Saturday, August 3, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Constitutional Amendment: What’s the best way forward?

Posted: 02 Aug 2019 08:30 PM PDT

This week, The Irrawaddy talks to one of the NLD's point men on charter change about the party's objectives for the process, and what's at stake for the country.
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Friday, August 2, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Army Shoots Man Dead at Bridge Checkpoint in Sittwe

Posted: 02 Aug 2019 06:51 AM PDT

Military says Ko Chit Thu Aung, 26, failed to obey soldiers' orders; his friend is in detention for 'curfew' violation, though no such order has been given in Sittwe.

‘Run Yangon’ Scavenger Hunt Set to Kick Off

Posted: 02 Aug 2019 05:21 AM PDT

Fresh challenges await this year's young participants as they form teams and rush around downtown in search of insects, obscure old buildings, hugs from strangers and more.

Despite World Heritage Status, Bagan’s Future Far From Assured

Posted: 02 Aug 2019 04:01 AM PDT

With no quick fix in sight for intrusive hotels and tourism-related accommodations, the legacy of years of mismanagement continues to be felt in the ancient city.

Education Lags Because of Past Govts: Edu Minister

Posted: 02 Aug 2019 03:05 AM PDT

An education minister told the Upper House of Parliament that Myanmar's education system lags behind because previous governments have failed to invest in it.

Myanmar Now Editor-in-Chief Awarded Asia’s Highest Honor

Posted: 02 Aug 2019 02:55 AM PDT

The 41-year-old editor and journalist's "incorruptible sense of justice and unflinching pursuit of the truth" won him a 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Man, Pregnant Woman Shot in Rakhine

Posted: 02 Aug 2019 02:16 AM PDT

Locals claim the Myanmar military fired unprovoked shots at civilians in Maha Muni and Thayet Tabin villages, in Rakhine's Kyauktaw Township.

Myanmar’s Balancing Act Moves to India

Posted: 02 Aug 2019 01:39 AM PDT

As the commander-in-chief visits India, New Delhi and Naypyitaw have much to gain from enhancing mutual ties.

A Palace Assassination that Altered Myanmar’s History

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 11:30 PM PDT

On this day in 1866, Crown Prince Kanaung, a much-loved reformer, was assassinated by two sons of King Mindon.

Several Small Blasts Heard in Thai Capital, Two Hurt

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 09:37 PM PDT

The blasts, apparently the result of a homemade bomb, occur as Bangkok is hosts world leaders visiting for an ASEAN security summit. Two street cleaners were injured.

Police Arrest 8 as Hong Kong Gears up for Another Weekend of protests

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 09:29 PM PDT

The arrests followed the seizure of weapons and a suspected petrol bombs, police said. Civil servants and medical workers are expected to join protests this weekend.

Pompeo Criticizes China After Meeting Top Diplomat in Bangkok

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 09:17 PM PDT

After the meeting with ASEAN leaders, Pompeo spoke out against Chinese "coercion" in the South China Sea and the ongoing plight of the Rohingya.
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Thursday, August 1, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Court Rejects Monk’s Lawsuit Against US Embassy over Buddha Image

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 07:40 AM PDT

Photo of painting showing Buddha in a gas mask prompted a backlash online after embassy posted it on Facebook.

Military Nets 16-Billion-Kyat Drug Haul in Northern Shan State

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 07:35 AM PDT

The Office of the Commander-in-Chief says the Tatmadaw seized 16-billion-kyats worth of drugs, raw materials and production equipment from 96 camps in Shan State. 

From Conflict Zones to Courtrooms, Myanmar’s Media Under Fire

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 04:25 AM PDT

Authorities are stepping up their use of security-related laws to suppress journalists.

Magwe Child Rapist Sentenced to 20 Years

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 01:59 AM PDT

"Twenty years' jail term is a fitting punishment, but [the trial] took a year and a half," the leader of a group helping the victim said. "It is too much for a child."

