Wednesday, June 12, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Yangon Lawmakers Reject 3 Regional Govt Proposals Worth $10 Million

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 07:12 AM PDT

Regional government wanted funds earmarked in fiscal 2019-20 budget for new police HQ, courthouse and Coco Island ferry.

Civilian-Led Programs the Answer for IDP Students in War-Torn Rakhine

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 06:38 AM PDT

The Rakhine education department has as of yet no figures for the number of schools shut or students or teachers displaced by conflict as the new academic year kicks off.

Election Commission Dismisses USDP Criticisms

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 06:21 AM PDT

An open letter from the United Solidarity and Development Party and its political allies to the election commission called current electoral processes unfree and unfair.

AA-Military Clashes Force Hundreds to Flee Southern Chin

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 03:44 AM PDT

Over the course of four days, 752 residents of southern Chin State fled to safety in urban areas as clashes between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army move further north.

Officer Under Investigation Found Dead, Suicide Rumored

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 03:03 AM PDT

A Mandalay police officer facing investigation over the death of a detainee arrested in a cement factory protest crackdown was found at home with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Makes 1st Visit to Rohingya Camps

Posted: 12 Jun 2019 12:57 AM PDT

Envoy meets Rohingya activists and Bangladeshi relief officials, discusses repatriation process

Military Reject AA’s Casualty Report

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 11:56 PM PDT

An Arakan Army report claims that over 1,000 Myanmar military troops have died in recent fighting, a claim which the military rebuts.

Top Food Firms Spot Supply-Chain Risks to Forests in Real Time

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 10:35 PM PDT

GFW Pro tracks and analyzes plantations, farms, national parks and mills to pinpoint deforestation risks like fires and illegal logging using data sets like satellite images.

Rohingya Muslims Found Stranded on Thai Island: Officials

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 10:06 PM PDT

Authorities fear the recent growth in numbers of Rohingya boarding boats for Malaysia could be a new wave of people smuggling by sea after a 2015 crackdown on trafficking.

Thousands of Protesters Paralyze Hong Kong’s Financial Hub Over Extradition Bill

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 09:48 PM PDT

Demonstrators from across a wide spectrum of Hong Kong society began joining the protesters early on Wednesday as businesses across the city prepared to go on strike.

INVESTIGATION—Indian Factories Found Endangering Seamstresses’ Health with Illegal Pills

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 09:38 PM PDT

To keep up with high demands for cheap goods, India's garment factories give women medication to ease or stop periods, leading to long-term negative side effects.

India to Evacuate Thousands as Cyclone Nears West Coast

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 09:02 PM PDT

The military and the National Disaster Response Force have been called to prepare to help in case the storm causes large scale disruption.

Nationalist Monk Arrested After a Long Run

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 07:19 PM PDT

Being fugitive for two years, U Pyinya Wuntha was arrested by Yangon police after attending a prayer rally in support of ultranationalist monk U Wirathu, who remains at large. 
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Tuesday, June 11, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Free Burma Rangers Will Not Be Allowed to Operate in Myanmar, Military Says

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 05:46 AM PDT

Self-described humanitarian aid group, which Tatmadaw accuses of training EAOs, says it is already helping IDPs in Rakhine.

State Counselor’s Charity Receives Donation from China-Owned Company

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 03:23 AM PDT

A China-owned company and a local private company have jointly donated $100,000 to the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation to build a horticulture training academy.

Rights Panel Submits Report on Deaths of 7 N. Rakhine Villagers in Army Custody

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 02:43 AM PDT

MNHRC not ready to release details of investigation, says report contains recommendations for avoiding civilian casualties, displacement.

Gov’t Lifts Ban on Plantation Teak Exports

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 02:18 AM PDT

The Myanmar government will once again allow the export of teak from private and state-owned plantations, but a ban on teak from natural forests remains in place.

Wirathu to be Tried for Sedition in Absentia

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 02:05 AM PDT

With the ultranationalist monk's arrest warrant expiring on Tuesday, a Yangon court has decided it will hear the case without him.

Authorities Open Cases against Organizers of Rally in Support of Fugitive Monk

Posted: 11 Jun 2019 01:16 AM PDT

Lawsuits mark government's first legal move against nationalist campaign in support of U Wirathu, who is the subject of an arrest warrant and remains at large.

India Jails Three for Life After Shocking Child Rape and Murder

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 10:09 PM PDT

The case shocked India and prompted parliament to adopt the death penalty for rapists of girls younger than 12.

Hong Kong Leader Defiant as City Gears up for Fresh Protests, Strikes

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 09:58 PM PDT

Tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents have said they will come to the streets and close their businesses in protest on Wednesday.

