CNI News

29 February 2024

A Thai MP's request to the Thai government to allow Myanmar refugees who fled to Thailand to work temporarily has not been easy to accede to at once, those helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News. 

Kanavee Suebsang, an MP from the FAIR, an opposition party, called on the Thai government last week and a plan should be put in place to respond to an emergency within six months to come, he said.

There was a request like that in the past and practical training was conducted to allow refugees to work. But later, the plan failed for some reasons, U Min Oo, incharge of labor affairs from the FED, told CNI News.

" If a proposal is submitted, it is discussed in the parliament. when they discuss, it is not determined by the labor perspective and the economic perspective only. Especially the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Labor here and according to their rules and regulations, if the proposal is approved depending on demand, a cabinet resolution comes out. And then, the king has to approve it. And then, it comes into force. It's not easy to accept this request and implement it. But we can't say for sure." he said.

Thai MP Kanavee Suebsang from the FAIR party

Humanitarian aid operations are being currently led by Thailand and the plan might lead to a discussion that will involve the SAC, EAOs and the NUG, The Straits Times quoted the Thai Deputy Foreign Minister as saying in early February.

Due to these circumstances, if the dialogue takes place, the request may be implemented, those who are helping in the affairs of migrant workers reviewed.

 Temporary work permits were issued for the first time under the Thai government led by former Thai PM Thaksin. So, the request may be acceded to, Ko Thargyi, a person who is helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.

"Temporary work permit cards were issued under the government led by former PM Thaksin over 20 years ago. At that time, so many Myanmar people entered Thailand and they were allowed to work temporarily across Thailand after getting a temporary work permit called Baht Pink Card. This opposition party's request is not futile. It was like a historical tradition and according to the existing law of Thailand, if it is allowed, it can be allowed." he said.

Myanmar refugees at the Thai-Myanmar border

On the other hand, Thai PM Srettha has expressed that Myanmar citizens who come to Thailand illegally would be taken action against. However, Kanavee Suebsang, an MP from the FAIR, an opposition party, said that Myanmar citizens didn't sneak into Thailand, but they fled to Thailand. 

They escaped death. They were escaping from military conscription. So, the request should be taken into account out of humanitarian concerns, urged Kanavee.

Thai authorities are carrying out to start 'Humanitarian Pilot Program' in Tak District where about 100,000 Myanmar refugees are taking refuge in March and materials to be supplied will be received by Myanmar Red Cross Society at a designated place in Maesot after security and other checks are conducted and then MRCS will support the refugees.

There were concerns about how to handle the materials to be supported when they arrived in Myanmar side, said Thai FM Pampree on Thai PBS News.

CNI News

29 February 2024

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Commander in Chief of the Defense Services explained the preparations for the ability to hold free and fair elections to senior military officers, the instructors and trainees from the National Defense University reportedly. 

The Commander in Chief explained the preparations to the senior military officials through video conferencing on 27th February, 2024.

Due to the fact that no solutions were provided in accordance with the law when vote fraud occurred in the 2020 general election, the SAC took the responsibility of the State according to the 2008 Constitution and the SAC laid up two political objectives and two national objectives and was implementing them, which Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing explained.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and senior military officers

Moreover, he explained about making the State go on strongly walking on the path to multi-party democratic system and preparations of holding free and fair elections,  and implementation of objectives after being laid up.

After elections were held, the State power would be handed over to the winning party and census taking across the country would be conducted in 2024 after which elections would be held, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing every so often.

Battles are currently breaking out between the Tatmadaw and armed groups across the country and the Tatmadaw has lost control of many territories. So, political and military analysts pointed out that it was still impossible to hold elections.  

The SAC and the Tatmadaw need to make territories stable and to regain the territories that have been lost. Moreover, it was necessary to have rule of law and to organize the people to believe in party politics so that elections could be held, said political and military analysts.

CNI News

29 February 2024

 The members of the National Unity Government (NUG) should not work in the interests of their own nationalities only and they should work on all-encompassing national issues, said Acting President of the NUG, Duwa Lashila. 

He said the above at the meeting of the NUG held on 27th February, 2024.

