Thursday, January 12, 2017

National News

National News


Former ambassador appointed as the president’s ‘National Security Advisor’

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 12:39 AM PST

Career civil servant and former ambassador under the junta, U Thaung Tun has been appointed to the newly created role of National Security Advisor.

Thousands flee Kachin IDP camps amid escalating fighting

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 12:38 AM PST

At least 4000 people who fled their IDP camps for China amid heavy fighting yesterday were pushed back across the border to Kachin State the same day, according to local organisations working in the area.

Magwe judge absconds

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 12:37 AM PST

A judge wanted on corruption charges and facing trial in connection to multiple counts of bribe-taking is believed to have fled the country, according to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

21 farmers released on bail

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 12:36 AM PST

Twenty-one Mandalay Region farmers were released on bail this week after the Tatmadaw pressed charges relating to a nearly two-decades-old land dispute.

Embassy seeks compensation for murdered migrant workers

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 11:32 PM PST

The Myanmar embassy in Malaysia is seeking to negotiate compensation for the families of five murdered migrant workers, an official said yesterday.

Youth, women key to economic growth

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 11:31 PM PST

To join the "Asian Tiger" economies of the neighbouring countries, Myanmar must invest more in its youth, the UN Population Fund has said following a new examination of demographic trends from the 2014 census.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Kachin IDPs Turned Away at China Border

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 07:44 AM PST

Kachin IDPs are trapped in a conflict zone after being turned away at the China border following the Burma Army's capture of four KIA outposts.

The post Kachin IDPs Turned Away at China Border appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Government Releases Trafficking Statistics for 2016

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 06:24 AM PST

More than 300 people were trafficked to neighboring countries including China, Thailand and Malaysia for forced marriage, labor and prostitution.

The post Government Releases Trafficking Statistics for 2016 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Digital ID Cards Trialed in Arakan State

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 06:17 AM PST

The govt begins a pilot project replacing National Registration Cards with 'smarter' digital IDs in Sittwe, Buthidaung and soon Maungdaw.

The post Digital ID Cards Trialed in Arakan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Fondly Recalls Obama Visits

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 05:56 AM PST

As US President Barack Obama gives his final address, Burma's State Counselor says his visits are 'something that I would always remember.'

The post Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Fondly Recalls Obama Visits appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Cabinet Members Forego Naypyidaw Land Plots

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 05:01 AM PST

Cabinet members appointed by the NLD, as well as the President and State Counselor, have not applied for land plots in the administrative capital.

The post NLD Cabinet Members Forego Naypyidaw Land Plots appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Hkaw Sha Hpung: The All-Women Anti-Drug Task Force

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 04:55 AM PST

Retired Kachin nurse Esther, 65, is fearless when it comes to both fighting drug abuse and treating patients in northern Shan State's conflict zone. 

The post Hkaw Sha Hpung: The All-Women Anti-Drug Task Force appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Anti-Corruption Commission to Prosecute Corrupt Judge

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 04:16 AM PST

'The judge jailed those defendants who did not give her bribes,' says a complaint received by the government's Anti-Corruption Commission.

The post Anti-Corruption Commission to Prosecute Corrupt Judge appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

TNLA Attacks Burma Army Bases in Namhsan

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 02:53 AM PST

The Ministry of Defense confirms they repelled attacks on two of their bases in Shan State's Namhsan Township.

The post TNLA Attacks Burma Army Bases in Namhsan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Who is Burma’s New Security Adviser?

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 11:28 PM PST

Former ambassador U Thaung Tun—who once said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should not 'rock the boat'—will take up the newly created position.

The post Who is Burma's New Security Adviser? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NCA Non-Signatories, Govt Peace Commission to Hold Informal Talks

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 11:21 PM PST

'Our goal is to persuade them to sign the NCA and to join the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference,' says Peace Commission member.

The post NCA Non-Signatories, Govt Peace Commission to Hold Informal Talks appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Counselor Sends Envoy to Bangladesh over Arakan State Crisis

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 09:06 PM PST

Deputy minister of foreign affairs U Kyaw Tin travels to Dhaka as UN reports 65,000 refugees have arrived in Bangladesh from Burma.

The post State Counselor Sends Envoy to Bangladesh over Arakan State Crisis appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Christmas and Karen New Year on the Tanintharyi River

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 07:18 PM PST

The KNU's challenge lies in being a credible government in areas under its control—and where authority is shared with the Burmese government.