North Korean Leader’s Slain Half-Brother was a CIA Informant: Wall Street Journal

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 09:38 PM PDT

The former officials also said Kim Jong Nam had been almost certainly in contact with security services of other countries, particularly China's, the Journal said.
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Monday, June 10, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Military Violated NCA by Asking Thailand to Block Meeting of EAOs, Critics Say

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 05:19 AM PDT

KNU chief says aim of Chiang Mai meeting of PPCM was to move peace process forward; Tatmadaw says Bangkok attaché, not commander-in-chief, asked Thai army to intervene.

Life Restored to a Heritage Landmark in Yangon

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 05:17 AM PDT

The Tourist Burma Building, sitting on a prominent downtown crossroad, has emerged from decades of abandonment as a heritage treasure—and the public are invited inside.

Nationalist Who Lead Closure of Ramadan Prayer Sites Arrested

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 05:01 AM PDT

Michael Kyaw Myint had been in hiding since police issued a warrant for his arrest on May 16.

Yangon Nationalists March in Support of U Wirathu, Against ‘Oppression of Buddhism’

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 04:39 AM PDT

Several hundred Buddhists and monks marched from the Shwedagon to Sule Pagoda, complaining of government oppression and praying for the safety of fugitive monk U Wirathu.

Inle Lake Hotel Proposal Denied

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 04:27 AM PDT

A controversial proposal by the son of former dictator Than Shwe to build a hotel on 45 acres of what was once a wildlife sanctuary has been rejected.

20 Fugitives, Including Judges, Administrators, Wanted on Suspicion of Corruption

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 04:07 AM PDT

Among the Myanmar Police Force's list, announced on Sunday, 11 suspects have been on the run since 2017 or early 2018.

KBZ, PTT Ink Petrol Agreements

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 02:57 AM PDT

The Myanmar conglomerate will partner with the Thai state-owned oil and gas distributor to develop about 70 filling stations across the country.

Myanmar Doesn’t Want to Repatriate Rohingya, Bangladeshi PM Says

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 01:38 AM PDT

Refugees in Cox's Bazar criticize UN, ASEAN for not including them in discussions on return process.

Aung San Suu Kyi Announces Plan to Contest in 2020 Election

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 11:29 PM PDT

As the Constitution forbids state leaders from participating in a ruling party's campaign activities, both Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint are barred from electioneering.

Some Big Tech Firms Cut Employees’ Access to Huawei, Muddying 5G Rollout

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 09:46 PM PDT

Three major companies, a chipmaker, a mobile research firm and a cell carrier, have restricted employees from informal conversations with Huawei.

Chinese Paper Says ‘Foreign Forces’ Trying to Create Havoc in Hong Kong

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 09:13 PM PDT

Riot police were called in after a peaceful million-strong protest against a new extradition bill descended into running clashes between police and protesters.

India’s Modi Visits Bombed Sri Lanka Church, Vows Support After Attacks

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 08:56 PM PDT

Modi is the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka since the Easter bombings.
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Saturday, June 8, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Tatmadaw’s Role Beyond Defense

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 08:01 PM PDT

This week, Dateline and guests discuss the need for the Tatmadaw to end its involvement in affairs political, economic and administrative.

‘Cruelty of the British’

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 06:30 PM PDT

Eighty-eight years ago today, the Burmese-language Thuriya newspaper published a photograph that stirred the nation and rippled to the halls of the British Parliament.
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Friday, June 7, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Even as Trade Sanctions Loom, EU Envoy Upbeat on Investment in Myanmar

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 07:51 AM PDT

Brussels' ambassador urges govt officials attending Myanmar-EU Economic Forum to address poor human rights record.

Parliament Green-Lights $100M IDA Loan to Aid Pregnant Women, New Mothers

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 05:33 AM PDT

World Bank agency to fund expansion of Social Welfare Ministry's maternal cash payment program to Irrawaddy Region, Shan State

USDP Fires Back at Critics

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 04:20 AM PDT

The opposition party acquired its assets legally, its spokesperson responded to critics that accuse it of being a "party of thieves."

Civil Society, Free Democratic Expression Essential to Dealing With Myanmar’s Environment Issues: Swedish Ambassador

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 04:06 AM PDT

On National Day of Sweden, The Irrawaddy interviewed the Swedish ambassador to discuss what Myanmar can learn from his country's experience in environmental issues.

Myanmar Military Officials’ Presence at Israeli Arms Expo Raises Eyebrows

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 03:42 AM PDT

Even after an arms embargo ordered by the Jewish state's high court, military relations between Israel and Myanmar continue.

300 Rohingya in Bangladesh Traveled Abroad on Bangladeshi Passports

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 02:25 AM PDT

Amid crackdowns on illegal sea journeys, Rohingya women and girls are being trained and given fake documents to secure Bangladeshi passports for flight to a third country.