DASSK Grateful for Japanese Support During Myanmar’s “Difficult Times”

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 12:25 AM PDT

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono committed to helping Myanmar solve resettlement issues in Rakhine State, and issues in the country more broadly.

A False Freedom

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 10:00 PM PDT

On this day in 1943 Japan granted a sham independence to Myanmar, disingenuously installing a puppet government and suppressing the people.

Sign of the Times: China’s Capital Orders Arabic, Muslim Symbols Taken Down

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 09:35 PM PDT

With Muslims detained in camps in western China, Beijing orders halal restaurants in the east-coast capital to remove Arabic script and symbols associated with Islam.

Singapore Minister Says Drug Smuggling Worsens, Even as Hangings Rise

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 09:12 PM PDT

The city-state has hanged dozens, including foreigners, as part of its strict no-tolerance drug policy. Rights groups warn of an "execution binge."
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Abbot’s Comments on Bagan and ‘Islamic’ UNESCO Spark Online Melee

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 06:45 AM PDT

Social media firestorm erupts after Sitagu Sayadaw says World Heritage listing puts Myanmar's cultural heritage in the hands of UN's 'Islamic backers'

Religion Ministry Done Leaving Sangha to Govern Ma Ba Tha

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 05:13 AM PDT

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture says it's done leaving the disciplining of leaders of a Buddhist nationalist group solely to religious authorities.

Time to Review the Peace Process in Myanmar

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 04:09 AM PDT

Past shortcomings in the peace process have come back to haunt current negotiations, resulting in the present stalemate.

Finance Minister U Soe Win to Head Scandal-Hit Industry Ministry

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 02:29 AM PDT

He will handle the two portfolios concurrently following the resignation of U Khin Maung Cho amid probe of controversial procurements.

Myanmar Govt to Launch Satellite, Improve Communications

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 02:06 AM PDT

A government newspaper says Myanmar Sat 2, built by US-based Maxar Technologies, will launch next week, improving mobile and internet connectivity even in remote areas.

‘I’ve Been Running Most of My Life’

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 01:49 AM PDT

For displaced Karen—including repatriated refugees and those receiving housing support in new settlements—peace is always fragile and jobs remain scarce.

Cub Sightings Raise Hopes for Myanmar’s Tiger Population

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 01:37 AM PDT

Three young animals have been photographed in a Sagaing Region wildlife reserve over the past five years, conservation group says.

Locals Fear Coal-Powered Fish Factory in Southern Rakhine

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 12:51 AM PDT

The factory, almost ready to run but news to state officials, has raised environmental concern. "Who is going to take accountability?" one ANP lawmaker demanded to know.

Military Rejects Call to Return Unused Funds

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 12:21 AM PDT

Some money for 1st half of fiscal 2018-19 has yet to be dispersed pending the results of tender process, deputy minister tells Parliament in response to NLD proposal.

Indian Coffee Tycoon Siddhartha’s Body Found: Police

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 10:07 PM PDT

V.G. Siddhartha, the Café Coffee Day chain founder has been missing since Monday night. His body was found in the Nethravathi River, in southern Karnatak State.

India’s Parliament Votes to Outlaw Muslim Instant Divorce

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 10:00 PM PDT

The bill makes practitioners of "triple talaq" liable to prosecution. India is one of the few countries where the practice has survived in law.

Huawei Warns of US Ban After China Smartphone Sales Drive H1 Revenue

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 09:30 PM PDT

The sales numbers are the first to come out since the Chinese telecom giant was placed on Washington's so-called entity list in May.

Vietnamese Fishermen Call for Action Against China

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 09:12 PM PDT

The latest clash in the global flashpoint of the South China Sea comes as Vietnamese and Chinese ships engage in a weeks-old standoff near an offshore oil block.
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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

H1N1 Death Toll Inches Up

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 05:55 AM PDT

Of 81 deaths related to H1N1 flu infections so far this year, 65 of them were due to complications of preexisting health issues. Once again, Yangon lead the count.