The post Christmas and Karen New Year on the Tanintharyi River appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


Court considers fourth bail request in NLD member’s defamation trial

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:41 AM PST

Hoping for better luck on a fourth try, the defence counsel for a jailed National League for Democracy member again applied for bail yesterday, with the Kamaryut Township Court expected to rule on the appeal at the next hearing.

Special rapporteur barred from Laiza, Hpakant

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:38 AM PST

Just a few days into her fifth visit and the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has already encountered a few bumps in the road, with the government blocking her from going to Laiza and Hpakant, in Kachin State.

Second Panglong meet looks set to be a lonely affair

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:37 AM PST

With the government showing little sign of backtracking on the stipulation that only ceasefire signatories can attend the upcoming second Panglong meeting, it looks likely that one-third of the armed ethnic groups will attend, while many influential actors will be left in the dark, according to peace analysts.

On Kachin State Day, activists ask govt to take larger strides for peace

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:36 AM PST

As armed conflicts continue to rage close by, 5000 participants turned out to mark the 69th anniversary of Kachin State Day in Myitkyina yesterday with tensions simmering just beneath the surface of the celebrations.

Police investigated for alleged murder of suspect in custody

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:35 AM PST

Ten Bago Region police officers are being investigated after they appear to have killed a suspect in custody and then dumped his body in an attempt to hide the crime, The Myanmar Times has learned. Police records indicate the man was beaten to death after he refused to cooperate with the officers.

Shwedagon’s image not for advertising: board

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:34 AM PST

Using the image of Shwedagon Pagoda in advertisements or marketing campaigns could earn violators hefty fines or even prison terms, the pagoda trustee board has cautioned.

Ministry of Information website taken down by unknown hackers

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:33 AM PST

The Ministry of Information has announced that its website was attacked by unidentified hackers and taken offline for several days.

FDA medical laboratory in Nay Pyi Taw receives international accreditation

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 11:35 PM PST

Nay Pyi Taw now has the country's first internationally accredited, state-owned medical testing laboratory.

Mandalay prison opens exam centre

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 11:33 PM PST

Mandalay prison is making it easier for youth inmates to continue their schooling with the announcement yesterday that the correctional facility opened an assessment department for the upcoming matriculation exam.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


FDI Drops From Previous Fiscal Year

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 06:32 AM PST

Foreign direct investment drops significantly in the 2016-2017 fiscal year, according to the government's most recent figures.

The post FDI Drops From Previous Fiscal Year appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Chief Calls for Peace Talks Without ‘International Pressure’

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 06:24 AM PST

Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing tells China's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs that armed revolution cannot succeed in Burma.

The post Burma Army Chief Calls for Peace Talks Without 'International Pressure' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Israel Rejects Call to Suspend Weapons Exports to Burma

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 04:38 AM PST

A group of Israeli lawyers and human rights activists hope to stop weapons deals with the Burma Army, citing the country's human rights abuses.

The post Israel Rejects Call to Suspend Weapons Exports to Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Seizes Four KIA Bases

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 03:23 AM PST

The actions are described in a January report from the Ministry of Defense and confirmed by a Kachin Independence Army representative.

The post Burma Army Seizes Four KIA Bases appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Gold Exchange Market to Open in 2017

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:30 PM PST

The Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs Association plans to open a gold exchange market in Rangoon this year.

The post Gold Exchange Market to Open in 2017 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Rapporteur Blocked on Kachin State Visit

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 09:58 PM PST

Yanghee Lee intended to visit Hpakant and Laiza as part of her 12-day visit to assess human rights abuses in Burma.

The post UN Rapporteur Blocked on Kachin State Visit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to do in Rangoon This Week

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 08:51 PM PST

Charity concerts, art exhibitions, karate-do, and a Japanese film festival—all in Rangoon this week, as picked by The Irrawaddy.

The post Ten Things to do in Rangoon This Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mon Educators Work to Preserve Ethnic Traditions

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 08:15 PM PST

The Mon Literature and Culture Committee raises awareness about Mon language, historical books, traditional dress, dance and musical instruments.

The post Mon Educators Work to Preserve Ethnic Traditions appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

As Catch and Sales Fall, Burma’s Fishermen Sink Into Debt

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:36 PM PST

Fishing, a major industry in impoverished Arakan State, has been in a long decline, pushing many coastal communities into debt.

