Wednesday, May 29, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Military Chief Pardoned Soldiers Involved in Rohingya Massacre

Posted: 29 May 2019 08:00 AM PDT

Sen-Gen. Min Aung Hlaing reduced sentences of seven soldiers after group of citizens submitted petition on their behalf.

Yangon Sangha Council Cancels Meeting with Firebrand Monk

Posted: 29 May 2019 07:29 AM PDT

Clerical body had summoned U Wirathu for involvement in secular affairs due to his participation in Yangon rally.

USDP and Military Propose 4 New Charter Amendments

Posted: 29 May 2019 05:39 AM PDT

This is the second move by USDP and military lawmakers to have their own amendment bill considered by Parliament in parallel with the NLD's constitutional amendment efforts.

Rakhine’s ANP to Elect New Party Chairperson

Posted: 29 May 2019 04:17 AM PDT

The Arakan National Party's previous chairperson, U Aye Maung is serving a 20-year prison sentence for remarks he made at a public event in 2018.

Gov’t Seeks Green Light from Parliament to Join BRI Tax Scheme as Observer

Posted: 29 May 2019 02:51 AM PDT

China's multilateral BRITACOM mechanism aims to remove taxation hurdles along trade routes.

Four Killed in Explosion at Coal Mine in Sagaing Region

Posted: 29 May 2019 12:56 AM PDT

Another 4 workers injured as oxygen cylinder explodes in coal pit; township police open case

Lifelong Human Rights Defender Continues to Inspire

Posted: 29 May 2019 12:40 AM PDT

Currently undergoing treatment for kidney failure, the peerless activist, advocate and educator reflects on a life lived for justice and the rights of all.

‘I Will Face the Arrest’: U Wirathu

Posted: 28 May 2019 11:28 PM PDT

The firebrand nationalist monk is in Yangon though the police have not yet attempted to arrest him.

China Ready to Hit Back at US with Rare Earths: Ruling Party Newspaper

Posted: 28 May 2019 09:16 PM PDT

Chinese media has strongly implied it will restrict exports of rare earths—chemical elements used in everything from electronics to weapons—to the United States.

Huawei Asks US Court to Declare Defense Bill ‘Unconstitutional’

Posted: 28 May 2019 09:11 PM PDT

The Chinese telecom company filed a motion with a Texas court on Tuesday arguing that the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act violates the company's due process.

Dr. Ba Maw, Facilitator of Myanmar’s Struggle for Independence

Posted: 28 May 2019 06:30 PM PDT

During his lifetime under British and Japanese rule, Dr. Ba Maw held several important roles in Myanmar's leadership and supported the people and the independence movement.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Military Commanders Reshuffled in Restive Rakhine

Posted: 28 May 2019 07:31 AM PDT

A military spokesperson called the replacement of the Western Command chief a "necessity of military operations" on Monday.

Shan State Lawmakers to Discuss Draft Inle Lake Conservation Law

Posted: 28 May 2019 06:13 AM PDT

With the landmark threatened by unrestrained development by the well-heeled, the draft law prioritizes local governance and environmental stewardship.

Military Corruption is Being Handled Internally: Military Spokesperson

Posted: 28 May 2019 05:53 AM PDT

Despite saying it carries out investigations and punishments on internal cases of corruption, the military refuses to give any information on its specific anti-graft measures.

Mon Unity Party Calls for Probe of 1-Billion-Kyat Road Contract

Posted: 28 May 2019 05:08 AM PDT

Party urges President's Office to investigate chief minister's claim that State Counselor told him to award project to company.

New YHT Exhibition Celebrates Yangon’s Fading ‘Moveable Heritage’

Posted: 28 May 2019 03:39 AM PDT

Yangon Heritage Trust, in collaboration with architect Aung Soe Myint and artist Htein Lin, launched an exhibition of historic objects as a glimpse of Yangon's rich past.

Nationalists Behind Forced Ramadan Prayer Site Closures in Hiding

Posted: 28 May 2019 02:51 AM PDT

U Michael Kyaw Myint and U Thiha Myo Naing are said to be in hiding with an unnamed armed group which has signed a ceasefire with the government.

Military Accuses Magwe Chief Minister of Unfair Criticism over Disputed Land

Posted: 28 May 2019 02:37 AM PDT

Defense Ministry permanent secretary says U Aung Moe Nyo misreported defense minister's explanation for refusal to hand back farmland.

