Monday, July 8, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Bagan Makes UNESCO List, but Challenges Remain

Posted: 08 Jul 2019 06:21 AM PDT

After decades of failed attempts, stakeholders are overjoyed. But new hotels and management transparency issues mean challenges still lie ahead.

Four Palaung in Military Detention Two Weeks and Counting

Posted: 08 Jul 2019 06:04 AM PDT

Despite pleas from civil society organizations and the detainee's own parents, four Palaung youths in northern Shan State—two fresh out of the monkhood—remain in custody.

Master Plan Prepared For Chinese-Backed Kachin Economic Zone: State Minister

Posted: 08 Jul 2019 04:13 AM PDT

A feasibility study and deep discussions between Kachin State officials and a Chinese company are now underway, despite criticisms over a lack of transparency.

Shan in Karen State ‘Have Someone to Help Them’

Posted: 08 Jul 2019 03:23 AM PDT

Ethnic Shan lawmaker launches bid to establish a Shan ethnic affairs minister constituency in the Karen legislature.

Homes Set Ablaze After Fighting in N. Rakhine

Posted: 08 Jul 2019 01:38 AM PDT

Amyet Taung residents, in Rakhine State's Rathedaung Township, have fled, accusing the Tatmadaw of burning down their homes—accusations the Tatmadaw denies.

Govt Accuses Opposition, Nationalists of Scaremongering on Issue of Adoption

Posted: 08 Jul 2019 01:35 AM PDT

USDP, others exploiting public's lack of knowledge of Children's Rights Law, claiming amendments will lead to citizenship for foreigners, President's Office says.

Two Dead in Rakhine Border Post Attack

Posted: 08 Jul 2019 12:25 AM PDT

An unknown group of assailants ambushed a security border post in northern Maungdaw Township Sunday, killing two. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Day an Earthquake Toppled Temples in Bagan

Posted: 07 Jul 2019 10:29 PM PDT

On this day in 1975, a strong earthquake shook the country's major tourist attraction, killing 2 and damaging hundreds of centuries-old pagodas.

Wife of China’s Meng, Former Interpol Chief, Sues Agency

Posted: 07 Jul 2019 10:03 PM PDT

In starting legal proceedings, she said Interpol failed to protect her and her family and is "complicit in the internationally wrongful acts of … China."

Hong Kong Police Arrest Six at Kowloon Protest

Posted: 07 Jul 2019 09:46 PM PDT

While protest organizers said 230,000 marched in a protest across a harbor from the Asian financial hub's CBD, police put the number at 56,000.
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Sunday, July 7, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Day Myanmar Doctors Separated Conjoined Twins for the 1st Time

Posted: 07 Jul 2019 01:23 AM PDT

On this day in 1971, Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San were successfully separated at a Yangon hospital, marking a milestone in the history of Myanmar's medical profession.

The Bloody Day on the Rangoon University Campus

Posted: 06 Jul 2019 07:17 PM PDT

Fifty-seven years ago today, Ne Win issued a bloody crackdown on Rangoon student protests. The next day, he dynamited the Students' Union building.
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Saturday, July 6, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Needed Tensions Are Rising in Myanmar’s Parliament

Posted: 05 Jul 2019 07:25 PM PDT

This week, we talk about Parliament, the NLD's relationship with ethnic parties and the chances for constitutional change before and after the 2020 election.
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Friday, July 5, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Deputy Police Chief Defends Handling of Toddler Sexual Assault Case

Posted: 05 Jul 2019 07:04 AM PDT

Victim, now 3, identified the suspect on CCTV footage, he says; more rallies planned for weekend as online campaigners express skepticism justice will be served

Public Figures Slam Military for In-Custody Deaths, Torture

Posted: 05 Jul 2019 06:14 AM PDT

Lawyers, lawmakers and activist are calling for justice and accountability as the toll of civilian deaths in military detention rises amid fighting in Rakhine State.

NLD Sees Rash of “Fake” Complaints

Posted: 05 Jul 2019 05:09 AM PDT

A Party spokesperson says most of the complaints are fabricated by party members seeking to gain an advantage in upcoming elections.

