Friday, March 20, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Thailand to Shut One of Two Border Crossings With Myanmar Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 07:37 AM PDT

Thai officials said one border crossing between Mae Sot and Myanmar's Myawaddy will be closed; the other will remain open to those with border passes.

NLD Government No Match for Myanmar Military Chief on Charter Change

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 07:33 AM PDT

The results of the recent parliamentary voting on charter change show us there is only person in the country who can change the Constitution.

Bangladesh Hands Over List of 492,000 Rohingya to Myanmar

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 07:16 AM PDT

Bangladesh's foreign minister says Myanmar's response to the Rohingya refugee crisis has been woeful. 

Singaporean and Myanmar Artists Blend Photos and Poetry at ‘Tempo(rary)’

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 05:29 AM PDT

"Tempo(rary)" is an exhibition by Myanmar artist Maung Day and Singaporean artist Marc Nair, featured at Singapore Festival 2020 and now on display at Rosewood Yangon.

NLD Proposal to End Immunity for Myanmar’s Ex-Military Govt Fails to Pass in Charter Vote

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 04:30 AM PDT

On Parliament's final day of voting on proposed constitutional amendments, the NLD's bid to scrap immunity for former junta members was voted down.

Foreign Arrivals to Thailand Require Medical Certificate, $100K Insurance for COVID-19

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 04:14 AM PDT

The Thai government has announced that all foreign arrivals to the country will need to carry health insurance and a medical certificate showing they don't have COVID-19.

Myanmar’s Nouveau Riche Wear Their Wealth on Their Sleeves

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 03:29 AM PDT

At a recent event to honor major donors to the welfare of Buddhism, the honorees—draped in gold and gems—made sure no one was in any doubt as to their staggering wealth.

Combating Fake News in the Time of Coronavirus in Myanmar

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 01:50 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy talks with Dr. Htoo Myint Swe from the Ministry of Health about how his team works to share the latest updates and information on COVID-19.

Hanoi Postpones ASEAN Leaders Summit Until Late June Amid Coronavirus Fears

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 10:43 PM PDT

Vietnam has postponed next month's ASEAN leaders summit in Danang until June due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus.

India Executes Four Men for Brutal 2012 Delhi Bus Rape and Murder

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 10:36 PM PDT

Four men convicted of the brutal 2012 rape and murder of a young woman riding a bus in New Delhi were executed by hanging on Friday.

Amid Coronavirus, God Goes Online to Reach Worshippers

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 10:24 PM PDT

Religious leaders of many faiths are turning to streaming technology to reach congregations as more and more countries ban public gatherings due to the coronavirus.

Indonesia Should ‘Prepare for the Worst’ on Coronavirus, Red Cross Says

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 10:06 PM PDT

The head of Indonesia's Red Cross has warned that the number of coronavirus cases in the country is likely to be far higher than reported due to insufficient testing.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Civilians Killed, Wounded by Landmines in Southern Myanmar

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 06:44 AM PDT

An ethnic Mon man died after stepping on a landmine in Mon State's Ye Township while going fishing in an area that has seen clashes between Mon and Karen armed groups.

Myanmar Closes All Land Borders to Foreigners

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 06:36 AM PDT

Myanmar has announced the closure of all its land borders to foreign nationals in a preventative measure against the coronavirus.

NLD’s Bid to End Myanmar Military’s Constitutional Grip on National Security Voted Down

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 05:25 AM PDT

The NLD's bid to scrap charter provisions giving the military sole responsibility for all armed forces and 'safeguarding the nation' fell short in parliamentary voting.

Myanmar Airbase Accident Injures Local Woman in Explosion

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 05:21 AM PDT

A local resident in Magwe was injured Tuesday when a piece of a weapon at Magwe Airbase slipped and struck a warehouse. The air force is allegedly compensating the victim.

Myanmar’s Bygone Rangoon Government House

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 04:33 AM PDT

Over 80 years, the Government House went through an evolution of British colonial governors, presidents of Myanmar and eventual neglect until Ne Win had it demolished in 1978.

Weaving Local Threads: How A Myanmar Designer Built Her Brand, Art Che Lone

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 03:43 AM PDT

A local Yangon clothing designer has built a made-in-Myanmar brand selling trendy, colorful and simple clothes for women, made entirely from Inle Lake cotton.