" The NUG is made up of various ethnic groups including Shan, Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, Burman, Ta'ang,and Chin. So, each and every member of the NUG needs to look at the national affairs and take action instead of looking ahead to their ethnicity so that we can move forward with a strong and compact national unity force in the process of building a future federal union. We need to continue trying to be more united politically with revolutionary forces on the ground. Especially, when we do relif work for the war victims, we can only deal with public issues more effectively if we have a comprehensive understanding with the forces on the ground." he said.

Moreover, on the ground, the revolutionary forces could not cooperate. So, it was necessary to beware of delays in public support activities, he pointed out. 

While seeing the National Unity Government (NUG)

" It's necessary to beware of delays in public support activities because the cooperation among the revolutionary forces cannot be conducted. So, they need to try so as to be more unite politically among them." he added.

After forming the People's Defense Force, the NUG is waging an armed resistance to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the State Administration Council (SAC). 

Moreover, the NUG is in alliance with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karenni National Development Party (KNPP),and the Chin National Front (CNF) and is waging military operations.

Battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces in Sagaing Region, Kachin, Karen, Kayah and Chin States.

CNI News

29 February 2024

Fish farming businesses within the country are facing losses because there has an exorbitant increase in fish feed prices, transportation charges and general expenses reportedly.

Although the price of bran, the main fish feed, used to be over 8,000 per bag, the current price has been 2,000 kyats or so. The cost of fish food is about 40,000 kyats per day and the fish has to be fed from six to ten months so that they can be sold at the market reportedly. 

However, because the prices of fish have not gone up, fish farming businesses have been suspended, U San Ngwe, a fish farming businessman from Zalun Township, Ayeyarwady Region, told CNI News.

" All the fish farming businessmen are facing losses. Now there have been many ponds that fish cannot be raised because fish feed price is very high and fish price is very low. The fish price is even lower in Yangon than in rural township areas. In the past, while the price of bran was 8,000 kyats per bag, the price of fish was 3,500 kyats per viss. We made a profit. But now while the price of bran is 20,000 kyats per bag, the price of fish is 4,800 kyats per viss. So, we make a loss. Only when the price of fish is 7,000 kyats per viss, shall we make a profit." he said.

High price of fish feed, lack of capital to invest more and lack of a strong market were main challenges, said fish and prawn farmers. Although domestically raised fish was exported to China and Bangladesh in the past, because of battles currently breaking out in north Shan State and Rakhine State, exporting cannot be conducted anymore reportedly.

While catching fish with a net

So, the fish market has become weak and fish farming businessmen are facing losses and nine of ten fish farmers have suspended their businesses and are growing paddy at the places of fish ponds reportedly .

When the fish production is low in the future because there is a decline in the number of fish farmers, if consuming fish increases, the price of fish may be looking up, Ko Myat Thein Tun, a fish farming businessman from Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyarwady Region, told CNI News.

" The cost for fish feed is 75 percent of all the cost. Production cost for a viss of fish is higher than the price of a viss of fish. So, many fish farmers have suspended fish farming. They are growing paddy at the places of fish ponds because the price of paddy is good. If they are making a profit from growing paddy, they might not farm fish. And then, the price of fish might be higher." he said.

Not only fish farming but also other livestock industries are facing losses because of high production cost and the businessmen are changing to other businesses.

Due to fewer livestock businessmen, the unemployment rate of farm workers also continues to rise and some livestock workers are going abroad for work.

CNI News

28 February  2024

The number of Myanmar people who enter Malaysia illegally has increased more than before, Myanmar organizations in Malaysia told CNI News.

Although Thai authorities have tightened Myanmar nationals more soon after the mandatory military service law was approved in Myanmar, Malaysia has not taken action anything up to now, U Barbu Gyi, a person who is helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens, told CNI News.

“There is not anything taking action targeting Myanmar citizens in Malaysia. Illegal foreign workers are arrested. Foreigners are illegally entering Malaysia like before. But the number of foreigners who illegally enter Malaysia has increased lately. There have been arrests both in the past and at present near the border. Groups that contains about 10 people each are often arrested. There are daily arrests. The people from Myanmar are entering Malaysia almost everyday. In my opinion, later more and more Myanmar people have entered Malaysia, estimating based on the number of people who are arrested." he said.

While seeing illegal residents who were arrested in Malaysia

Many illegal Myanmar people are expecting to go home through CI program and all undocumented foreigners and overstayers including Myanmar people will be allowed to go home starting from 1st March, 2024, Malaysia stated on 31st January 2023.

