Tuesday, June 25, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myitsone Dam Safe, Chinese Company Assures Kachin Lawmakers

Posted: 25 Jun 2019 07:09 AM PDT

Experts recruited by China's State Power Investment Corp insist the project poses no danger despite location near major fault line.

Some State Parliaments Approve Creation of Immigration Ministries

Posted: 25 Jun 2019 06:56 AM PDT

President U Win Myint has proposed that each state and regional government create a ministry of immigration and human resources.

Sorrow, Demand for Change After LGBT Suicide

Posted: 25 Jun 2019 06:44 AM PDT

"I tried but could no longer bear the bullying," a 25-year-old librarian wrote online before taking his life. Mourners call it a symptom of a bigger problem in Myanmar.

Govt Faces Backlash for N. Rakhine Internet Blackout

Posted: 25 Jun 2019 05:31 AM PDT

The internet block for the state's conflict-torn north has been blasted by rights groups, the UN and lawmakers who fear abuses may be carried out with impunity.

Planned Aung San Statue in Chin State Scrapped

Posted: 25 Jun 2019 04:15 AM PDT

Local authorities in Htantlang will use the funding earmarked for the controversial statue for a public park instead, marking a big win for local activists.

Court Hears Sentencing Appeals for U Ko Ni Murder Conspirators

Posted: 25 Jun 2019 02:31 AM PDT

Both prosecution and defense want sentences adjusted for Zeya Pho and Aung Win Tun, who received 5 and 3 years respectively for falsifying evidence, harboring a criminal.

Lawmakers Submit Urgent Proposal to Resume Internet Services in N. Rakhine

Posted: 25 Jun 2019 12:25 AM PDT

The shutdown of internet services will encourage human rights violations and violence, Minbya Township lawmaker U Hla Thein Aung argued at the Rakhine state parliament.

Huawei’s US Research Arm Builds Separate Identity

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 09:58 PM PDT

The fear is that Huawei is using university partnerships to scoop up research in areas such as AI, telecommunications and robotics, to be used in hacking or spying operations.

A Year Later, Thailand’s Rescued ‘Cave Boys’ Honor Diver who Died

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 09:25 PM PDT

Saman Kunan, a former member of an elite Thai Navy SEAL unit, died after entering the cave to place oxygen tanks along a potential exit route.

Myanmar Blackout May Be Cover for Gross Human Rights Violations: UN Investigator

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 09:14 PM PDT

UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said she has been told the Tatmadaw "is now conducting a clearance operation" in Rakhine State.

The Day the KNDO Hijacked a Burma Airways Jet

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 06:55 PM PDT

On this day in 1954, a team of Karen National Defense Organization rebels hijacked a Union of Burma Airways Dakota DC-3—the nation's first airplane hijacking.

Monday, June 24, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Total Number of Defamation Cases Under Telecommunications Law Hits 200

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 07:08 AM PDT

Cases filed on behalf of commander-in-chief remain common despite amendments to law; free-speech advocates renew call for Article 66(d) to be scrapped.

Tatmadaw Accuses Media of Unfair Coverage

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 07:01 AM PDT

In the ongoing war between Myanmar's military and media, Tatmadaw spokespersons have accused the latter of portraying them as the villain for their own financial gain.

Six Karenni Anti-Statue Activists Appear in Court in Loikaw

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 06:43 AM PDT

Judge denies bail at first hearing since five of the activists who had been hiding from police turned themselves in.

No Internet in Western Myanmar until Security Situation Eases: MPT Official

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 06:25 AM PDT

Services will be resumed in N. Rakhine, Chin's Paletwa Township when stability returns, operator's chief engineer says.

ASEAN to Support Myanmar in Rohingya Repatriation Process

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 06:11 AM PDT

Leaders stressed the need to find a comprehensive and durable solution to the root causes of the crisis and to create an environment for the communities to rebuild their lives.

AA Naval Attack Kills 2 Tatmadaw Fighters

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 05:58 AM PDT

The first maritime attack in Rakhine State's war-torn north left an additional Tatmadaw soldier injured and a navy tugboat lightly damaged. 