Blacklisted Arms Expert Continues to Work for Myanmar Military

Posted: 28 May 2019 02:04 AM PDT

Lt-Gen Thein Htay was blacklisted by the U.S. in 2013 for trading arms with North Korea.

Two Killed, 15 Schoolgirls Injured in Japan Stabbing: NHK

Posted: 27 May 2019 10:01 PM PDT

An unidentified man died in police custody after attacking bus-boarding elementary school children and others then stabbing himself in the neck.

Vietnam Swine Fever Cull Surges, 1.7 Million Pigs Dead

Posted: 27 May 2019 09:49 PM PDT

The agriculture minister has said the outbreak is "the most dangerous and costly of its kind in the husbandry industry of Vietnam."

Thailand’s Pro-Army Party Seeks Allies to Cement Power

Posted: 27 May 2019 09:39 PM PDT

The future political power of the Thai military junta that seized control of the country in a 2014 coup now hinges on its ability to form a slim majority coalition.

India Snubs Pakistan for Modi’s Swearing-In Ceremony: Sources

Posted: 27 May 2019 09:24 PM PDT

The nations came close to war in February after a suicide attack by a Pakistan-based militant group killed at least 40 Indian police in the contested Kashmir region.

Monday, May 27, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


At Least 20 Troops Killed in Paletwa Clashes, AA Says

Posted: 27 May 2019 08:29 AM PDT

At Least 20 Troops Killed in Paletwa Clashes, AA Says

Circumstances of Release of 7 Soldiers in Rohingya Massacre Remain Unclear

Posted: 27 May 2019 07:34 AM PDT

Tatmadaw spokesman unsure whether they were freed on appeal or by petitioning military chief; Prisons Dept. head says the 7 are not in custody.

Toyota To Assemble Vehicles in Myanmar

Posted: 27 May 2019 06:19 AM PDT

Auto giant to build pickup truck plant at Yangon's Thilawa SEZ this year

Spurned by the West, Embraced by Myanmar

Posted: 27 May 2019 05:02 AM PDT

As the U.S. government restricts large swaths of Western trade with the Chinese tech giant Huawei, Myanmar opens its arms to the company for future digitalization.

Police Station Head Accused of Taking Bribe in Underage Rape Case

Posted: 27 May 2019 04:27 AM PDT

An investigation commission from Mawlamyine which examined the case will submit its findings first to the Mon state government and then to the Anti-Corruption Commission in Naypyitaw.

State Counselor to Visit Czech Republic Next Month

Posted: 27 May 2019 03:52 AM PDT

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also foreign minister, will meet with leaders, open Myanmar's embassy in Prague and attend a business forum

Boat Crash Kills Five in Sagaing

Posted: 27 May 2019 03:04 AM PDT

Authorities and boat owners warn against overloaded boats and reckless speeds on a well-traveled but often fatal river. 

Chatrium Hotel Yangon’s Seafood Dinner Buffet Gets a Makeover

Posted: 27 May 2019 02:55 AM PDT

Tender grilled lobster, salmon sashimi, baked mussels and more are on offer at The Emporia restaurant

Not a Hair on Their Heads Will Be Harmed: Tatmadaw

Posted: 27 May 2019 02:52 AM PDT

Peace Talks stall between the Tatmadaw and Northern Alliance factions over the safety and setting of future meetings.

The 1990 Election—Will My Vote Ever Mean Anything?

Posted: 27 May 2019 01:05 AM PDT

On May 27, 1990, the NLD won what was to be Myanmar's first democratic election in 30 years, but voters soon learned the military junta would blatantly ignore the results.

One Shot Dead in Drugs Raid in Yangon’s Mingalardon Township

Posted: 26 May 2019 11:54 PM PDT

When the suspected drug dealers resisted arrest, the police opened fire killing one man and injuring at least two others.

EXCLUSIVE—Myanmar Soldiers Jailed for Rohingya Killings Freed After Less Than a Year

Posted: 26 May 2019 10:49 PM PDT

The soldiers were freed in November last year, the two inmates said, meaning they served less than one year of their 10-year prison terms for the killings at Inn Din Village.

Former Thai PM and Influential Royal Adviser Prem Tinsulanonda Dies at 98

Posted: 26 May 2019 09:46 PM PDT

Prem served as chairman of the prestigious Privy Council of royal advisers, one of the country's most powerful unelected positions.

