Thursday, July 25, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

For Peace, Arakanese Lawmakers Must Temper Rhetoric: Tatmadaw

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 05:39 AM PDT

"They criticized us in the media … some remarks were extreme," Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun said. "Extreme remarks will not contribute to peace and stability."

Mother of Abused Toddler Calls Teacher a Suspect

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 04:36 AM PDT

Giving the sole testimony of the second court hearing in the widely-followed case of an alleged toddler rape, the victim's mother asked to widen the circle of suspects.

Military Lawmakers to Outnumber Others in Charter Amendment Debate

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 03:58 AM PDT

Tatmadaw appointees and their USDP allies plan a parliamentary show of force against constitutional changes proposed by NLD, ethnic parties.

Foreign Partners Poised to Aid Growth in Myanmar’s Life Insurance Sector

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 03:04 AM PDT

Myanmar opened to private life insurance just six years ago. Aided by joint-ventures with foreign investors just now starting, the market could triple in size in the next decade.

Police Suing 6 Arakanese Deportees under Terrorism Law

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 02:35 AM PDT

Recently deported from Singapore, the six have been held for two weeks without access to family. Now they face terrorism and possible defamation charges.

President Reportedly Set to Fire Industry Minister for Corruption

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 01:21 AM PDT

Pharmaceutical, ambulance procurement scandals are likely to cost U Khin Maung Cho his job, NLD insider says.

American Detained in Cannabis Plantation Case Granted Bail

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 01:17 AM PDT

John Fredric Todoroki, who says he is growing commercial hemp, not marijuana, released on health grounds after paying 300 million kyats.

Save Mrauk-U Heritage by Ending the Rakhine War

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 12:46 AM PDT

Union and state-level authorities, including the AA, must take responsibility for ensuring the safety of UNESCO inspectors in September for the city's future.

Satellite Images Show Myanmar’s ‘Minimal Preparations’ for Rohingya Return: Think-Tank

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 10:24 PM PDT

"The continued destruction of residential areas … raises serious questions about the willingness of the Myanmar government" to offer a safe return, said one researcher.

China Warns of War in Case of Move Towards Taiwan Independence

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 10:14 PM PDT

The warning comes after the U.S. approved sales of weapons requested by Taiwan worth an estimated $2.2 billion, including tanks and Stinger missiles, earlier this month.

Hong Kong Anti-Government Protests Spill into Manchester City Game

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 09:48 PM PDT

Soccer fans sang protest songs and waved anti-government banners during a friendly game involving English Premier League champs, who easily won, 6-1.

Food for… Trash? India’s First ‘Garbage Cafe’ to Offer Meals for Plastic

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 09:28 PM PDT

In exchange for one kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of plastic, the cafe will serve a curry with rice, lentils, and papadams, estimating that would take a couple of hours to collect.
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Wednesday, July 24, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Peninsula Hotel Shareholder Eyes $1.6-Billion Project in Rakhine 

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 06:15 AM PDT

State govt has yet to release details of the project, which would be developed jointly by Singapore's Huacheng and a Chinese firm.

At Least 7 Dead, Dozens Missing in Magwe Land Dispute

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 04:56 AM PDT

Two people died in a clash and over disputed land on an Irrawaddy River island; five villagers later drowned as their boat overturned and 36 are still missing.

Britain is Still Being Beastly to its Former Colony Myanmar

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 01:09 AM PDT

As Boris Johnson prepares to take over as Britain's next prime minister, we revisit this 2017 commentary on a classic Johnson gaffe, made during the then foreign minister's visit to Yangon.

US Ban on Generals an Act of Bullying against Whole Country, Military Says

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 01:04 AM PDT

Spokesman says Washington's sanctions against military leaders insult not just the Tatmadaw, but all Myanmar people.

Investigative Report on Librarian’s Suicide Coming Next Month: MNHRC

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 12:54 AM PDT

A month ago, Myanmar's human rights commission said its investigation of Ko Kyaw Zin Win's suicide over homophobic bullying would take one week; activists demand results.

Grenade Found Outside NLD Office in Yangon’s Thingangyun Township

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 12:02 AM PDT

Incident follows bomb scare at party lawmakers' living quarters in Naypyitaw, and comes amid tension over govt's charter-amendment push.

‘Different Kind of Guy’—Trump Sees Kindred Spirit in Boris Johnson

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 10:26 PM PDT

Johnson has avoided angering Trump on Twitter lately, despite having called him "unfit" for office and "clearly out of his mind" when Trump was a presidential candidate.

Facebook-Style App Launches in Vietnam Amid Tightening Internet Rules

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 10:09 PM PDT

The Communist government has called on domestic tech companies to create alternatives to US tech giants like Facebook and Google.