Myanmar Unveils $70-Million Stimulus Package to Ease Economic Blow From Virus

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 12:54 AM PDT

SMEs, travel, garment and other businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic will receive low-interest loans and tax deferrals under the government's new stimulus package.

Pandemic Makes Case for Partnership Between ROK and Myanmar, Other Mekong Nations

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 12:41 AM PDT

The steps Korea has taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus, recently held up as exemplary by the WHO, hold valuable lessons for its partners in the Mekong region.

China’s Wuhan Reports No New Coronavirus Infections for First Time

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 10:15 PM PDT

For the first time since the coronavirus emerged there late last year, the Chinese city of Wuhan on Thursday reported no new infections.

Coronavirus Surges Across SE Asia as Malaysia Warns of ’Tsunami’ of Cases

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 10:14 PM PDT

The number of coronavirus infections across Southeast Asia surged on Wednesday, with Indonesia now leading the region in virus-related deaths.

Coronavirus Compensation Promised to Poor Workers in India

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 09:59 PM PDT

India's Uttar Pradesh state has announced it will compensate day laborers who lose work due to the coronavirus; first it must tackle a shortage of data on workers.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar’s Military MPs Accuse NLD of Smear Campaign After Constitutional Amendment Failure

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 06:05 AM PDT

The National League for Democracy is trying to drive a wedge between the people and armed forces because its constitutional amendments were rejected, claim military MPs.

Myanmar’s Military Ditches Irrawaddy and Reuters Lawsuits

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 05:50 AM PDT

After almost a year, Myanmar's military has abandoned its lawsuit against The Irrawaddy over coverage of the Rakhine State conflict.

Myanmar Suspends Overseas Employment Process to Counter Coronavirus 

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 05:28 AM PDT

Myanmar's Department of Labor has suspended its international employment program to counter the spread of the coronavirus.

Myanmar Parliament Approves Amendment to Constitution’s Language on Chief Minister Appointments

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 03:46 AM PDT

The Myanmar Parliament has approved a proposal to remove language deemed unnecessary from a charter provision on the appointment of state and regional chief ministers.

UK Embassy Tells Citizens to Leave Myanmar Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 01:57 AM PDT

The UK Embassy in Yangon is concerned the coronavirus will pressure Myanmar's healthcare system and flights may be cancelled, though the country so far has no confirmed cases.

Myanmar’s Churches Close, Scale Back Easter Services to Prevent Coronavirus

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 11:25 PM PDT

To prevent an outbreak of coronavirus, Myanmar's churches have limited prayer services and announced scaled-back plans for Palm Sunday and Easter celebrations.

How a Mass Pilgrimage at a Malaysian Mosque Became a Coronavirus Hotspot

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:32 PM PDT

A gathering at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur in late February and early March appears to have been the source of hundreds of new coronavirus infections across Southeast Asia.

Italy Reports Over 30,000 Coronavirus Cases With More Than 2,500 Deaths

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:21 PM PDT

In Italy, the hardest-hit country after China, infections and deaths from coronavirus rose by 3,526 and 345 respectively in the latest count.

In Slums and Windowless Apartments, Asia’s Poor Bear Brunt of Coronavirus

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 09:56 PM PDT

High population density and lack of sanitation infrastructure put Asia's slums and informal low-income settlements at risk.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar-Based Diplomats Told to Cancel Events Amid Coronavirus Fears

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 06:40 AM PDT

The government has told diplomats based in Myanmar and its staff overseas to cancel all public events to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

NLD, Ethnic Parties Vote Down Myanmar Military’s Charter Amendment Proposals

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 06:06 AM PDT

NLD, ethnic MPs reject proposed charter amendments by the military and USDP, including one that would have allowed state parliaments to elect chief ministers.

Mon State MPs Urge Govt: Ban Pilgrimages to Myanmar’s Golden Rock Over COVID-19

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 05:47 AM PDT

The Mon State parliament is calling on their state government to ban pilgrimages and tours to the famous Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.

Myanmar Govt Suspends Advance Tax on Exports to Aid Virus-Hit Businesses

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 03:29 AM PDT

In a bid to ease pressure on Myanmar's coronavirus-hit businesses, the government has unveiled a raft of measures including tax relief, soft loans and training programs.

