November to attract more tourists from local and abroad, according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.
The Ngapali Autumn Festival was held for the first time on October 20, 2019 and starting from 2021, it was held every year in November. However, there was no celebration for 10 days like this year.

The festival has been planned to be held for 10 ndays, U Tin Tun Aung, director of Rakhine State Ministry of Hotel and Tourism, told CNI News.

" We haven't set a starting date. May be it will be held in third or fourth week of November. We have planned to hold the festival for 10 days for the time being because we want the festival to be crowded. The longer the festival is held, the more people enjoy it and the more people come." he said.

Many tourists have been coming to the Ngapali Beach starting from October until Myanmar new year holiday and as the festival is held when there is no rain or strong wind, more tourists can come there reportedly. Now is the time when tourist arrivals are high, a hotel manager from Ngapali beach area told CNI News.

" The Autumn Festival has been held every year for four times or so. Many tourists start coming in October. Between October and May - That's when the most visitors come. In Thadaingyut, hotel rooms here are almost full with guests." he said.

In the Ngapali Autumn Festival, opening ceremony is held in the morning. In the afternoon, beach sport competitions, races, football matches, greased pole climbing competitions, high jump competitions and so on are held. At night, night market festival, small and medium-sized exhibitions will be held.

There are 65 hotels and guesthouses at the Ngapali Beach area and as some of them are undergoing renovations, they cannot be opened. At present, 51 hotels and guesthouses have been opened. 

All the hotel rooms have been almost full with guests reportedly.

CNI News
October 27, 2023

Three Brotherhood Alliance has waged Operation 1027 to prevent from air strikes and heavy weapon attacks, the alliance stated on 27 October 2023. 
The operation also contains dying out online scams and putting down online game companies, said in the statement.

" The operation of the three brotherhood intends to protect the lives and properties of the people, to defense ourselves, to control our region more than now, to prevent from attacks by air strikes and heavy weapons at any time day and night and to eradicate the military dictatorship that the entire people have wanted." said Three Brotherhood Alliance. 
Three Brotherhood contains the Arakan Army (AA), the Ta,ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
The battles severely broke out along the Pyidaungsu Road and firing sounds of heavy weapons were also being heard, a Lashio resident told CNI News.

" I don't know about it thoroughly as much as my brother. I had to know a toll gate on the other side had been damaged. Photos have been uploaded online. I don't hear firing sounds any more. I heard them not long ago. The road which goes to Muse and the road going to Chin Shwe Haw have been closed." she said.

As parts of Pyidaungsu Road, the road between Lashio and Chin Shwe Haw and the road between Lashio and Muse have been closed in an emergency starting from 6:00 a.m. 27th October 2023. 
Battles were breaking out along the Pyidaungsu Road and trucks have been stopped, a Muse truck driver told CNI News.

" We haven't gone because the road is not in a good situation. We have to save our skin. I heard battles are breaking out in Muse. Because we are at 5 Mile for the time being, we are here stable. Battles took place in Lashio this morning. I'm not sure whether battles are taking place just now." he said.

AA, TNLA and MNDAA are northern EAOs that are collaborating in military and politics.

CNI News

October 26, 2023

Import permit of fuel-powered vehicles that has been banned due to the need of foreign currency has not been possible to be re-permitted at present, said car importers and car policy analysts. Old cars that have been 20 years old and above can be used safely and due to the need of foreign currency, it has not been possible to to re-permitted, said car policy experts. However, preparations are being made to allow to produce cars with a SKD (Semi Knocked Down) system, U Aung Pyae Sone, a car policy expert told CNI News.

" The cars such as Mark II manufactured around 2000 by Toyota are being still used. When these cars cannot be used, a policy to import cars may be come out. But for the time being, the permission to import fuel-powered cars has not come out because there isn't enough foreign currency in the country. But preparations are underway to produce cars in the country with a SKD system, internal production of cars may be allowed in the near future." he said.

While seeing EV cars in Naypyidaw

There are over 1,000,000 fuel-powered cars all over the country and over 50 percent of using hem are registered in Yangon Region, according to the records of the Directorate of Road Transport. Currently, commercial vehicles and EVs import permit has been allowed. According the current car policy of the government, using fuel-powered vehicles has been reduced and EVs are being mainly imported, U Min Min Maung, chairman of Yangon Region Automobile Manufacturer and Distributor Association (YRAMDA), told CNI News.