Pro-Army Party in Thailand to Cement Deal to Keep Junta Leader as PM: Lawmaker

Posted: 26 May 2019 09:27 PM PDT

The deal involves inviting two other parties to form a coalition and thus have enough parliamentary seats to keep the leader of the military junta in power as prime minister.

Samsung May Gain from Huawei’s Plight in Ongoing Trade War: Fitch

Posted: 26 May 2019 09:10 PM PDT

Tech companies, including Google and SoftBank Group-owned chip designer ARM, have said they will cease supplies and updates to Huawei.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Dealing with Rising Religious Tensions in Myanmar

Posted: 24 May 2019 07:30 PM PDT

This week, The Irrawaddy discusses the forced closure of a temporary Islamic prayer site in Yangon by a crowd of Buddhist nationalists.

When the Myanmar Navy Took Possession of Its 1st Flagship

Posted: 24 May 2019 07:00 PM PDT

On this day in 1947, a British naval officer presented Gen. Aung San with the Mayu, which would go on to serve Myanmar for 32 years.

Friday, May 24, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Civilianizing This Militarized Nation Could Take Another Three Decades

Posted: 24 May 2019 08:56 AM PDT

The country is only halfway toward the goal of full democracy that was envisioned in 1988.

Easter Bombing Suspect No Longer in Myanmar: President’s Office

Posted: 24 May 2019 07:27 AM PDT

After police arrested one man suspected of having connections to bombings in Sri Lanka, the Myanmar President's Office says the real suspect is not in Myanmar.

President Warns Officials that Reforms Require a Change of Mindset

Posted: 24 May 2019 06:19 AM PDT

President U Win Myint had strong words for government officials and public servants on the need to shake off old habits in order to make reforms at every level in Myanmar.

Groups Call for Demilitarization of Areas Near Shan IDP Camps

Posted: 24 May 2019 06:11 AM PDT

Displaced people at increased risk as Army, EAOs build up forces near the camps along the Thai border, advocacy groups say.

What Industry 4.0 Demands of Myanmar

Posted: 24 May 2019 05:36 AM PDT

Panelists at the German-Myanmar Industry 4.0 conference said the country can leap into "Industry 4.0" with improved electricity and education.

Mob Attacks Homes of Illegal Money Syndicate Operators in Mon State

Posted: 24 May 2019 05:30 AM PDT

Two people said to be responsible for running the syndicate which caused members to lose over $6.5 million have been arrested.

Military Seeks Second Defamation Suit Against Mandalay Monk

Posted: 24 May 2019 02:28 AM PDT

U Thawbita is facing more charges for his Facebook posts insulting the military and the commander-in-chief.

Military Detains Village Administrator for Extorting Money on Behalf of 2 Shan Groups

Posted: 24 May 2019 01:48 AM PDT

Tatmadaw says he collected funds for RCSS, SSPP; residents of village say he had no choice

1,300 Villages to Receive Solar-Generated Electricity in FY2019-20

Posted: 24 May 2019 12:20 AM PDT

Rural Development Dept, Ministry of Energy to supply off-grid villages in 5 regions under National Electrification Project

The Day Mandalay Was Born

Posted: 23 May 2019 10:23 PM PDT

On this day 160 years ago, King Mindon moved the royal capital from Amarapura to Mandalay.

India’s Modi Stuns Opposition with Huge Election Win

Posted: 23 May 2019 10:20 PM PDT

Modi's re-election reinforces a global trend of right-wing populists sweeping to victory, often after adopting harsh positions on protectionism, immigration and defense.

Let Hindus Build Their Temple at Razed Mosque Site, Some Indian Muslims Say

Posted: 23 May 2019 10:12 PM PDT

The site, believed to be where Lord Ram, a physical incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, was born, was burnt down in 1992 causing riots that killed 2,000.

Warnings Over New Law to Protect Workers in Thai Fishing Industry

Posted: 23 May 2019 09:26 PM PDT

The Work in Fishing Convention has loopholes, is vague and will be difficult to implement, according to Thailand-based labor rights campaigners.

Brunei’s Sultan Returns Oxford Degree After Gay Sex Death Penalty Backlash

Posted: 23 May 2019 09:15 PM PDT

Celebrities and rights groups have been calling for a boycott of the sultan's businesses and some travel companies have stopped promoting Brunei as a destination.