 When the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs stated it, many Myanmar people wanted to go home because the People's Military Service Law was not approved in Myanmar and the statement was welcomed. 

However, the mandatory military service law has been approved, the number of Myanmar people want to go home has to be watched, Ko Thet, chairman of the Lovely Heart Philanthropic Myanmar Youth Blood Donor Group, told CNI News.

While seeing illegal residents who were arrested in Malaysia

" Residence permits were no more in December 2023. Overstayers were not allowed at that time as well. But they will be allowed to go home in the end of this month. Those who stay illegally here will be allowed go back their motherland on 1st March, 2024 reportedly. The news of it has not come out exactly. But we will konw in the end of this month if the news is right or not. Everyone was waiting for this news. But because the mandatory military service law has been approved, some said they wouldn't go home." he said.

There are regular arrests in Malaysia. Employers have wanted workers holding work permits reportedly. However, workers with no permits get jobs with the help of other people. Although employment is not abundant in Malaysia, there are job vacancies depending workplace and places reportedly.

Chit Min Tun

CNI News

28 February 2024

we can see that in Myanmar, efforts are being made with a view to establishment of a democratic federal union. 

But it's not been clear up to now what kind of democratic federal union will be built. Frankly Speaking, basic principles have not been laid down. 

Here, there's something to think about. It is democratic federal government. What kind of democracy is it? While different kinds of democracy are interpreted in various ways, if it is attached to federalism and a democratic federal union is built, it might be really hard to think about it.

What kind of federalism will be built? Which country's federal system will it emulate? When it's hard to find an answer, it wouldn't seem to be easy if federal and democracy were mixed and a democratic federal union was built, it wouldn't be easy, just my two cents.

If you study international historical events, you can find there are complexities between democracy and federalism. Because of these complexities, some countries have disintegrated. 

For example, in spite of non-democratic countries, the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia that were federal signs disintegrated under the complexities between democracy and federal.

Because these countries were not able to thoroughly clarify complexities between democracy and federalism and to implement the federalism or communism, they disintegrated.  

The people in Palitana Town, India are vegetarians according to Jainism, one of the world's oldest religions. Jain monks in that town do not allow the killing of animals. So, they demanded the government to close the slaughterhouses and the Indian government no longer granted licenses to slaughterhouses and closed the abattoirs. In terms of democracy, this is somewhat controversial. Moreover, there is an intertwining between religion and law. 

So, while efforts are being made to build a democratic federal union, it is very important to know what kind of situation will be shaped so as to build the democratic federal union. Otherwise, complexities between democracy and federal were shaped, it could be very difficult to become a union country that the people want.

There is another problem that needs to be solved here. Is it a democratic federal union or a federal democratic union that will be built in Myanmar? Because there are still different opinions between non-Burman ethnic people and Burman ethnic people, it is necessary to find a solution regarding what kind of union country. will be built.

Non-Burman ethnic people want to build a federal democratic union because if a democratic federal union was built, a party would win based on consensus and popular support. If so, it might be bullied without paying attention to the opinions or discussions of a minority or a person. ( In the current Myanmar politics, although the minority even pointed out what was wrong, most attack or blame or protest against the minority if it was not consistent with their desire. This is a lesson to be taken for the minority).

The union based on democracy and federalism will be built in accordance with the results from political discussion, said in the Basic Principles Clause (1-A) of the Chapter (1) of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). 

So, first of all, shall we build the democratic federal union or the federal democratic union or the union based democracy and federal? It's still necessary to discuss and find a solution to make it clear. The democratic federal union that is being dreamt of in Myanmar is one of the models used in the US, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and India.

One thing to be aware of here is that during the time when the Soviet Union was powerful, Myanmar politicians envisioned the Soviet model and drew up the 1947 Constitution. But later, the Soviet Union disintegrated and Myanmar has not been able to get out of the civil war as well up to now. And then, as the federalism of the US is successful, some politicians have started imagining the American model and others, models used in Germany, Canada, Switzerland and India.

In any case, taking the good things from these models, a union that will suit Myanmar will have to be built. The entire model cannot be taken. According to Myanmar's current existence, history and geographic situation, the Indian model seems to be the most suitable, said some people. 

But it's impossible to copy the whole model. The reason why the Indian model is the most suitable one is because Myanmar is made up of seven regions and seven states. Moreover, Naypyidaw Union Territory has been added as well just now.