Southeast Asian Leaders Emphasize Economic Strength in Face of US-China Tensions

Posted: 23 Jun 2019 11:29 PM PDT

ASEAN members also agreed on a common approach on a US-led Indo-Pacific initiative, at a time when US-China tensions are rising and forcing ASEAN countries to take sides.

No Discussion of Hong Kong Issue at G20 Summit, Says China

Posted: 23 Jun 2019 10:42 PM PDT

"Hong Kong matters are purely an internal affair due China," a foreign affairs minister said. "No foreign country has a right to interfere."

Southeast Asia to Launch Joint Bid to Host 2034 World Cup: Thai PM

Posted: 23 Jun 2019 10:40 PM PDT

The ASEAN bid would also be competing with China which is widely seen as the front-runner to host the next tournament in Asia.

Sri Lanka Extends Emergency for Third Month After Easter Bombings

Posted: 23 Jun 2019 10:23 PM PDT

President Sirisena said extending emergency rule was "in the interest of public security, the preservation of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services."

How to Read a WEIRD Evidence-Based Yangon Consultancy Report

Posted: 23 Jun 2019 07:30 PM PDT

Tony Waters offers his ironic views of research reports commissioned by foreign donors which sometimes seem to serve their own political objectives than the needs of Myanmar.

Sunday, June 23, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar orders internet shutdown in conflict-torn Rakhine state – telco operator

Posted: 22 Jun 2019 06:51 PM PDT

Communications Ministry directs internet service suspension in nine townships in Rakhine and Chin states, citing "disturbances of peace and use of internet activities to coordinate illegal activities".

Saturday, June 22, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Are the Govt and Military at Odds over Buddhist Nationalists?

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 08:00 PM PDT

This week, The Irrawaddy discusses the legality of the appeal by the Buddha Dhamma Prahita Foundation, formerly known as Ma Ba Tha, for citizens to reject the government, and the significance of the Yangon military commander's donation to the group.

Friday, June 21, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Thirty Years On, Mae Tao Clinic Continues to Provide Life-Saving Services

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 07:15 AM PDT

Founder Dr. Cynthia Maung vows to continue serving border, migrant communities at Mae Sot health center despite funding challenges.

Myanmar Military Sues 3 Reporters over Farmers’ Protest in Loikaw

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 06:45 AM PDT

Army says DVB, Eleven Media, Kantarawady Times journalists helped protesters trespass on battalion compound on June19.

Govt to Spend Record 3 Billion Kyats on Medical Research Next Fiscal Year

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 05:38 AM PDT

Health Ministry to prioritize research proposals that will directly benefit healthcare for the general public.

Women Photographers Expose a Different Side of Myanmar-Bangladesh Ties

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 05:26 AM PDT

Photographers from Dhaka and Yangon come together to create a book of visual narratives discussing cultural, societal and identity realities on both sides of the Naf River.

Authentic Northern Flavors at Novotel’s Indian Food Week

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 05:26 AM PDT

Enjoy aromatic Indian curries and especially tender marinated meats at Novotel's the Square Restaurant until June 30.

Myanmar’s Electricity Minister Reduces Workload Due to Illness

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 03:42 AM PDT

Officials say U Win Khine's condition is not critical and he is holding meetings and working from home; Agriculture Minister U Aung Thu is helping to run the Electricity Ministry.

As Summit Season Begins, ASEAN Has Many Issues to Address

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 03:19 AM PDT

Region faces rising authoritarianism, trafficking and growing environmental problems amid mounting US-China rivalry.

Tatmadaw Sanctions Bill Heads for Vote in US Congress

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 02:08 AM PDT

Bipartisan bill imposing sanctions on and calling for investigations of top Tatmadaw brass passes US congressional committee and now heads for a full House vote.

U Shwe Mann Denies His Party Serves Hidden Interests

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 01:30 AM PDT

Amid questions over his ties to both the USDP and NLD, ex-general and former House speaker says he founded the Union Betterment Party to serve the people.