" The government has told that it will allow EVs only to be imported. Fuel-powered cars will be banned later at all. For the time being, SKD cars have been allowed. But after SKD cars are reduced gradually, EVs only will be imported." he said. The government should allow production of fuel-powered cars with SKD system although fuel-powered cars were not permitted to be imported due to the need of foreign currency, U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst, told CNI News.

While seeing an electric car charging station

" According to the current trading activities of the country, essential things should be imported. Non-essential things are luxurious goods. But non-essential things should be allowed to an certain extent. Rather than banning at all, a certain percent should be allowed. For example, SKD cars are re-allowed. If fuel-powered cars are allowed to be imported, an organization that will take advantage of permission will arise such as importing EVs. If anyone can import, it won't be convenient. I want to suggest that SKD cars should be re-allowed." he said.

Although Myanmar's neighboring countries and other countries are widely using EVs instead of fuel-powered cars, Myanmar is falling behind, some people pointed out. The current value of an EV car in Myanmar is not within the reach of ordinary people.

CNI News

October 27, 2023

The United States of America is continuously trying to enable the group it wants to gain power in Myanmar in order to control China, a neighboring country of Myanmar, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council. He said the above at the meeting (5/2023) of the SAC held on 26th October 2023.

The Western group led by the United States has continuously intervened in the affairs of Myanmar. Myanmar and the United States are not enemy countries; There has never been a war between the two countries; Myanmar was not involved in the Vietnam War due to US invasion in the southeast Asia. 
However, the reason why the US is treating Myanmar like an enemy is because of a great background, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese special diplomat Deng Xijun

The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) led by the US was formed in 1954 to prevent communism from gaining ground in the region. However, SEATO was dissolved on 30 June 1977. 1947 Constitution of Myanmar contained the rights of states to secede and based on these rights, states demanded to secede in 1961-1962. If compared the demands of the states with the SEATO process, Myanmar political complexity could be understood, he said.

" In the political affairs of Myanmar, when things they want don't become to be, US is obviously fighting against the elements that can protect not to become what it wants. The current policy of the western group led by US is the China containment. So, the US is continuously carrying out to enable the government or the group to gain power. As long as the group doesn't gain power, the US is working to bring chaos to all sectors in Myanmar.” he said.

While seeing  a diplomat from US Department of State and NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung

Moreover, the US is helping terrorist groups on various topics and reasons. India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have been friendly countries for ages according to historical tradition. However, the countries that cannot overcome the influence of the United States have imposed trade and financial sanctions on Myanmar. Myanmar is not a country that survives and trades on the only one financial system. Myanmar had to collaborate with its neighboring friend countries and other friend countries, he added. At present the US and Singapore have imposed sanctions on Myanmar government-owned banks including the members of the SAC.

The US government is supporting finance and technologies to the National Unity Government (NUG), the People's Defense Force (PDF) and political activists. Moreover, 

The US has also reduced diplomatic ranks at the US embassy in Myanmar

CNI News

October 27, 2023

Although about one million Russian tourists entered Thailand from January 2023 to September 2023, nearly 2,000 Russian tourists arrived in Myanmar during the same period. According to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism, 1,896 Russian tourists only entered Myanmar from January to September this year.

Myanmar-Russia tourism sector has been continuously promoted since 2022 and direct flight between the two country has started. So, it was necessary to know why the number of Russian tourists who come to Myanmar was few, U Zaw Zaw, chairman of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, northern Shan State, told CNI News.

" Thailand has relaxed a lot of restrictions on tourists. And Thai visa has allowed tourists to stay for 30 days. Thai officials know to target which tourists and that they want the market of which tourists and what the market is demanding. So, they make the necessary relaxations. Thai government also gives full powers to tourism officials. They cooperate very hard. So, They are better than us, I think. The reason why a lot of Russians come to Thailand is related to their travel arrangements,their facilities, price differences and Russia's interests. We need to change our policy. What should be relaxed must be relaxed. We have to do a lot to make tourists safe. We need to know what they want and what are things they are interested in, I think." he said.