What I mean is that Myanmar has states based on nationalities and regions based on geography. In the same way, India has states based on nationality such as Nagaland, Manipur and Assam and ones based on geography. Moreover, it has union territories as well. 

So, maybe some people consider Myanmar the closest to the Indian model. There are still a lot of other situations.

However, some do not like the Indian model because it is a little dominated by the central government. They like the models used in the US, Switzerland and Germany. The US doesn't use federalism that is based on both nationality and geography. It is just a federal system based on the country. Thinking and existence based on Myanmar's identity are not very close to that model.

However, we can take the good things from the federalism of the US and there are many good things in that federalism as well. In the federalism of Germany, the model of the tax system in which poor states are supported by rich states is a good example. 

According to the multiculturally valued policy in the federalism of Canada, the history of minorities and how they contributed to the country are included in the education curriculum. I think that it is a point that should be taken into account in building the future democratic federal union.

So, what kind of system the democratic federal union that will be built in Myanmar has to be watched. There are still some things to worry about. In any case, if a democratic federal union is built, because it has the word democracy, we can't develop by listening to the voice of the majority only. We also need to listen to the voices of minorities.

According to democracy and federalism, as there are also requests from some nationalities to establish new states for them, how will it be considered in building the democratic federal union in the future, how will the union be implemented and built, how will difficulties be solved and overcome? Regarding them, we still have many things to think about.

So, we need to carefully carry out so as not to face the kinds of crises that the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia experienced due to confusion between democracy and federalism because there are statements that some nationalities will build confederation and others, an independent state.

It's necessary to forget a lesson from the past. When many countries practiced socialism, Myanmar also did so.

Some countries were successful because of their existence and the way they applied socialism. But because their ways could not be replicated, U Ne win established a Myanmar-style socialism. But it wasn't a happy ending. So, when a Myanmar style democratic federal union or a Myanmar style federal democratic union is built, it is necessary to carefully consider and build so that the country can abstain from bad historical events.

Moreover, older people who are considering and discussing how the future union will be built should listen to the opinion, thought, attitude and desire of younger people with the evolving conditions in the 21st century people, I think, because most of older people are trying to build the future union tend to think based on historical events and they are weak to take into account the ideas and thoughts of today's youths. So, it's necessary to have a think in advance what will happen if the union system the current older people will build is not consistent with the conditions at the time when the current youths become older people.

To give one of many examples, according to the growing trend, rather than to preserve and learn mother tongue, traditions, and culture, today's youths are very keen on learning foreign languages and cultures and their willingness to experiment is growing.

At the same time, because older people are thinking about how to preserve their mother tongue and culture, it is necessary to create an equal situation between young and old.
Therefore, when establishing the future union, it is necessary to think about it from all sides, and to establish it in accordance with keeping abreast of the time. 

I am not saying that we need to forget the historical events. Historical lessons must be respected and modern time and at the same time, modern age must be studied and it is necessary to consider in order to unite the two things.

Rather than focusing on the advantages of a democratic federal union in relation to shaping the future Myanmar, if the future Myanmar is built based on collective leadership and collective strength that can combine democracy and federalism, the establishment of a democratic federal union will be successful, I think.

What kind of democratic federal union or federal democratic union will shape the future Myanmar? it will have to be watched.

CNI News

27 February 2024

Thai immigration has tightened Myanmar citizens who come to Maesot with border pass more than before, those who are helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News. 

Myanmar people who come to the Thai side with 7-day border pass through on the Myawady-Maesot No.1 Friendship Bridge are allowed to enter only if legal residents in Maesot recommend them, according to those helping migrant workers.

Moreover, although border pass holders were allowed to stay in Tak District in the past, they have been allowed to stay in Maesot only, Thai immigration has restricted, Ko Thargyi, a person who is helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar people in Thailand

" Myanmar immigration came and told not to restrict, but Thai immigration didn't accept it. A very bad thing is that if a Myanmar national holding a border pass has backpack, although he could stay in Tak District for seven days, they suspected him that he could go to Bangkok or Chiangmai, they sent him back. These issues could be solved by senior government officials concerned, I think. If a legal resident didn't come and see, those holding border passes wouldn't be allowed to enter. When the number of people has increased, it's getting worse. What's this big bridge for? Myanmar people are passing on the bridge legally. They must be received according to existing laws. Suspect is only personal opinion. So, national level senior officials need to help about it effectively." he said.  

