Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar’s COVID-19 Cases Exceed 20,000

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 05:12 AM PDT

Myanmar has stepped up coronavirus checks to more than 8,000 per day since the arrival of antigen testing kits.

With No One on the Streets to Make Merit, a Myanmar Bird Seller Struggles to Get By

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 05:08 AM PDT

Risking his health, a Yangon bird seller waits for the few pedestrians still looking to make merit on the streets of the city's Hledan quarter amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

Ahead of Poll, Myanmar Public’s Trust in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Rises: Survey

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 03:49 AM PDT

A survey by Myanmar's leading poll monitor found that the level of public trust in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has risen to 79 percent from 70 percent last year.

Myanmar’s Military and Arakan Army Suffer Casualties in Heavy Clashes

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 03:09 AM PDT

Sources say fighting is for control of major river and road links across Rakhine State.

Myanmar’s 1990 Election: Born of a Democratic Uprising, Ignored by the Military

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 03:02 AM PDT

After the National League for Democracy won 90 percent of the vote in the first democratic election in 30 years, military leaders refused to hand over power in 1990.

Lockdown Extension Leaves Yangon Factory Workers Broke, Facing Eviction: Myanmar Labor Groups

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 12:50 AM PDT

Despite government promises of help, many factory workers in Yangon are destitute, as they have been unpaid since the COVID-19 lockdown was extended, labor groups say.

Trump Eager to Debate Biden, Claims to Be Free of COVID Symptoms

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 10:29 PM PDT

Insisting that he is recovering from COVID-19, US President Donald Trump said he intends to go ahead with his second debate against Democratic rival Joe Biden next week.

Worries Grow Among Japanese Firms in SE Asia as COVID-19 Cases Surge

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 10:16 PM PDT

In Myanmar and elsewhere in the region, Japanese firms face disruptions as factory workers are subject to restrictions and a rising danger of coronavirus infection.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


NLD Questions Advance Voting by Myanmar’s Military in Kachin State

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 06:08 AM PDT

A National League for Democracy candidate is worried large numbers of military voters could see his constituency, which has a low voter population, won by a rival party.

Stepped-Up Testing Sees Myanmar Reporting 1,000 New COVID-19 Cases a Day

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 05:49 AM PDT

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported each day in Myanmar has risen to around 1,000, in part due to faster and more comprehensive testing.

19 Arrested After Mob Attack on NLD Member’s House in Central Myanmar

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 05:17 AM PDT

A National League for Democracy executive committee member fled his house – in an alleged Union Solidarity and Development Party stronghold – as petrol bombs landed.

Myanmar Migrants Flock to Bangkok to Vote

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 05:09 AM PDT

Registered voters based in Thailand are taking time off work, traveling overnight and braving COVID-19 restrictions to take part in the Nov. 8 general election.

India, Myanmar Agree Strategic Port Operation in Rakhine Next Year

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 04:11 AM PDT

India and Myanmar this week agreed the Sittwe Port component of India's Kaladan transport scheme linking northeastern India and Rakhine would be functioning next year.

Yatai IHG May Seek to Co-opt Myanmar Government Officials Through Dubious Connections

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 02:29 AM PDT

Development of "China Town" new city along Thai border in Karen State is rife with questions, while COVID-19 stalls Myanmar government efforts to investigate.

Sony, Kioxia Seek US Approval to Supply Chips to China’s Huawei

Posted: 05 Oct 2020 10:25 PM PDT

Two major Japanese suppliers of parts for Huawei smartphones are seeking approval from Washington to export chips to the Chinese firm amid US sanctions on the tech giant.

Trump Discharged From Hospital After COVID Treatment, Feeling ‘Good’

Posted: 05 Oct 2020 10:12 PM PDT

US President Donald Trump downplayed the effects of the coronavirus after being released from hospital on Monday following treatment for COVID-19, saying he felt 'good'.

Monday, October 5, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar’s KBZ Takes Leading Role in Country’s Fight Against COVID-19

Posted: 05 Oct 2020 07:05 AM PDT

Kanbawza Group is playing a key role in Myanmar's fight against COVID-19, spending nearly $6 million so far to build hospitals and provide key supplies and equipment.

Ta’ang Rebels Shell Myanmar’s Troops in Northern Shan State

Posted: 05 Oct 2020 06:16 AM PDT

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army has shelled a military battalion and a militia office in response to alleged government offensives.

Weapons, Drug Trafficking on Myanmar Border Threaten India’s Act East Policy

Posted: 05 Oct 2020 06:15 AM PDT

India will have to convince Myanmar to act against drug trafficking and arms smuggling if New Delhi's Act East strategy and peace building efforts are to succeed.

Rakhine State IDPs Exceed 36,000 Since August: Myanmar NGO

Posted: 05 Oct 2020 02:31 AM PDT

The Rakhine Ethnic Congress says villagers continue to flee their homes, despite the risk of COVID-19, fearing raids or artillery attacks from Myanmar's military.

Myanmar Reports 41 New COVID-19 Deaths, Setting Daily Record

Posted: 05 Oct 2020 01:30 AM PDT

Myanmar has announced its highest daily death toll from COVID-19, reporting 41 new fatalities on Sunday; the country is now third in ASEAN with 412 deaths.

Trump May Be Discharged From Hospital Soon, Doctors Say

Posted: 04 Oct 2020 10:28 PM PDT

Doctors for US President Donald Trump said he is responding well to treatment for COVID-19 and may return to the White House on Monday if he remains stable.

Saturday, October 3, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 11:22 PM PDT

A major Thai bank says it is opening in Myanmar and trade reopened on the Chiang Rai border. Myanmar's government also says it is drafting an economic reform package.