The Day Bo Min Yaung Chose Execution over Serving the British

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 11:40 PM PDT

On this day in 1888, one of Myanmar's first independence heroes, Bo Min Yaung—an ancestor of State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi—was put to death after leading a revolt.

Black-clad Protesters Demand Full Withdrawal of Hong Kong Extradition Bill

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 09:49 PM PDT

When a deadline for the scrapping of the bill protesters had set passed on Friday, the protesters, mostly students, again took to the streets by the thousands.

‘I Love Thee, China’: North Korea Woos Xi in Lavish State Visit

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 09:24 PM PDT

Xi received a lavish welcome that included a performance of "I Love Thee, China" and thousands of people holding placards to form a picture of Xi's face and the Chinese flag.

Rohingya Refugees Long for Home but Bangladesh Says Still Too Volatile

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 09:23 PM PDT

Rohingya refugees in Kutupalong camp, near Cox's Bazar, gathered for World Refugee Day on Thursday, chanting "no more refugee life, we want to return to our homeland."

Struggle for Water Intensifies as Taps Run Dry in India

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 09:14 PM PDT

A high court demanded to know why the state government had not worked through the year to avoid the drying up of reservoirs and ground water wells.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Two More H1N1 Deaths Confirmed

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 06:35 AM PDT

Deaths in Yangon and Sagaing Regions bring the toll of fatal flu infections to five as of Thursday evening, with Yangon Region seeing the most cases.

Zero Tolerance for NLD Members Who Misuse Funds: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 06:14 AM PDT

Speaking on her 74th birthday, State Counselor reminds party's lawmakers they have a duty to their country and constituents.

Sagaing Region Pastor Charged with Child Rape

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 05:24 AM PDT

A pastor in Sagaing Region's Kalay Township reportedly raped two underage girls, telling them God would curse them if they spoke about it. He is in custody.

Local Skateboard Talent to Gather for Int’l Go Skateboarding Day

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 05:08 AM PDT

A growing group of skate enthusiasts will get together for events in honor of the international event aimed at further promoting skateboarding in Myanmar and the world.

Would a Cyclone Stop the War in Rakhine?

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 04:19 AM PDT

With the approach of cyclone season in Rakhine State, contributor Ye Min Zaw calls for a halt to the war which has already thrown 30,000 residents' lives into chaos.

Yangon Timeout

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 02:58 AM PDT

This week in Yangon, catch a talk on blockchain or climate change, see international photography exhibitions or join one of the many events happening for Fête de la Musique.

Business Environment Index Shows Transparency a Major Challenge to SME Growth

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 02:49 AM PDT

The Asia Foundation survey defines the existing constraints in Myanmar's business environment and identifies opportunities for reform for economic growth.

Group Asks Anti-Corruption Agency to Investigate Mon State Chief Minister

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 02:19 AM PDT

Residents, civil society reps say Dr. Aye Zan ignored tender process in awarding 1-billion-kyat road construction contract last year.

‘Other Accounts’ of Union Govt Ministries, Agencies to Be Scrapped

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 12:59 AM PDT

State enterprises' income will go straight into govt coffers; the goal is to give Parliament greater control of spending and reduce the budget deficit.

China’s Xi Leaves on First State Visit to North Korea

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 09:59 PM PDT

North Korea's official newspaper welcomed the "historic visit" in a front-page commentary saying Xi's trip highlights two-way ties that "never waver despite any headwinds."

Cambodia Targets 140 Opposition Figures to Silence Dissent: UN

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 09:41 PM PDT

Opposition party supporters were questioned in relation to gatherings and comments made in support of two leaders of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party.

Himalayan Glaciers Melting Far Faster this Century: Study

Posted: 19 Jun 2019 09:21 PM PDT

Satellite observations across India, China, Nepal and Bhutan, show glaciers losing more than 46 cm of ice each year since 2000—double the rate of the previous 25 years.