CNI News

31 May 2024

Not only has Myanmar Kyat devalued, general prices are also increasing, so the public is facing more crises, which could push Myanmar citizens to go abroad more, labor affairs and economic analysts told CNI News. 

Several months ago, the prices of foreign currencies were over 3,000 Kyats per dollar, over 500 Kyats per Chinese Yuan and about 100 Kyats per Thai Baht. Moreover, the price of gold was over 40 Lakh Kyats per tical only.

At present, the prices are over 4,700 Kyats per dollar, over 6,000 Kyats per Yuan, and about 120 Kyats per Baht; the price of gold also has been higher until over 57 Kyats per tical. 

While seeing dollar and kyat

Because the prices of foreign currencies had been very highly on the rise while the value of Myanmar Kyat was plunging, there may be an increase in the number of Myanmar citizens who wanted to go abroad to work, those performing in labor affairs locally and abroad told CNI News.

" Because the Myanmar Kyat is so inflated that those who want to go abroad must spend more money a lot. May be it can cost them 35 to 40 Lakh Kyats if they go to Thailand now although it cost them only 20 to 30 Lakh Kyats in the past. Because the price of everything related to foodstuff has become higher, it's difficult to make ends meet. So, Myanmar citizens will try to leave for neighboring countries where can be more convenient for them to work." said U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the FED.

Because the age of men who will go abroad to work has been limited at present, the men who are restricted to work abroad will leave for neighboring countries illegally or with visitor visas, reviewed some people.

While seeing a factory

The devaluation of Myanmar Kyat had been taking place gradually since  several years ago, the current devaluation is getting worse, pointed out economic commentators. So,  how to reform the entire economic system must be considered rather than each sector; if the economic system was not right, the current problems would go on, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

" An economic system must be built on a political system. Firstly, a right economic system must be built. A right and credible political system is needed. As soon as a political system that can transport everything can be built again, problems will be automatically resolved. The current situation is so worrisome. It's good for exporters when the price of dollar goes up. But not many people can export. When a country whose currency value declines has to import more than to export, the country is always hurt." he said.

The basic daily wage of Myanmar is 4,800 Kyats only and it is mainly paid in the factories only. So, the daily wage of a worker is just about one dollar because the current price of dollar is over 4,700 Kyats per dollar.

CNI News

31 May 2024

According to the instructions of the Ministry of Construction, road and bridge tolls will be raised from 1st June, 2024 reportedly. 

Although it has not been announced how much the road and bridge tolls will be increased, if the tolls are raised, truck fares also will be raised and at the same time, commodity prices also will be higher, according to highway freight operators.

The prices of auto accessories are on the rise at resent and driver fees and labor charges are raised as well. If the road and bridge tolls were raised, goods delivery fees would be raised as well, U Kyin Thein, chairman of the Myanmar Highway Freight Transportation Services Association, told CNI News.

While collecting road toll

" if the road and bridge tolls are raised, transportation charges will also be raised and then the prices of auto accessories, grease, engine oil and driver fee will be raised as well. There are also many untold costs on the way." he said.

Toll gates are different from one another in collecting road and bridge tolls. Some collects tolls depending on the number of wheels while others, on the vehicle and cargo tonnage.

Although town entrance fees, road and bridge tolls were raised, in comparison with other situations, the rates charged were not exorbitant, and transportation charges could fluctuate, U Thant Zin Tun, a corn trader, told CNI News.

While a road toll gate was being checked

" Freight charge will just a little more expensive. It's not a big deal. In fact, prices are higher because of higher fuel prices, bad route and unexpected problems." he said.

The Ministry of Construction had over 300 toll gates including town entrance toll gates. However, 160 toll gates didn't collect tolls from April, 2016 under the NLD government reportedly.

However, all the toll gates have been collecting tolls since November, 2021 reportedly.

CNI News

31 May 2024

As a result of a negotiated settlement, some troops the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) were sent back to Muse Township, Lwe Ye Oo, In Charge of the News and Information of the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA), told CNI News. 

The SSPP troops in Nakkham Township were took to in the direction of Muse in cars by the TNLA a few days ago.