More than 20 Village Administrators in N. Shan Quit to Protest Leader’s Arrest

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 05:16 AM PDT

The army detained Sai Sai Tin Cho, a village chief in Kyaukme Township, for collecting money for an armed group; locals say they're caught between rebels and military.

NLD Parliamentarians Unbothered by Military Absence in Charter Amendment Debate

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 05:03 AM PDT

"If [they] join the debate, I am afraid we will have to debate for a long time," an Upper House lawmaker said. "One stage of the process may finish quickly and smoothly."

Shan State Residents, Civil Groups Call for Transparent, Green Energy Policy

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 03:20 AM PDT

Open letter urges Union, state officials to use caution when tapping foreign investment and to ensure local input into decision-making.

In the NLD’s Cabinets, a High Rate of Turnover

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 02:50 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy's infographics illustrate the nearly 20 ministerial changes that have taken place at all levels since the party came to power in 2016.

India, Myanmar Strengthen Military Ties

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 01:47 AM PDT

During a 9-day trip to India, Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing signed an MOU in New Delhi with an eye toward strengthening Myanmar's military capabilities.

Chinese Tourism in Myanmar Growing, While Industry Still Adapts

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 11:05 PM PDT

With Chinese tourism in Myanmar up, the local travel industry must contend with zero-budget Chinese travel packages and a lack of local Mandarin speakers, sources say.

Hong Kong Protesters Disrupt Train Services, Cause Commuter Chaos

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:55 PM PDT

Activists blocked train doors during the early-morning rush hour, halting service and forcing hundreds to stream out of stations in search of alternative transport.

Pray and Protect: Faith Saves Forests of Cambodia

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:14 PM PDT

A dozen or so monks manage a project hailed as a model for conservation in a nation with one of the world's fastest rates of deforestation.
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Monday, July 29, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Military Lawmakers Withdraw from Charter Amendment Debate

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 05:59 AM PDT

With the Union Parliament set to begin discussing proposals brought by the Charter Amendment Committee on Tuesday, military-appointed lawmakers decline to debate.

Detained Journalist Says He’s Being Targeted for Covering Labor Dispute

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 05:20 AM PDT

Khun Zaw Oo, a reporter for DVB in Lashio, was arrested over a motoring offense after reporting on water park employees' claims that they were not paid.

17 Killed, 1 Missing in Landslide in Hpakant Jade Mining Area

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 03:42 AM PDT

Heavy rains cause hillside to collapse; 3 policemen working as guards among those buried in the Kachin State disaster.

Plan Int’l Says Employee Shot, Wounded by Army Troops in Mrauk-U

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 02:19 AM PDT

Army says soldiers opened fire after a man ignored order to stop motorbike; military reportedly taking legal action against injured man under counterterrorism law.

Govt Investigation Team to Probe Deadly Magwe Land Dispute

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 02:04 AM PDT

Magwe Region police told reporters they'll wait for autopsy results before filing charges in a land dispute that exploded into violence last week, leaving dozens dead.

Founder Denies Newly Formed DNP Serves Military Interests

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 12:33 AM PDT

Former General U Soe Maung downplays ties to former Senior General Than Shwe at Saturday's launch of the Democratic Party of National Politics.

Vietnam Seizes 125kg of Rhino Horns, Seven Tiger Carcasses

Posted: 28 Jul 2019 10:03 PM PDT

The rhino horns are believed to have medicinal value in Vietnam. They came hidden in plaster blocks on an Etihad Airways flight from the United Arab Emirates.

The Feud Involving Members of Singapore’s First Family

Posted: 28 Jul 2019 09:56 PM PDT

Children of deceased Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew say their eldest relative—the current prime minister—is ignoring their father's will for his own political gain.

After Weekend of Violent Clashes, Beijing to Address Hong Kong Unrest

Posted: 28 Jul 2019 09:20 PM PDT

In a rare move, Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office will hold a press conference on the situation—Hong Kong's worst crisis since 1997.
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