Wednesday, July 15, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar’s Garment Sector Facing Implosion as Orders Slump with COVID-19

Posted: 15 Jul 2020 06:36 AM PDT

Myanmar's many clothing factories have received almost no orders this year and thousands of workers face unemployment, owners warn.

‘The Govt Must Handle It Decisively’: Myanmar MP on Controversial China-Backed Development in Karen State

Posted: 15 Jul 2020 06:12 AM PDT

Shwe Kokko New City, a joint project by a Hong Kong firm and the Karen Border Guard Force, has raised concerns over its social impact and the company's shady background.

Stranded Myanmar Migrants in Jordan Poised to be Flown Home Amid COVID-19

Posted: 15 Jul 2020 05:47 AM PDT

The Jordanian authorities are yet to grant landing permission to the Myanmar Airways International flights that are due to fly home of hundreds of migrants.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Naypyitaw Candidacy in Myanmar Election Still Unconfirmed: NLD

Posted: 15 Jul 2020 05:37 AM PDT

The National League for Democracy says the party hasn't confirmed whether the State Counselor will run for a Parliament seat in a Naypyitaw township, contrary to rumors.

Myanmar Green Lights Commercial Crocodile Breeding for Zoos, Meat, Leather

Posted: 15 Jul 2020 04:57 AM PDT

Crocodiles can now be grown and sold commercially, raising new possibilities for one crocodile farm in Yangon that houses 500 crocodiles, some as long as 10 feet.

Neither Return nor More Compensation: Myanmar Military Stands Firmly on Farmers’ Confiscated Land

Posted: 15 Jul 2020 03:36 AM PDT


The Defense Ministry has rejected calls by farmers for more compensation and the return of their land after it was taken for a military-owned sugar
mill.

Weapons Seized in Mae Sot Destined for Myanmar’s Rakhine State: Intelligence Sources

Posted: 15 Jul 2020 03:22 AM PDT

Despite claims by Thai police that arms seized in Mae Sot in June were intended for domestic use, intelligence sources say the weapons were ordered by the AA and ARSA. 

US Drops Plan to Oust Foreign Students in Online-Only Classes

Posted: 14 Jul 2020 09:42 PM PDT

The Trump administration has dropped its bid to deny visas to foreign students whose classes have switched to online-only due to the pandemic.

Trump Signs Order to Fully End Preferential Treatment for Hong Kong

Posted: 14 Jul 2020 09:35 PM PDT

The US will no longer extend economic privileges to Hong Kong following President Trump's order ending the region's preferential status in the wake of China's crackdown.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar’s Karen Border Guard Force Denies Knowledge of Chinese Who Entered Thailand Illegally

Posted: 14 Jul 2020 08:51 AM PDT

The Karen Border Guard Force said it had no knowledge of 16 Chinese men who illegally entered Thailand and claimed to have worked at the group's casinos.

Myanmar Extends COVID-19 Restrictions Until July 31

Posted: 14 Jul 2020 04:56 AM PDT

Myanmar will remain out of bounds to foreign visitors as the country extends travel and gathering restrictions.

‘We Are Weary of War’: Myanmar Religious Leaders Appeal for Unity Ahead of Vote

Posted: 14 Jul 2020 03:13 AM PDT

In a statement, representatives of religious groups in Myanmar have called for peace and questioned who is responsible for the country's 'never-ending' conflict.

Shan Groups Demand Myanmar Military Punish Troops Over Civilian Killing

Posted: 14 Jul 2020 02:28 AM PDT

Shan State residents and civil society groups say three Myanmar soldiers accused of killing a civilian and injuring two others must be tried in civilian court.

Jokowi Says Indonesia’s Virus Outbreak Expected to Peak in Aug-Sept

Posted: 13 Jul 2020 10:04 PM PDT

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said the coronavirus epidemic in the country was likely to peak in Aug-Sept, four months later than first thought.

Hong Kong Disneyland to Close Again Amid Coronavirus Uptick

Posted: 13 Jul 2020 09:51 PM PDT

Hong Kong Disneyland will close again on Wednesday as the region tries to stem a rise in coronavirus cases.
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Monday, July 13, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Difficulties in Voting Leave Myanmar Migrants in Limbo as Election Approaches

Posted: 13 Jul 2020 05:19 AM PDT

Myanmar migrants and rights groups are voicing concerns that millions of voters living abroad will be left out of November's election, just as they were in 2015.