" We took SSPP troops of our ally to their original movement camp in Muse Township by car on 26th and 27th May. This matter has been conveniently settled. The decision made at the meetings held several times was implemented." she said.

While seeing the entrance to Namkham Town

Namkham Town was captured by the TNLA during Operation-1027 launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (TNLA, AA and MNDAA).

Regarding that over 100 SSPP troops that were active in Namkham Township were carried to Muse Township by car, CNI News phoned the Information Officers of the SSPP, but  it was not able to contact them.

The campsites stationed by SSPP troops were places captured by the TNLA from the Myanmar Tatmadaw. Moreover, because there were a lot of arms and ammunition there, they were burdens for the public, said Lwe Ye Oo.

While seeing the SSPP Force

" The military camps stationed by the SSPP were places we had to fight and capture from the military council. Because there were military camps like this, collecting more taxes from the public was conducted. Another thing is public safety and raises other concerns. So, both sides negotiated and the SSPP troops had to be sent back." she said.

There were territorial disputes among the EAOs in northern Shan State after Operation-1027.

At present, the TNLA has captured Nansang, Mantomg, Namkham, Naptu, Kutkai, Monglon and Mong Ngor, and is carrying out to start operating administrative mechanism reportedly.

CNI News

30 May 2024

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) is the best way to solve the political problem of Myanmar, Col.Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), told CNI News.

The political problem could not solved by armed means, so he urged China, India, Thailand, Japan and ASEAN to push the stakeholders to make peace talks arise, he said.

"I would like to suggest to go in accordance with the provisions of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Because they are political problems, we need to solve them with political means. No matter which side uses armed means, it won't work, that we accept. As soon as every organization understand it, battles currently breaking out will decrease. And then, they will reach on the path of discussion again. Some are extremist organizations as well. They want to solve the problem with armed means. But in practice, it's impossible to solve with armed means according to the situations within ASEAN and internationally, that everybody knows. So, I request China, India, Japan, Thailand and other neighboring countries to encourage peace talks. I'd like to present that going in accord with the provisions of the NCA is the best way." said Col.Khun Okka to CNI News.

While seeing the Chinese Special Envoy

Leaders of some organizations have said that the had been void since the Myanmar Tatmadaw took power after announcing the state of emergency on 1 February 2021.

The NCA has been signed by the Karen National Union (KNU), the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), the KNU/the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)-Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC), the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), the Arakan Liberation Party(ALP), the Chin National Front (CNF), the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU).

The KNU, CNF and ABSDF have reduced their participation levels and don't attend the peace talks anymore.

While seeing leaders of some political parties

Because the military framework had become wider at present, it was not a good sign and it should be solved by political means rather than by military means, U Khin Maung Thein, member of the Central Executive Committee of the National Unity Party, told CNI News.

" The military framework has become wider. It's not good in the world or in any country. Other countries negotiated the difficulties like that and overcome them. The situation of the country is so bad. The bad situation should be solved by political means rather than by military means that we would like to recommend." he said.

More widespread armed conflict has occurred since 1st February, 2021 and all the sectors including politics, peace, economy, social and health are deteriorating.

The people are also facing lack of employment, higher commodity prices, monetary inflation and insecurity.

CNI News

29 May 2024

The State Administration Council (SAC) has replaced the position of Deputy Minister for Defense with Maj-Gen Ko Lay, reported the SAC on 28 May 2024. 

Former Deputy Minister Maj-Gen Aung Lin Tun was appointed from March 2021 until march 2024. 

However, he was arrested for his involvement in the Zha Pian (telecom fraud) case in march this year. 

And then, the SAC stated on 28 May 2024 that Maj-Gen Ko Lay has been appointed as Deputy Minister for Defense.

CNI News

29 May 2024

In exporting Myanmar onions abroad, because of difficult trade routes, the prices of onion have decreased, according to onion traders. 

Myanmar onions are being exported to China through the Myla border trade in eastern Shan State and Lweje border trade in Kachin State; to Thailand through Htoh Kaw Koh route, Kawthaung-Ranong route and Sinkhun-Maw Taung route.