Tak District Immigration Department stated on 22nd February that the people who live in Tak District (Maesot) must report the list of guests who stay in their rented places.

Moreover, there have been an increase in the number of checks and arrests regarding undocumented people in Maesot and Myanmar authorities might have sent the list of people that must not be accepted to the Thai immigration department, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

Thai-Myanmar border bridge

" Thai police and security forces are going around to check the suspected people whether they are documented or undocumented. They arrest undocumented people. Some of the vendors there are undocumented. They were arrested, I heard. Border pass is not the rights to sell goods. It's just for shopping or visiting. If Myanmar people couldn't give the information they ask, some of them are sent back and others are blacklisted." he said.  

While the number of Myanmar citizens has increased to leave for Thailand after the People's Military Service Law was approved in Myanmar, Thailand has tightened Myanmar citizens like that. Thai PM Srettha said a few days ago that Myanmar citizens who would come to Thailand legally would be welcomed and those who would come illegally would be taken action against.

Moreover, Bangkok Post reported that Thai Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang said that activities against the Myanmar Tatmadaw within Thailand were being closely watched.

CNI News

27 February 2024

There have been more toll booths on the Myla trade route and costs are rising more than ever, said traders. 

The number of toll booths has increased along the road going to the Myla border trade camp and the amount of money that has to be paid has increased as well since early 2024 reportedly.

Although it only cost about 60 lakh kyats to take a truck loaded with watermelon to Myla in the past, now it has cost 100 lakh kyats, Ko Thitsar, a watermelon trader, told CNI News.

While seeing trucks

" We had to pay 2, 3, 17, and 5 lakh kyats to the toll booths one after another on the way to Myla. When we arrived in Myla, it cost us 100 lakh kyats. In the past, it cost us 50 or 60 lakh kyats in the past. Although it cost you 100 lakh kyats, truck owners weren't paid well. For the time being, watermelon farmers, watermelon brokers and truck owners sell what they have and pay the debt." he said.

Because the amount of money that has to be paid for the toll booths has increased, goods imported from China have to be sold at a higher price. So, consequences have impacted on the consumer people more, said traders.

Although the number of toll booths and the money that has to be paid for them have increased, any group did not guarantee security, Ko Htut, a truck driver, told CNI News.

While seeing somewhere in Myla (EPA)

" As soon as we start leaving, we have to pay. No matter from where we load goods, for example from Daik Oo or Myla. We don't dare to ask what the toll booth is. If they ask for money, we have to pay them. If three armed men stopped us to ask for money, we would have to pay them. There has been an increase in the number of toll booths and the amount of money they ask has increased as well. A toll booth that we had to pay about 1,000 kyats now has asked for 50,000 kyats. But any group hasn't guarantee for our security. Traders, Truck owners and truck drivers are working fearfully." he said.

Motorcar traffic has been closed along Taunggyi, Hopong, Mong Pan, Loilem road at present because battles are breaking out in Hopong and Loilem Townships.

So, Myla border trade has been suspended for the time being since 20th February 2024 reportedly.

CNI News

26 February 2024

Leaders of the Tatmadaw should try to be good losers and trying like that would be the only best choice for them, said Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing, Commander in Chief of the Arakan Army (AA). He posted the above on social media on 26th February, 2024.

" I pay respect to your military arts and attempts. But because you have surely been defeated, only an attempt to be good losers will be the only best choice of yours." he wrote and said on social media.

The battles between the Tatmadaw and the AA have been severely breaking in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State since November, 2023. A temporary ceasefire was agreed between the Tatmadaw and the AA in November, 2022. One year after that, battles resumed between the two sides.

While seeing the letter written by Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing

After that, the AA has seized control of Paletwa, Mrauk U, Rathedaung, Buthidaung and Kyauktaw Townships after fighting against the Tatmadaw and in the remaining townships of Rakhine State, the battles are severely taking place between the two sides.

In collaboration with other ethnic armed groups, the AA is fighting against the Tatmadaw in northern Shan State, Kachin State, Sagaing and Magway Regions.

Due to these battles, in Myanmar, sectors such as economy, trade, social, health and education are deteriorating and the number of IDPs has been more than one million. Moreover, Human rights of civilians are being violated.