Public Meeting on Chinese Copper Mine in Sagaing Ends in Shouting Match

Posted: 05 Jul 2019 04:59 AM PDT

Locals walk out after refusing to accept regional govt's promises on environmental impact, citing loss of water, farms and livelihoods to existing projects.    

Fully-Equipped Military Column Conducts Clearance Ops in S. Rakhine

Posted: 05 Jul 2019 02:56 AM PDT

Farmers in villages in and surrounding a naval base in the Kyaukphyu SEZ, in southern Rakhine State, have been ordered to cease paddy cultivation.

Court to Decide on July 18 Whether Filmmaker Will Be Prosecuted

Posted: 05 Jul 2019 12:30 AM PDT

U Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi is accused of insulting military in social media posts; the cancer patient has been denied bail and remains in detention.

Hong Kong Leader Seeks Meeting with Students After Mass Protests

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 09:55 PM PDT

At least one student union has turned down the offer, saying the city's leader requested a closed-door meeting. "The dialogue must be open to all," it said.

Vietnam Asks Firms to Use Local Materials as US Threatens Tariffs

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 09:45 PM PDT

The suggestion comes after US President Donald Trump said the US might slap a 456 percent increase on South Korean and Taiwanese steel processed in Vietnam.

Scientists Urge Climate Protesters to Save Planet by Planting Trees

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 09:29 PM PDT

Replanting trees in deforested areas the size of the US would capture two-thirds of man-made, planet-warming emissions, scientist in Kuala Lumpur said Thursday.
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Thursday, July 4, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

‘Rakhine Life Matters’ Protesters Sought by Police in Sittwe

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 06:12 AM PDT

Group staged a rally calling for peace and justice in a park in the Rakhine State capital following recent deaths of civilians in army custody amid torture allegations.

Kayah Farmers Continue Military Protest, Now in Silence

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 04:54 AM PDT

Farmers protested military land seizures in Demoso Township on Thursday. "It is undemocratic when [they] do not listen," said one—so they protested in silence instead.

Yangon Timeout

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 04:08 AM PDT

Magazine launches, wine tastings and Yangon's first-ever Spanish film festival make this a particularly good week to go out and enjoy the city. Just bring an umbrella.

12 More Chin Abductees Escaped AA Captors Last Month: Rights Group

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 01:27 AM PDT

They were among 54 villagers taken to Bangladesh border by AA in Feb.; armed group says it moved them for their own safety; escapees say one woman died while being held.

H1N1 Death Toll Reaches 26 Nationwide

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 12:05 AM PDT

Yangon reports most fatalities at 22; 114 confirmed cases throughout the country.

S. Korea Sacks Army Commander Over N. Korea Defector Boat

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 10:17 PM PDT

A fishing boat went undetected in South Korean waters for more than two days last month. South Korea's Defense Minister called it grave and unacceptable error.

Malaysia to Take Action Against School Over ‘Anti-Palm Oil Propaganda’

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 10:01 PM PDT

The country has been increasingly vocal against criticism from Europe that the cultivation of the crop has resulted in deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction.

India’s Parched Fields Yield Rich Crop of Women Cops

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 09:44 PM PDT

In western India, where poor farm yields have fueled early marriage to supply fields with working couples, many young women are proudly turning to police work instead.
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Wednesday, July 3, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Consolidation of Prominent Kachin Parties Aspire to Form Coalition Govt in 2020

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 04:25 AM PDT

The Kachin State People's Party is working to get other ethnic alliance parties on board for a coalition government focusing on better rights for Myanmar's ethnic population.

Cement Factory Protestors Given 14 Months Imprisonment

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 02:43 AM PDT

Four people from Aung Thabyay Village were handed 14-month prison sentences for their part in a cement factory protest in Patheigyi Township, Mandalay Region, on Tuesday.

China-Backed Venture Proposes $800M Development Near Kyaukphyu Seaport

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 01:54 AM PDT

Chinese partner has ties to controversial Myitkyina SEZ; Rakhine govt backs plan, but Arakanese lawmaker, rights group say public has not been consulted.