Only Russian tourists entered Myanmar between January and September in 2022. But during the same period in 2023, the number of tourists has more than doubled compared to last year. However, the growth rate is still low, hotel and tourism entrepreneurs pointed out. For the influx of tourists from war-torn Russia, the strategies used by Thailand should be studied, U Thet Lwin Toe, a tourism entrepreneur, told CNI News.

While seeing Russian tourists at the Phuket Beach in Thailand

" Thailand gives return visas to Russians free of charge. And they are allowed to stay in Thailand for three months or one year. Moreover, they are allowed to stay in long stay apartments at the beaches, which is kind of similar to home stay. Hotels are, as you know, very expensive and suitable to stay for a few days. Besides, Thai authorities have created nightlife and entertainments to make tourists happy. Russians spend a lot on shopping and drinking. But Myanmar has not created nightlife to attract tourists. Although hotels here in Myanmar are not too expensive, security is important to tourists. Whatever tourists do in Thailand, they are safe. Tourist policemen are protecting them. But safety cannot be guaranteed here." he said.

Russian tourists came to Myanmar for their interest only rather that for spending their leisure. So, the tourists like that would not be welcome, some hotel and tourism entrepreneurs pointed out. At present, 80,221 Chinese tourists entered Myanmar between January and September 2023 and over 70,000 increased compared to same period last year, according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.

Moreover, the number of Indian tourists like Russian, Chinese and Thai tourists will probably increase, hotel and tourism entrepreneurs have expected.

CNI News

26 October 2023

The National Unity Government (NUG) made a request to the European Union (EU) dated 16th October to recognize the NUG as an official government. 

The NUG requested the EU to recognize the NUG and the state governments that are developing step by step as Myanmar's official governments. 

It had not been possible to reach a situation Myanmar was going to be a country which was made up of provinces, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" It's necessary to become like that. But it's not been likely to be like that at the moment, I think. Because can we say how many state governments there are? Cbin people are still trying to become their Chin State government. In the same way, the Karenni National Democratic Force (KNDF) has kind of form the Karenni State government and so has the Karen National Union (KNU). The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) that has been able to have systematically organized its executive mechanism has not declared to have formed its State government. So, We haven't been able to reach the situation that we can organize Myanmar as country that has made up of state governments, I think."he Said.

While seeing the People's Defense Force

Moreover, the NUG has requested the EU to invite the NUG delegates to attend the bilateral meetings and multinational meetings of the EU in order to know the public voice and to enable them to officially represent.

Having said that the NLD government was trying to form a government without solving the ballot dispute, the Tatmadaw toppled down the NLD government on 1 February 2021. 

After that, with protests that arose, democratic elements have been waging the Spring Revolution.

EU had no business to recognize the NUG as an official government of Myanmar, Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator told CNI News. 

While seeing members of the NUG

" EU won't recognize the NUG as an official government. To tell you the truth, a government is decided depending on a real situation rather that whether it is legitimate or not. It is an international tradition. If the NUG is recognized as an official government, who will carry out for the licenses for the businesses in the EU and for passports and visas. It's not that easy. And then, EU has no business to recognize the NUG as an official government." he said.

At present, the KNDF kind of has formed a state government and the rest of the states also seem to be in the process of forming state governments, he added. 

Currently, the State Administration Council and the NUG are competing in  the affairs of administration, judiciary, legislation and diplomacy. 

However, in practice the SAC is handling administration, legislation and judiciary, and international ambassadors also are giving their letters of appointment to the SAC.

CNI News

26 October 2023

As Myanmar overseas employment agencies have to pay license insurance fee to the government, they might ask workers more service charge, those who are helping migrant workers told CNI News. 

The Ministry of Labor is negotiating with agencies to raise license insurance until three times higher than the current rate. If the license was raised like that, agencies probably would ask workers more service charge, they pointed out.  

" Some agencies break the law without complying with provisions and ethics. So, workers got into trouble. These agencies should be taken action against. Otherwise raising license fee doesn't make any difference. Relevant laws have been imposed. There are places where you can complain. But this mechanism doesn't work in practice. As there are many workers who want to go abroad for work, although service charge for a worker has been designated 500,000 kyats by the government, if agencies asked 1,000,000 kyats, there are many workers who will pay. If you asked the workers why they complained,  they wouldn't answer. It is important for them to go abroad ASAP in any way. If he didn't pay 20 lakh kyats, those who would pay 21 lakh kyats were so many behind him, one of workers told me." said U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED).