Election 2020: The Week in Review

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 08:00 PM PDT

This week, overseas voting kicked off, final voter lists went on display and the controversial head of the 'Rose Party' was arrested on a fugitive warrant.

How Will Myanmar’s Clothing Factories and Their Employees Cope With a Second Lockdown?

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 07:30 PM PDT

The Irrawaddy talks with a representative of the Confederation of Trade Unions about factory closings, diminished salaries and COVID-19.

A Study of Myanmar’s Totalitarianism and People’s Resistance

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 06:30 PM PDT

The 32 conversations in 'Burma's Voices of Freedom' by Alan Clements reflect the moral and spiritual greatness of those fighting totalitarianism in Myanmar.

Friday, October 2, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Thousands Excluded as Overseas Voting in Myanmar Election Starts in Singapore

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 07:09 AM PDT

Administrative errors by the electoral body appear to have resulted in thousands of overseas voters being refused the right to vote in the general election.

Myanmar’s Election a Chance to End a Cycle of Man-Made Disasters

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 06:37 AM PDT

On Nov. 8, Myanmar people will vote for those they believe can repair the damage from the military's disastrous economic, political and social policies over many decades.

Myanmar Reports More Than 1,000 New COVID-19 Cases, 11 More Deaths

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 04:14 AM PDT

Myanmar's total COVID-19 caseload stands at 14,383, with 19 percent of the more than 5,300 people who were tested Thursday showing a positive result.

Myanmar Health Chiefs Warn Against Fake COVID-19 Vaccines

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 04:05 AM PDT

No coronavirus vaccine has been endorsed by the World Health Organization and the public should avoid any mystery cures, says the Food and Drug Administration.

Rival Candidates Spell Out Goals, Dreams as Myanmar Election Nears

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 01:22 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy profiles candidates from four different parties who are competing with each other in the November general election.

Myanmar Authorities Sue Karaoke Restaurant Bosses After COVID-19 Outbreak

Posted: 02 Oct 2020 12:50 AM PDT

The Music Zone KTV venue in Yangon's Thingangyun Township has been blamed for 94 coronavirus cases.

So Far, Signs Point to Improved Supervision of Myanmar’s Election by UEC

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 10:43 PM PDT

Most important signs indicate the Union Election Commission will manage the 2020 election in a more equitable manner than it showed with the vote in 2015.

Dozens Arrested in Hong Kong Amid China National Day Protest

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 10:28 PM PDT

Hong Kong police cracked down on a rally by anti-government protesters staged to coincide with China's National Day on Thursday; dozens were arrested.

Google Unveils $1 Billion Investment in Teaming Up With News Media

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 10:24 PM PDT

Google has announced a new service that will enable news organizations to curate and package their coverage within the Google News app.

Trump Tests Positive for Coronavirus, a Month Ahead of Election

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 10:13 PM PDT

US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania have tested positive for the coronavirus after a close aide was confirmed to be infected.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Uses New Test Kits to Intensify COVID-19 Containment Strategy

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 06:51 AM PDT

Myanmar's health authorities say rapid coronavirus tests will allow hospitals to free up numerous beds.

Myanmar’s Military Blames Karen National Union for Soldier Deaths

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 02:49 AM PDT

The KNU has denied involvement in the killing of two troops and the boobytrapping of their bodies.

 ‘Vocabulary Crisis’ Creates Yet Another Hurdle for Myanmar’s Federalism

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 01:55 AM PDT

Will federal units be drafting 'state constitutions' or 'state laws'? That's the latest hang-up.

The Day When a US President Praised a Student From Myanmar

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 12:58 AM PDT

Dr. Shaw Loo returned to Myanmar in 1867 after years of study in the US. He was the first Burmese citizen to study in the country.

Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong Indicted for Mask Protest

Posted: 30 Sep 2020 11:11 PM PDT

A court in Hong Kong has indicted activist Joshua Wong for violating an anti-mask law last year; he accuses the government of trying to curtail his political activities.

600 Million Trips May Be Made in China for Eight-Day Holiday Amid Pandemic

Posted: 30 Sep 2020 11:00 PM PDT

Domestic tourism is thriving during China's ongoing eight-day holiday, demonstrating the extent to which the country has brought COVID-19 under control.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


UN Rapporteur: Finding the Truth or Furthering False Narratives in Myanmar?

Posted: 30 Sep 2020 04:40 AM PDT

Incoming UN special rapporteur on human rights Thomas Andrews' ties to Fortify Rights—a group whose reporting on Myanmar has been discredited—are cause for concern.

Myanmar’s Military Claim Dead Suspect Was Arakan Army Sergeant

Posted: 30 Sep 2020 04:10 AM PDT

Myanmar's armed forces are accused of torturing another civilian to death in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State, with the Arakan National Party saying deaths in custody must end.

Controversial Head of Myanmar’s ‘Rose Party’ Arrested on Fugitive Warrant

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 11:54 PM PDT

UDP chairman Michael Kyaw Myint was arrested Monday night following reports he escaped from prison in the '90s and had unscrupulous financial dealings.

Global COVID-19 Death Toll Tops 1 Million

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 11:15 PM PDT

The worldwide death toll from COVID-19 now exceeds 1 million, with more than 33 million infections, according to a US university tally.

Thailand Extends State of Emergency, Allows Some Foreign Tourists

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 10:45 PM PDT

Thailand has extended its COVID-19 state of emergency for a month, though some special tour groups on chartered flights will now be allowed to enter the country.

Trump, Biden Clash Over Pandemic in First US Presidential Debate

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 10:27 PM PDT

Amid repeated interruptions from his opponent, Joe Biden said Donald Trump had failed to produce a plan to fight COVID-19, in their first debate ahead of the US election.