RCSS Dialogue with Shan Residents Postponed Over Myanmar’s Coronavirus Concerns

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 02:33 AM PDT

The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS)'s first political dialogue with stakeholders—a key step in the peace process—has been postponed over concerns about coronavirus.

Nine Civilians Injured in Rakhine as Myanmar Military Shells Villages

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 01:55 AM PDT

More civilians were injured early Monday morning as the Myanmar navy allegedly shelled villages near the Kalanda River in Rakhine, according to local lawmakers and residents.

Tracing the More Than Century-Old Dream of Building a Myanmar-China Railway

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 01:40 AM PDT

If China's plan for a high-speed railway between Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State and Yunnan goes ahead, it will realize a vision first put forward by 19th-century colonizers.

The Day British Bombers Destroyed Mandalay Palace

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 01:01 AM PDT

On this day in 1945, British forces bombed Mandalay Palace, the last home of Myanmar's kings, reducing it to rubble as Japanese troops put up fierce resistance.

Coronavirus Closes India’s Taj Mahal; Mumbai Tells Half Its Office Workers to Stay Home

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 12:00 AM PDT

To prevent the spread of coronavirus, India has closed the Taj Mahal and ordered millions of Mumbai office workers to stay home; cases in Pakistan spike to 183.

China Reports One Locally Transmitted Virus Case, 20 Imported Ones

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 11:16 PM PDT

All but one of the 21 new coronavirus cases reported in China on Tuesday were imported from overseas, health authorities said.

Monday, March 16, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


The Myanmar Govt Has Been Spared a Real Test on Coronavirus—but No One’s Luck Lasts Forever

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 08:28 AM PDT

The government has been slow to act on coronavirus, on both the health and economic fronts; so far only luck has spared it a real test of its crisis-management skills.

21 Killed, Many More Injured as Myanmar Military Jets Strafe Villages in Chin State

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 07:48 AM PDT

Some 21 villagers were killed and dozens hurt when fighter jets allegedly strafed several villages in Chin State's Paletwa amid fierce clashes with the AA, locals said.

Myanmar Preschools Braced for Coronavirus Closures

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 06:13 AM PDT

Although there are no confirmed coronavirus cases in Myanmar, all nursery schools are likely to be forced to close until late April as a precaution.

Myanmar Migrants in Thailand Discouraged From New Year Homecoming Amid Covid-19 Concerns

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 06:03 AM PDT

The Myanmar Embassy in Thailand tells migrants not to travel home for water festival celebrations in April. Anyone who ignores the advice faces 14 days in quarantine.

With Failed Myanmar Charter Reform, Military Still Controls Amnesty for Political Prisoners

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 05:35 AM PDT

Parliament rejected a proposed constitutional amendment on Monday that would have revoked the military's power to control the presidential amnesty process in Myanmar.

Myanmar Military Case Against Irrawaddy Editor to Move Ahead

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 05:30 AM PDT

A Yangon court has accepted a military lawsuit filed against U Ye Ni over the media outlet's coverage of clashes in Rakhine State.

Two Women Injured by Myanmar Military in Rakhine Die in Hospital

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 05:20 AM PDT

Two women died at a hospital in Rakhine State after being hit on Friday by fire from Myanmar military forces.

TNLA Attacks Five Poppy-Growing Hubs in Northern Myanmar

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 04:47 AM PDT

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army says it has attacked five militia bases in northern Shan State in an attempt to end heroin cultivation.

Myanmar Orders Quarantine, Monitoring for Arrivals from Countries Hit by Coronavirus

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 04:07 AM PDT

A mandatory quarantine is in effect for anyone who has been in Korea, Italy, Iran, France, Spain or Germany, and arrivals from China and the US will be monitored.

India Proposes Regional Fund to Fight Coronavirus as Cases Exceed 100

Posted: 16 Mar 2020 12:06 AM PDT

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed the creation of an emergency fund to help South Asian countries fight the coronavirus.

French Infant Among Four New Coronavirus Cases in Cambodia

Posted: 15 Mar 2020 11:54 PM PDT

Cambodia reported four new coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the country's total to eight.

BOJ Starts Moved-Up Policy Meeting After Fed’s Rate Cut

Posted: 15 Mar 2020 11:18 PM PDT

Japan's central bank has move forward its policy meeting after the US Federal Reserve announced an emergency rate cut to curb the economic effects of the coronavirus.