The post As Catch and Sales Fall, Burma's Fishermen Sink Into Debt appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Savings Spare Women From Labor in Burma

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 05:36 PM PST

In Burma, savings groups give women alternatives to hard labor when crops fail.

The post Savings Spare Women From Labor in Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


Eyeing 2020 comeback, Rakhine's ALD party regroups

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 12:40 AM PST

After Myanmar's most successful ethnic minority party ruptured at the seams last year following the expulsion of a large faction, one of the co-founding contingents has regrouped and announced plans to contest the 2020 general election.

Tatmadaw seizes four KIA outposts

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 12:35 AM PST

After air strikes, the Tatmadaw has seized four more small Kachin Independence Army outposts near Lai Hpawng in Waingmaw township, according to the Ministry of Defence. The seizure follows just over two weeks from when the Tatmadaw advanced on the key Gidon mountain post last month.

Brickyard owners off the hook

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 12:33 AM PST

Brickyard owners who allegedly forced workers, including children, to work 19-hour shifts for minimum pay and demanded hundreds of thousands of kyat from parents who asked for the release of their children will not be facing charges, officials said.

CSOs call for protection of Kachin, Shan IDPs

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 12:31 AM PST

Nine civil society groups have called for an urgent end to ongoing hostilities in Kachin and Shan states as refugees face a shortage of food and supplies.

Kyaukphyu farmers threaten to sue oil pipeline company over compensation dispute

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:37 PM PST

Nearly two dozen Rakhine State farmers are threatening to sue a Chinese state-owned oil refinery unless they can reach a compromise over compensation for crops allegedly destroyed by the pipeline project.

Charity opens low-cost dialysis centre

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:36 PM PST

Kidney disease patients have a new option for low-cost dialysis. The Free Funeral Service Society (Yangon) marked its 16th anniversary on January 8 by opening the Thu Kha Dialysis Department.

Hatta Clinic adds a maternity ward

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:35 PM PST

Mothers will be able to access free healthcare for themselves and their babies at a new maternity ward, opened by the People's Health Foundation in Yangon's Thaketa township on January 5.

Monday, January 9, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Six Adults, One Child Killed by Elephant in Shan State

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:25 AM PST

Seven people were stomped to death by an elephant in 'musth' in northern Shan State's Mongmit Township.

The post Six Adults, One Child Killed by Elephant in Shan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

ALD Members Re-Establish Party Under Same Name

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 04:36 AM PST

Around 100 participants vote to revive the Arakan League for Democracy during a weekend conference in Taungup Township.

The post ALD Members Re-Establish Party Under Same Name appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Labor Rights Negotiations Fail with Mandalay Textile Factory

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 04:26 AM PST

Negotiations between employees and factory management in Mandalay Division regarding labor rights are canceled before demands are met, say workers.

The post Labor Rights Negotiations Fail with Mandalay Textile Factory appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

New Bus Service for Rangoon Commuters to Launch Next Week 

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 04:17 AM PST

Eight companies to operate 59 bus lines under a new bus service to tackle badly maintained buses, dangerous driving, and unprofessional staff.

The post New Bus Service for Rangoon Commuters to Launch Next Week  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Buddhist Nationalists Disrupt Muslim Ceremony in Downtown Rangoon

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 03:39 AM PST

The ceremony at the YMCA on 45th Street, commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, was called off after just 30 minutes.

The post Buddhist Nationalists Disrupt Muslim Ceremony in Downtown Rangoon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD to ‘Discipline’ Karenni State Party Heads for Late Candidate Registration

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 03:01 AM PST

Eighteen NLD candidates and 19 USDP candidates have registered to compete in upcoming by-elections.

The post NLD to 'Discipline' Karenni State Party Heads for Late Candidate Registration appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysia’s ‘Food Flotilla’ Plans to go Ahead Despite Burma Govt Plea

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 02:26 AM PST

'There is no question about cancelation,' a spokesperson says, as Burma requests that Asean aid go through proper diplomatic channels.

The post Malaysia's 'Food Flotilla' Plans to go Ahead Despite Burma Govt Plea appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

More Than Twenty DKBA Splinter Group Soldiers Surrender

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 01:38 AM PST

Leader Col. San Aung recently moved his troops from Karen State to northern Shan State to fight with the Northern Alliance.