However, because battles are currently taking place in Kachin State; Htoh Kaw Koh road is being damaged due to heavy rain; Kyon Eik Bridge and Bilin Bridge were mined and damaged and cannot be used, exporting onion to China and Thailand have been suspended reportedly.

So, the price of onion within the country had decreased and it was not easy in order to make the onion market recover, U Aung Myint, an onion trader from Myingyan, told CNI News.

" Because of difficult export routes, transportation is delayed. Even goods that have already been sold cannot be exported. Warehouses are full with goods. So, the prices are declining. Unless export routes are good, it won't be easy to make the market recover." he said.

The domestic price of onion was 2,200 Kyats per viss last week and the price is gradually decreasing. Currently, the price is only 1,700 Kyats per viss.

If difficult export routes are going on existing, the price of onion can decline anymore, estimated some people. Moreover, because there are difficult transportations in carrying onion from villages to onion broker's sales centers and truck fare is high, the price is declining, according to onion traders from Pakokku.

Because the Myanmar Tatmadaw and check points commandeer trucks in Pakokku Township, the arrival of onion to the wholesales centers has been low, U Kyaw Thaung, an onion trader from Pakokku told CNI News.

" The transportation is not good to carry onion. The roads from Pakokku have been often closed. It's 30 miles away from my village, Chet Myon, to Pakokku. We have to pay the truck fare 200 Kyats per viss, but 180 kyats per viss if you carry onion to Pathein that is about 300 miles away from Pakokku. Today, onion trucks don't enter because trucks are commandeered. The price of onion today is 1,800 kyats per viss. The arrival of onion is low. Truck owners are afraid of their trucks to be commandeered. When a truck is commandeered, the truck owner has pay a driver 80,000 to 100,000 Kyats each day." he said.

Because of difficult transportation to export onion abroad, onions are piling up by the lakh vises to export abroad in the brokers' sale centers and depots reportedly.

At present, onions are being exported abroad by sea and traders are trying to export onions to Thailand through Kawthaung border, using motor boats.

CNI News

29 May 2024

the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPJDC)'s political parties group was jointly led by four political parties, U Khin Maung Thein, member of the Central Executive Committee of the National Unity Party (NUP), told CNI News. 

The four parties are the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the People's Party (PP), the Arakan Front Party (AFP) and the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), he said.

The National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee(NSPNC) invited 47 parties which have got registration, but two of them didn't attend. 16 people out of 45 parties were elected to take part in the political parties group. 

And then, NSPNC asked us to elect leader and deputy leader of the group. And then, people of four parties were elected to serve as leader and deputy leader. 

The four parties are the SNDP led by Sai Aik Pao, the USDP, the People's Party (PP) led by U Ko Ko Gyi, the AFP led by Dr.Aye Maung. Leaders the four parties are also the leaders of the political parties group, which are submitted." said U Khin Maung Thein to CNI News.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with political parties

The representatives from the 47 parties for the UPJDC's political parties group were elected on 25th and 26th May reportedly.

The UPJDC must be made up of 16 representatives each from the government, the Hluttaw and the Tatmadaw, the NCA signatories and the political parties, which has been imposed in the NCA. 

The four political parties which have taken the leadership role must always lead and carry out for the peace process and political affairs, U Li Paw Reh, chairman of the Lisu National Development Party, told CNI News.

" The four parties will always lead political parties and carry out the peace process and political affairs and then, the current constitution will be amended by the EAOs, political parties and the Tatmadaw government. If they reach an agreement and sign it, they will submit the agreement to the government which will come to power through a general election and the Hluttaw to approve." he said.

Although the political parties group has been formed already at least two times from 2021 to 2023, it hasn't been able to carry out effectively in the peace process. Moreover, it is not interested by the public and international diplomats, reviewed a politician.

CNI News

28 May 2024

Although the rainy season has set in, because the IDPs in Rakhine State, they are finding it difficult for their livelihoods reportedly. 

Some IDPs have gone back to their native places because battles have sharply decreased in their townships. So, social assistance associations and other organization didn't come to donate anymore, those in charge of the camps said.

Not only did the IDPs not get help, jobs are also scarce for them. So, they were finding it more difficult, U Nyi Pu, in charge of the Sinbaw gaing camp, told CNI News.