Lawmakers Urge Govt to Tackle High Cancer Rates

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 02:05 AM PDT

Lower House passes proposal calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws restricting unhealthy products and behaviors.

Yangon to Put Up More CCTV Cameras in High-Crime Neighborhoods

Posted: 07 Jun 2019 01:14 AM PDT

Commercial capital's Hlaingtharyar Township is top priority, says regional security minister; cameras to be supplied by China.

Vietnam Jails Another Facebook User over ‘Anti-State’ Posts

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 10:17 PM PDT

Vietnam's ruling Communist Party retains tight media censorship and does not tolerate criticism despite sweeping economic reform and increasing openness to social change.

Economic Woes Face Thailand’s Junta Chief Turned Civilian PM

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 10:00 PM PDT

The Thai economy is at its weakest since 2014, as public investment, exports and tourism slowed amid rising global trade tensions and political risks at home.

Huawei CFO Extradition Hearing to Begin in January 2020

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 09:41 PM PDT

The case is expected to wrap up after around 10 months.

India Plans to Order Taxi Aggregators like Uber, Ola to go Electric: Docs

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 09:18 PM PDT

The taxi companies may need to achieve 2.5 percent electrification by 2021, 5 percent by 2022, 10 percent by 2023 before hiking it to 40 percent.
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Thursday, June 6, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Time to Treat Yourself: Yangon’s Top Fine-Dining Restaurants

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 08:14 AM PDT

Some occasions call for something special. If you're looking for a dining experience that's a cut above, The Irrawaddy recommends the following distinctive restaurants in Yangon.

‘We Are United Because We Are All Under Threat’: AA Chief

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 07:45 AM PDT

Maj-Gen. Htun Myat Naing denies links to ARSA, says he doesn't underestimate the abilities of the Tatmadaw. He welcomes China's role as peace broker, and foreign investment if it benefits the Arakanese.

Village Administrators Resign En Masse in N. Rakhine

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 06:43 AM PDT

Forty-five village administrators in northern Rakhine have resigned and demanded that the Tatmadaw stops conducting arbitrary arrests and interrogations in the conflict-riven region.

Successes and Failures of the Yangon Govt’s Third Year in Office

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 05:35 AM PDT

Affordable housing for squatters and city bus card payment schemes are just some of the Yangon chief ministers long-unfulfilled promises.

Artillery Fire Kills 1, Injures 4 in N. Rakhine

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 05:16 AM PDT

Shells fell near civilian homes during a clash between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military on Wednesday.

Yangon Timeout

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 04:11 AM PDT

In the coming week, Yangon has lots of cool events for the party people among us and music, poetry and art events for the artistically inclined.

Military Misunderstood Meaning of Anniversary Parade, UWSA Says

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 04:07 AM PDT

Armed group denies the impressive show of force it put on in April to mark its 30th year indicates a desire to act as a 'parallel government'.

Yangon Chief Minister Serious About Wirathu Prosecution This Time

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 03:06 AM PDT

U Phyo Min Thein said he initiated the prosecution of U Wirathu this time for defaming the national government.

Court Drops Extra Charge Against Monk Accused of Defaming Military

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 02:48 AM PDT

Mandalay-based U Thawbita still faces prosecution under Article 66(d) for criticism of military, commander-in-chief on Facebook

Suspicions Surround Death of Man Arrested for Mandalay Protest

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 02:40 AM PDT

Prison authorities say Ko Tun Myint Win died due to alcohol withdrawal syndrome but his family believe he was tortured while in detention.

President’s Office Responds to Opposition Criticism on Prisoner Pardon

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 02:30 AM PDT

At a joint press conference, the USDP slammed what it described as mishandled presidential pardons for prisoners which brought about country-wide prison riots.

Nepal Picks up Four Bodies, 11 Tons of Garbage in Everest Clean-Up

Posted: 05 Jun 2019 09:34 PM PDT

Those returning from the 8,850-meter mountain say its slopes are littered with human excrement, used oxygen bottles, torn tents, ropes and trash left behind by climbers.

Thailand Needs Neighbors’ Help to Crack Down on Slavery at Sea: Activist

Posted: 05 Jun 2019 09:18 PM PDT

A study by the Environment Justice Foundation into slavery at sea found that migrant workers in Thailand are still widely abused as they do not understand their rights.

Parliament Confirms Thai Coup Leader Prayuth as Prime Minister

Posted: 05 Jun 2019 09:03 PM PDT

The electoral rules of the 2017 post-coup constitution made it nearly impossible for the opposition to overcome the 250 votes of the Senate.

The First of a Succession of Myanmar’s Failed Economic Plans

Posted: 05 Jun 2019 06:30 PM PDT

On June 6, 1947, with independence on the horizon, Gen. Aung San set out to make a major economic plan for the reconstruction of the country—which was destined to fail.
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