Indonesians Hope ‘Milestone’ Ruling Will Dampen Haze-Fire Risks

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 09:57 PM PDT

Drifting haze from fires set to prepare land for planting in palm oil, paper and wood pulp production is a regular and serious problem across Southeast Asia.
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Tuesday, July 23, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Rakhine Rebels Eager for Foreign Investment

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 06:05 AM PDT

In a message reiterating its previously-stated openness to Chinese-backed BRI projects in war-torn Rakhine State, the Arakan Army is courting foreign investment.

Conditions Nearly Set for Dawei SEZ Initial Phase to Begin: Govt Committee

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 05:47 AM PDT

Italian-Thai Development-led group holds concession for $1-billion first phase; management committee vows to follow govt and int'l agencies' environmental guidelines.

US Visa Ban Unlikely to See Military Change Course

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 05:26 AM PDT

The effect of sanctions on Myanmar has always been notoriously difficult to predict; never more so than in today's complex domestic and regional situation.

Activists Out on 2M-Kyat Bail

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 04:58 AM PDT

Five activists charged with harming public servants after confrontations with police at the trial of the Peacock Generation thangyat troupe have been granted bail.

Charges Dropped Against Mandalay Military Critic

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 04:43 AM PDT

Charges filed by a military officer over criticism of the military made on Facebook by Saffron Revolution leader and Buddhist monk U Sein Ti Ta were dropped on Tuesday.

Tatmadaw Violating Own Ceasefire, NA Members Say

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 03:56 AM PDT

Despite announcing a unilateral ceasefire and extending it twice, the Myanmar military continues to attack TNLA and MNDAA outposts in northern Shan State, the groups say.

Ex-Minister’s Son Takes the Stand in Drugs, Weapons Trial

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 02:28 AM PDT

U Phyo Ko Ko Tint Sint says he never lived in the Yangon house where police seized some of the drugs he is accused of possessing.

Local, Foreign Insurance Cos. Readying to Sell in Myanmar

Posted: 23 Jul 2019 12:03 AM PDT

Six foreign companies have submitted RFPs for joint ventures with Myanmar insurance companies, which a Myanmar insurance regulatory board is currently scrutinizing.

Hong Kong Police Criticized over Failure to Stop Gang Attacks on Protesters

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 10:20 PM PDT

Some have linked Hong Kong's shadowy network of triad criminal gangs to political intimidation and violence in recent years, sometimes against Beijing critics.

Huawei’s US Research Arm Slashes Jobs as Trade Ban Bites

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 10:07 PM PDT

Huawei said the job cuts, effective July 22, were "due to the curtailment of business operations" caused by the U.S. government's actions.

Rescued Human Trafficking Victims in Thailand Nears Record High

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 09:59 PM PDT

Demand for cheap labor in Malaysia is driving a rise in regional human trafficking, with the majority of victims coming from Myanmar, Thai government data shows.

Plastic from Burlap? Bangladesh Invents a Green Throw-Away Bag

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 09:45 PM PDT

A Bangladeshi scientist has found a way to turn jute fiber into low-cost biodegradable bags that look and feel much like plastic ones.

A Grieving Mother Addresses the Nation

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 07:01 PM PDT

Exactly 72 years ago today, the mother of Gen. Aung San and Trade Minister U Ba Win—both assassinated four days prior—delivered a radio message to the country.
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Monday, July 22, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Army Officer, 2 Navy Personnel Killed in AA Rocket Attack in Rakhine

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 07:09 AM PDT

Tatmadaw has yet to comment on ethnic group's claim; AA says it struck naval vessels on a river in Myebon Township.

Anti-Corruption Committee Steps Up Energy Ministry Investigation

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 06:46 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy has found that the Anti-Corruption Commission secretly seized the minutes of intra-ministry meetings going back three years.

Myanmar Military Proposes Larger Budget for ‘Stronger’ Armed Forces

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 06:28 AM PDT

The proposal marks a more than $70-million increase in military spending over last year, to $2.22 billion total.

UWSA Hands 2 Suspected Human Traffickers to Myanmar Police

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 06:09 AM PDT

Women arrested in Panghsang after allegedly luring the victim, a woman from Pegu Region, into sex work after promising her a job in China.

Pompeo Visit Important for Region, Not Just Thailand

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 03:26 AM PDT

As ASEAN chair, Bangkok must impress on the US secretary of state that the bloc's 'Outlook on the Indo-Pacific' serves both regional and US interests in Southeast Asia.