The government is carrying out to raise license insurance fee for overseas employment agencies from 250 lakh kyats to 1,000 lakh kyats and for overseas employment agencies (Thailand) from 50 lakh kyats to 200 lakh kyats. The government has officially designated service charge rates that agencies will ask.

Those who will go abroad through agencies

If a person goes to Japan as a technical apprentice trainee, it will cost him 2,800 US dollars and as a skilled worker, 1,500 US dollars.

After working in Japan for three years, if a person goes to Japan again to work for a new employer, it will cost him 1,600 US dollars and if he goes there again to work for the former employer, it will cost him 200 US dollars.

If you go to Singapore for high levy, it will cost you 1,800 SGD and for low levy, 2,300 SGD. If you go to Singapore with a S-Pass, it will cost you 4,400 SGD. And if you go to Malaysia, it will cost you 850 US dollars and 25,500 kyats. Moreover, if you go to Thailand for the job that applies Thai SSB, it will cost you 300,000 Myanmar kyats and 7,600 Thai bahts. 

Although service charge has been officially designated, in practice it will cost you more than the prices designated. The government is weak in tackling the problem and if the license insurance fees were not changed, it would be convenient, U Ba Yi, in charge of labor affairs from the Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN) told CNI News.

" If possible, former license insurance fee is convenient, I think. If the agencies have to pay the government any more, they will surely ask the workers any more. Although the government has designated that agencies must not ask more than 300,000 kyats for service charge, agencies are taking from 25 lakh kyats to 45 lakh kyats. Zero cost workers are convenient. Their employers take responsibility for the cost for them. If possible, unchanged rate of license insurance fee will be convenient for both agencies and MoU workers, I think." He said.

Currently, the Ministry of Labor and Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation (MOEAF) are negotiating relating to raising license insurance fee reportedly.

CNI News

26 October 2023

Due to the lack of regional stability in most of the townships in Mon State where rubber industry is located than last year, it is difficult to conduct rubber resin extraction business in most rubber farms, said rubber businessmen.

Because battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces in Kyaikto, Bilin, Yay townships where most of rubber is produced, it is difficult to hire skilled workers in cutting and extracting rubber resin reported.

Moreover, because there are curfew and traffic restrictions in some areas, it is getting more difficult to work, said the people who do business of cutting and extracting rubber resin.

Because it has been raining up to now, rubber season is late to come. So, it might impact on the rubber industry, an official from the Mon State Rubber Producers Association, told CNI News.

While seeing a person cutting bark to extract rubber resin

" For the time being, rubber planters are making preparations. They have started doing business of cutting and extracting rubber resin. But the rubber season is about one month late to come because it's still raining. We start cutting rubber bark just now. Some rubber farms haven't got enough workers to cut rubber bark. And we are not allowed to go to the restricted areas. Restricted areas have increased. It can impact on rubber production a bit." he said.

Rubber entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to hire workers to cut rubber bark and extract rubber resin due to territorial instabilities and because it is difficult to go on working, some entrepreneurs are planning to sell their rubber farms.

While seeing a person cutting bark to extract rubber resin

Although territorial instabilities have increased in Kyaikto, Bilin and Yay townships, rubber farms in Kyaikmayaw, Thanphyu Zayat, Thaton and Paung townships are regularly operating reportedly.

Although rubber season is late to start due to weather condition, because the rubber price is higher than last year, it may be beneficial to the farmers, U Min Tun, a rubber entrepreneur from Kyaikmayaw Township, told CNI News.

" The difficulty is that it's late to cut rubber resin out this year because the rain hasn't let up. Income can decline. Normally at this time of the year, cutting out rubber resin had been about one month long. But this year, some are still preparing and so cutting period will be short. For the time being, rubber price is higher than last year. If the price is stable all the year round, it will be beneficial to the farmers." he said.

Mon State is the region that produces rubber most in Myanmar and there are more than 500,000 acres of rubber cultivation in the state, producing more than 100,000 tons of rubber each year.