While seeing the houses that were damaged during battles in Rakhine State

" Recently, the IDPs from our camp don't get anymore of grant money. For the time being, battles have decreased around here. Some IDPs have gone home. So, social assistance organizations don't give any help anymore, I heard. But there are about 100 family members left here. Among them, some have no place to live, in other words, they are homeless. It's not convenient for them because the rainy season has set in. They have no jobs. When there will be heavy rains and strong winds, jobs will be scarcer. They are finding it for their livelihood." he said.

There are over 500,000 IDPs in the territory controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State and among them, 80 percent are Rohingya people from Buthidaung and Maungdaw and the rest are Rakhine people, stated the AA.

Baby care products and feminine hygiene products including basic foodstuffs are needed. So, the AA has urged CSOs and social assistance associations including international organizations to help the IDPs. Moreover, because artillery shells fell and exploded at some IDP camps and there are dropping bombs from planes, some IDPs are fleeing to safety.

People who have fled from camps to avoid fighting should be helped, Daw Hla Aye Saw from the Myadazaung IDP Camp, told CNI News.

While seeing Rakhine IDPs

" We haven't received any assistance for 4 or 5 months. Our IDPs are no more in the IDP camp. We have separate houses in the camp. Now the houses have collapsed. Because the IDPs have no jobs, they are not convenient for their livelihood. When they live in their villages, I want assistance organizations to help them. People are not allowed to live in group. I wonder who told that. There are no rescue organizations any more. Fighting took place at Mrauk U. Planes dropped bombs. People there didn't dare to go on living. They had to flee again." she said.

There are IDPs by the lakhs in Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Minbya, Mrauk U, Ranbye, Buthidaung and Maungdaw Townships at present and they have difficulties to get enough food and accommodations reportedly.

CNI News

28 May 2024

Fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)/ the People's Defense Force (PDF) joint forces was going on in Hlwa Zin Gon Village near Naung Pu Aung Village, Homalin Township, upper Sagaing Region and on the eastern bank of Chindwin River, said locals.

Fighting was severely taking place at Myintha, Ngoping, Yayle Villages on the eastern bank of Chindwin River and the KIA/PDF joint forces were attacking the military camps of the Shanni Nationalities Army in Hla Zin Gon Village by drones, said a local. 

" The KIA/PDF joint forces are severely attacking the military camps of the SNA in Myintha, Ngoping and Yayle. The PDFs are trying to capture the entire eastern bank of Chindwin Bank. There are these three villages left there. If they were able to capture these three villages, the entire eastern bank of Chindwin River would be their territory. They have been attacking for three or four days since 23rd May. But they have not been able to capture Naung Pu Aung and Hlwa Zin Gon. They have been ceaselessly attacking by drones and were shooting with 40mm. But now, we don't hear drones anymore." he said to CNI News.

While seeing Homalin Towns

The KIA/PDF joint forces were launching an offensive to capture Homalin Town, using a lot of troops, said locals. They have been attacking since 23rd May and battles are severely taking place up to now, according to locals.

A lot of the KIA/PDF joint forces who came from Phar Nine Village broke open the houses in Myintha Village and have occupied and seized mobile phones of the locals, a resident of Homalin, told CNI News.

" The PDFs broke open the houses in Myintha Village and have occupied in almost every house and seized the mobile phones of the villagers. Any plane hasn't come yet. Mutual shooting is taking place between the two sides." he said.

While seeing the Homalin PDF

Battles are breaking out between the two sides in Hlwa Zin Gon, Phar Nine, Myintha, Ngoping,and Shwe Pyi Aye as well as Tilaung on the Homalin-Tamu Road reportedly. Although the SNA was carrying out for the lives and properties of local people, because the KIA/PDF joint forces entered the territories controlled by the SNA, battles are breaking out.

Gathering Mawlike, Kalay, Khamti, Homalin, Katha, Tamu Districts in Sagaing Region as well as Banmaw, Myitkyina, Mohnyin, Mogaung Districts in Kachin State, the SNA is  an EAO that is trying to get the Shanni State.