Myanmar’s Jade-Rich Hpakant Caught in a ‘Winner’s Curse’

Posted: 13 Jul 2020 04:51 AM PDT

The government must reform the way gems are mined and revenue is reported, or locals in Hpakant will continue to suffer from the 'curse' of their area's jade wealth.

Myanmar, China to Promote Cross-Border e-Commerce Systems

Posted: 13 Jul 2020 03:33 AM PDT

Senior Myanmar and Chinese officials and executives agreed at an online meeting to implement e-commerce systems to facilitate trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rakhine Woman Files Complaint Accusing Myanmar Military Troops of Gang Rape

Posted: 13 Jul 2020 02:24 AM PDT

A woman from Rathedaung filed a complaint with police saying she was raped by three Myanmar military soldiers who also attempted to rape her 19-year-old daughter.

Toyota to Fully Resume Global Output for First Time Since February

Posted: 12 Jul 2020 10:17 PM PDT

With the resumption of output at its plant in Venezuela, Toyota was set on Monday to return to full production after COVID-19 shutdowns for the first time since February.

Hong Kong Coronavirus Cases See Worst Surge Since Outbreak Began

Posted: 12 Jul 2020 10:06 PM PDT

The current spike in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong is worse than the initial outbreak in March, health officials said.

The Day General Aung San Gave His Final Speech

Posted: 12 Jul 2020 06:30 PM PDT

Though criticized for its harsh wording, the address by Myanmar's independence hero on the reconstruction of Myanmar and public morality remains popular after all these years.
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Sunday, July 12, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Day Myanmar Said Farewell to Japan’s Maverick Wartime Spy

Posted: 11 Jul 2020 06:30 PM PDT

Colonel Suzuki Keiji was summoned back to Japan in 1942 amid fears that he was placing Myanmar's independence struggle before Japan's wartime interests.
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Saturday, July 11, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Posted: 10 Jul 2020 07:30 PM PDT

Foreign direct investment continues to arrive in Yangon despite the global impact of COVID-19 as the Naypyitaw authorities promise larger loans to keep employers afloat.
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Friday, July 10, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Mired in Inequality and Laid Low by the Virus, the US Offers Little to Emulate

Posted: 10 Jul 2020 05:44 AM PDT

When Americans go to the polls in November, reason and democratic ideals must prevail so the wounds inflicted by the disastrous Trump administration can begin to heal.

Int’l Passenger Flights Likely Banned Until October: Myanmar Vice-President

Posted: 10 Jul 2020 03:40 AM PDT

Vice-President Henry Van Thio said Myanmar may join "travel bubbles" with countries that have contained COVID-19 but said international flights may not resume until October.

Nation Building in Myanmar an ‘Ongoing Process’: Outgoing EU Ambassador

Posted: 10 Jul 2020 02:39 AM PDT

Outgoing EU envoy Kristian Schmidt praised Myanmar people's willingness to sacrifice for democracy and conceded the Rohingya issue dominates Western views of the country.

Myanmar Issues COVID-19 Travel-Fit Certificates for Urgent Overseas Trips

Posted: 10 Jul 2020 02:30 AM PDT

Myanmar says government staff can now take coronavirus tests to prove they are fit to fly on vital trips.

Out of Work, Out of Options: Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand Scrape By During COVID-19

Posted: 10 Jul 2020 02:15 AM PDT

In Thailand, COVID-19 has left millions of migrant workers from Myanmar jobless, facing a daily struggle to get by with little income and few options.

Garbo Bar at Myanmar’s Melia Hotel Reopens With New Giant Burger Set

Posted: 10 Jul 2020 12:17 AM PDT

Want to get out and fill your stomach after months of eating at home, but looking to avoid crowded eateries? The Giant Burger at Melia Hotel's Garbo is a great option.

Cambodian Province Known for Angkor Wat Bans Dog Meat Business

Posted: 09 Jul 2020 09:50 PM PDT

The Cambodian province of Siem Reap has become the first in the country to ban the dog-meat trade, citing health risks.