Military Investigating Itself Over Civilian Deaths

Posted: 22 Jul 2019 01:57 AM PDT

Rakhine State lawmaker U Tun Tha Sein said locals will not be able to trust a court of inquiry containing only military officials.

We Trust Neither the Govt Nor the Tatmadaw: Shan IDPs

Posted: 21 Jul 2019 11:49 PM PDT

More than 300 Shan IDPs that fled civil wars at home in 2002 have little hope that Aung San Suu Kyi's government can bring peace or repatriation.

Triad Gangster Attack in Hong Kong After Night of Violent Protests

Posted: 21 Jul 2019 09:57 PM PDT

Men in white t-shirts, armed with poles and bamboo staves, flooded a train station outside of Hong Kong on Sunday and attacked passengers, many of them protesters.

Box Office: ‘The Lion King’ Rules With $185M Debut

Posted: 21 Jul 2019 09:51 PM PDT

Worldwide, "The Lion King" has brought in $531 million, including a $98 million opening in China last weekend.
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Friday, July 19, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Dhaka Minister Meets US Congressman Who Mooted Rakhine Annexation

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 11:51 PM PDT

Talks come 10 days after Bangladeshi PM slammed Bradley Sherman's 'reprehensible' plan to recognize western state as part of Bangladesh.

Federal Union Won’t Be Built with Guns: Rakhine Parliament Speaker

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 06:30 PM PDT

U San Kyaw Hla says the state legislature is doing what it can to end rights abuses and inequality; he calls for peace through dialogue and an end to the internet shutdown.

The Day Myanmar’s Independence Hero was Assassinated

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 05:30 PM PDT

Today is Martyr's Day, the day that, 72 years ago, Myanmar independence hero General Aun San was gunned down. The mastermind behind his death remains unnamed.
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Thursday, July 18, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Army-Backed Mytel Fined Nearly $200,000 for Giving Away Free SIM Cards

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 07:27 AM PDT

Country's 4th-largest telecom operator has already been warned twice this year for regulatory violations.

Key Facts & Figures on Myanmar Charter Amendment Recommendations 

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 06:45 AM PDT

A graphic guide to the work of the joint parliamentary panel set up to draft changes to the 2008 Constitution, which submitted a list of 3,765 proposals on Monday.

Singapore Deportees in Custody, Families Left in the Dark

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 06:11 AM PDT

After several Arakenese migrants were deported from Singapore last week, all have since wound up in government detention. Their relatives are searching for answers.

Prosecution of Filmmaker Sued by Military to Proceed: Court

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 05:45 AM PDT

U Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi's incitement to mutiny trial to resume next month; separate defamation case has yet to be brought to court, lawyer says.

New Bar Sports Art Theme

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 03:41 AM PDT

Bart is a cool, laid back downtown bar with a wide ranging food and drink menu sure to satisfy the lunchtime worker and the nighttime bar fly alike.

Military Launches Helicopter Assault During Clash in Buthidaung, AA Says

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 03:33 AM PDT

Ethnic armed group says gunship bombed, strafed its positions after Tatmadaw sustained heavy losses in fierce clash; military denies ordering air strikes.

Govt Suggests KNPP Sign Ceasefire this Fall

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 03:05 AM PDT

The suggestion came at a meeting between the Karenni National Progressive Party and the Union government in Nayptitaw, amid still unsolved disputes between the two sides.

Accessible Healthcare Requires Local Participation: Dr. Cynthia Maung

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 02:27 AM PDT

With changes in government and ceasefire agreements signed since 2012, the Mae Tao Clinic on the Thai-Myanmar border continues operating on less and less aid.

CCTV Contract with Huawei Will Guard Against Spying: Mandalay Chief Minister

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 02:16 AM PDT

U Zaw Myint Maung says $1.25 million deal with Chinese tech giant to supply surveillance system for 'Safe City' project will be thoroughly vetted.

Malaysian Activists Urge Lawmakers to Get Tough on Forests Losses

Posted: 17 Jul 2019 10:11 PM PDT

Activists plan to march outside the country's parliament building this Thursday to demand stronger forestry laws and greater protection for dwindling rainforests.

Plastic Cups Runneth Over at Cambodia’s Rubbish Cafe

Posted: 17 Jul 2019 10:02 PM PDT

As Southeast Asia grapples with massive tides of trash hitting its shores, a Cambodian coffee shop owner has outfit his chic café with local refuse.

Asia-Pacific Meth Drug Trade Worth Up to $61 billion: UN

Posted: 17 Jul 2019 10:00 PM PDT

Most of the meth is produced in northern Myanmar and pushed all over the world, with syndicates exploiting endemic graft, weak law enforcement and lax border regulations.
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