Final Prosecution Witnesses in Trial of Fugitive Monk to Be Heard Next Week

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 01:46 AM PDT

Senior clerical council will pass judgment on ultranationalist U Wirathu after his sedition trial ends, Yangon religious affairs official says.

Suu Kyi’s Older Brother Still Disputing Inheritance Decision

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 12:05 AM PDT

U Aung San Oo, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's older brother, has objected to his sister's application for a certified map of the family's Yangon property.

Villagers Accuse City of Seizing Water as Drought Parches ‘India’s Detroit’

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 10:43 PM PDT

Tankers have been seen extracting thousands of liters of water and supplying it to companies and hotels in urban Chennai.

Millions of Small Pig Farmers in Asia Threatened by Swine Fever Outbreak

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 10:05 PM PDT

The incurable disease was first detected last August in China and has since spread thousands of kilometers to "vulnerable" subsistence farmers in neighboring countries.

UN Investigator Reports Possible Fresh War Crimes in Myanmar

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 09:55 PM PDT

The actions of both the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army could amount to fresh war crimes, with reports of abductions and detentions of local residents in Rakhine and Chin states.

In Blow to Singapore’s Expansion, Malaysia Bans Sea Sand Exports

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 09:33 PM PDT

When Indonesia banned sand exports to Singapore in 2007, citing environmental concerns, it caused a "sand crisis" there that saw building activity almost come to a halt.
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Tuesday, July 2, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Military Using Lawsuits to Impede Freedom of Expression: Athan

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 07:58 AM PDT

The Military has sued 77 people since 2016 for insulting or defaming it or for causing or intending to cause its members to mutiny or neglect their duty, a report finds.

UN Forced to Face Its Track Record of Failure in Myanmar

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 05:41 AM PDT

On the Rohingya crisis, the government must prepare to work with ASEAN and others, but ultimately the solution will have to come from within.

KNPP Slams Kayah State Govt’s Decision to Ban Ethnic Literature Event

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 05:33 AM PDT

Annual inter-ethnic cultural exchange banned for first time without explanation; party says it will cost the peace process local support.

Detainee Deaths Mount in N. Rakhine

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 05:13 AM PDT

Ko Zaw Hlaing, 28, is the 14th person to die after military detention. Before passing away at Sittwe Hospital Monday, he said he was detained and tortured for four days.

Govt Pledges Truth will be Revealed in Toddler Rape Case

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 04:37 AM PDT

It has been over a month since a 3-year-old girl was raped at a Naypyitaw school and police have still not identified a suspect. Online, anger is growing.

$55M Offshore Supply Base Slated for Irrawaddy Region

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 03:50 AM PDT

Built by local company Myint and Associates Offshore Supply Base, it will supply, transport and store necessities for exploration of offshore oil and gas fields.

New Exhibition by Artist Kyar Pauk Fascinates the Eyes and the Ears

Posted: 02 Jul 2019 12:35 AM PDT

Be sure to bring your smartphone and earphones to the punk rocker and painter's second solo show, 'Micro'

Lawsuit Against Myanmar Now Editor Dropped After 2 Years

Posted: 01 Jul 2019 11:38 PM PDT

The court dropped the case after witnesses, who include U Wirathu and Police Lt. Kyaw Thu who are both on the run from authorities, repeatedly failed to present to court.

Calm Returns to Hong Kong After Protests erupt Into Violence

Posted: 01 Jul 2019 10:01 PM PDT

A tense calm has returned to Hong Kong as police clear debris left in the wake of chaotic clashes between protesters and police and business resumes.

From Shrimp to Fake Eyelashes, Social Media Sales Soar in Facebook-Friendly Thailand

Posted: 01 Jul 2019 09:56 PM PDT

Social media-based commerce is booming in Thailand and across Southeast Asia, where small sellers are engaging with and selling directly to customers via social apps.

N. Korea Upbeat on Trump-Kim Surprise Meeting as a Chance to Push Nuclear Talks

Posted: 01 Jul 2019 09:37 PM PDT

After more than a year of talks, however, the two sides have yet to agree a common definition of denuclearization.
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