Japan to Discuss Easing of Travel Ban With Myanmar, China, Others

Posted: 09 Jul 2020 09:48 PM PDT

The Japanese government is preparing to open talks with around 10 countries, including Myanmar, on easing COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

China’s Huawei Deepens Ties With Europe’s Top Telecom Firm: Reports

Posted: 09 Jul 2020 09:33 PM PDT

Despite US efforts to discourage cooperation with China's Huawei, Germany's Deutsche Telekom has deepened its ties with the tech giant, according to media reports.
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Thursday, July 9, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Efforts to Fix Myanmar’s Deadly Jade Mine Issue Face Obstacles

Posted: 09 Jul 2020 06:39 AM PDT

Despite public outrage over a deadly landslide in Kachin, the NLD seems either unable or unwilling to force jade mining companies to follow safety and environmental laws.

‘Occult’ Statues of Buddha Undergoing Alterations After Removal From Myanmar Monastery

Posted: 09 Jul 2020 06:24 AM PDT

Stonemasons are re-carving 66 statues of Buddha, reportedly donated by powerful figures, that were removed from a monastery for violating Theravada Buddhist tradition.

Myanmar President Tells Officials to Control Hate Speech Ahead of Election

Posted: 09 Jul 2020 05:42 AM PDT

The president told election officials and ministers to prevent racial and religious incitement that could threaten Myanmar's general election in November.

Myanmar Health Ministry Urges Diligence to Prevent Second COVID-19 Wave

Posted: 09 Jul 2020 05:38 AM PDT

The Health Ministry has warned that people in Myanmar must still follow COVID-19 guidelines, as many citizens have begun to relax now that local transmissions are contained.

Rohingya Jailed in Myanmar’s Rakhine State for Illegal Border Crossing from Bangladesh

Posted: 09 Jul 2020 05:37 AM PDT

They were charged under the Immigration Act for illegal entry from Bangladesh after Myanmar closed the border due to COVID-19.  

WHO Looks Into Possibility of Airborne Coronavirus Transmission

Posted: 08 Jul 2020 09:45 PM PDT

The WHO is investigating whether the coronavirus can be spread by suspended airborne droplets, in addition to those emitted by an infected person who coughs or sneezes.

China Opens National Security Office in Hong Kong

Posted: 08 Jul 2020 09:38 PM PDT

The Chinese government has opened an office in Hong Kong to oversee enforcement of Beijing's new national security law for the territory.
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Wednesday, July 8, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

For Myanmar’s Former Ruling Party, Hopes Run High as General Election Nears

Posted: 08 Jul 2020 06:01 AM PDT

The former ruling USDP says it is confident of winning a majority in Parliament and winning the presidency, but political analysts are less upbeat over the party's chances at the polls.

A Strictly Segregated Watering Hole of British Rangoon

Posted: 08 Jul 2020 05:15 AM PDT

The Pegu Club was an exclusive British retreat in colonial Rangoon that denied entrance to all Asians, including Burmese.

Myanmar Prison Staffer Caught Smuggling Meth in His Velvet Flip-Flops

Posted: 08 Jul 2020 03:29 AM PDT

A worker at a prison in Ayeyarwady Region was trying to smuggle 244 methamphetamine tablets and 0.1 gram of crystal meth into the prison inside his sandals.

N. Korea’s Kim Visits Grandfather’s Mausoleum on Anniversary of His Death

Posted: 07 Jul 2020 09:59 PM PDT

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the grave of his grandfather, national founder Kim Il Sung, on the anniversary of his death, state media reported.

Beijing Reports No New COVID-19 Cases for First Time in About 4 Weeks

Posted: 07 Jul 2020 09:47 PM PDT

Health officials in Beijing have reported no new coronavirus cases for the first time since a cluster was found at a market in the city in early June.

US to Withdraw From WHO in July 2021 Over ‘China-Centric’ Stance

Posted: 07 Jul 2020 09:36 PM PDT

The US has informed the UN secretary general that it will withdraw from the World Health Organization in July next year to protest the agency's 'China-centric' stance.
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