The post More Than Twenty DKBA Splinter Group Soldiers Surrender appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

ABSDF Criticizes Burma Army’s Arrest of Leader

Posted: 08 Jan 2017 11:21 PM PST

'Student army' says the detention of leading member damages the peace process.

The post ABSDF Criticizes Burma Army's Arrest of Leader appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

US Human Rights Official Finds ‘Disturbing Pattern’ in Arakan Security Operations

Posted: 08 Jan 2017 10:43 PM PST

Senior US official Tom Malinowski urges Burma not to 'fall into trap' of indiscriminate response following release of government report.

The post US Human Rights Official Finds 'Disturbing Pattern' in Arakan Security Operations appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Asean at 50, and Beyond

Posted: 08 Jan 2017 08:04 PM PST

As Asean turns 50, scholar and columnist Kavi Chongkittavorn considers what's been achieved and what's in store for the Southeast Asia bloc.

The post Asean at 50, and Beyond appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


Five Myanmar migrants murdered

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:26 AM PST

Five Myanmar migrant workers were murdered and two remain in critical condition after being attacked by a knife-wielding mob near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on January 5.

Appeal seeks to overturn conviction under anti-terrorism law

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:23 AM PST

Defence lawyers are trying to overturn a slew of convictions against four Muslim men by contending that the anti-terrorism law used to charge them was not in place when the alleged crime occurred.

Special rapporteur, investigative commission both visit Rakhine

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:22 AM PST

The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has announced that her fifth visit to the country will start today and extend until January 20. A statement announcing Yanghee Lee's visit said she plans to make stops in Myitkyina, Hpakant and Laiza in Kachin State, as well as Sittwe, Rathedaung, Buthidaung and Maungdaw in Rakhine State, in addition to taking meetings in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon.

Eleven media team granted bail as defamation case continues

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:20 AM PST

The CEO and chief editor at Eleven Media were granted bail on their fourth appeal last week, following an apology and retraction of the editorial which sparked the legal feud with the Yangon Region government.

TNLA calls for new peace process roadmap

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:20 AM PST

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army - one of the armed groups engaged in ongoing fighting with the Tatmadaw - has slammed the new government's guidance of the peace process as "ineffectual". The group, which has not signed a ceasefire, demanded a widening of the peace process and called on the NLD to do more leg work to involve all ethnic groups.

New MCDC members take their oaths

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:15 AM PST

The new Mandalay City Development Committee is up and running. More than four months after elections for the municipal body, and one embittered election dispute later, the new members were sworn in on January 6 without a hitch.

Cut from MP fund goes to peace process

Posted: 08 Jan 2017 11:59 PM PST

The National League for Democracy has announced that K200 million from a fund collected by deducting from lawmakers' salaries has been earmarked for the peace process.

Buddhist hardliners halt annual Muslim celebration

Posted: 08 Jan 2017 11:58 PM PST

Hardline Buddhist nationalists stopped a Muslim religious ceremony in Yangon yesterday, witnesses and organisers said, as religious tensions continue to summer amid a bloody military campaign in northern Rakhine State.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Paw Lan Gyi Elephants Camp

Posted: 07 Jan 2017 07:55 PM PST

One of three elephant camps in Bago's Pyay District is Paw Lan Gyi, where tamed elephants are kept in the wild.

The post Paw Lan Gyi Elephants Camp appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (January 7)

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 08:05 PM PST

Telecoms services expected to grow 4 percent, agriculture sector set for a boost, Assam seeks trade route with Burma, and a tourism promotion event.

The post The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (January 7) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Appeal Rejected For Jailed Interfaith Activists

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 06:27 PM PST

Muslim interfaith activists Ma Pwint Phyu Latt and Ko Zaw Zaw Latt were sentenced to a total of four years in prison in 2016.

The post Appeal Rejected For Jailed Interfaith Activists appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dateline Irrawaddy: ‘Internal Peace and National Reconciliation are Preconditions for Building Democratic Federalism’

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 06:12 PM PST

On this week's Dateline, Irrawaddy reporters discuss the social and political outlooks for Burma as reflected in politicians' New Year's greetings.

The post Dateline Irrawaddy: 'Internal Peace and National Reconciliation are Preconditions for Building Democratic Federalism' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.