The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Civilians Killed, Wounded by Landmines in Southern Myanmar
• Myanmar Closes All Land Borders to Foreigners
• NLD’s Bid to End Myanmar Military’s Constitutional Grip on National Security Voted Down
• Myanmar Airbase Accident Injures Local Woman in Explosion
• Myanmar’s Bygone Rangoon Government House
• Weaving Local Threads: How A Myanmar Designer Built Her Brand, Art Che Lone
• Myanmar Unveils $70-Million Stimulus Package to Ease Economic Blow From Virus
• Pandemic Makes Case for Partnership Between ROK and Myanmar, Other Mekong Nations
• China’s Wuhan Reports No New Coronavirus Infections for First Time
• Coronavirus Surges Across SE Asia as Malaysia Warns of ’Tsunami’ of Cases
• Coronavirus Compensation Promised to Poor Workers in India

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.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Myanmar’s Military MPs Accuse NLD of Smear Campaign After Constitutional Amendment Failure
• Myanmar’s Military Ditches Irrawaddy and Reuters Lawsuits
• Myanmar Suspends Overseas Employment Process to Counter Coronavirus 
• Myanmar Parliament Approves Amendment to Constitution’s Language on Chief Minister Appointments
• UK Embassy Tells Citizens to Leave Myanmar Amid Coronavirus Concerns
• Myanmar’s Churches Close, Scale Back Easter Services to Prevent Coronavirus
• How a Mass Pilgrimage at a Malaysian Mosque Became a Coronavirus Hotspot
• Italy Reports Over 30,000 Coronavirus Cases With More Than 2,500 Deaths
• In Slums and Windowless Apartments, Asia’s Poor Bear Brunt of Coronavirus

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.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Myanmar-Based Diplomats Told to Cancel Events Amid Coronavirus Fears
• NLD, Ethnic Parties Vote Down Myanmar Military’s Charter Amendment Proposals
• Mon State MPs Urge Govt: Ban Pilgrimages to Myanmar’s Golden Rock Over COVID-19
• Myanmar Govt Suspends Advance Tax on Exports to Aid Virus-Hit Businesses
• RCSS Dialogue with Shan Residents Postponed Over Myanmar’s Coronavirus Concerns
• Nine Civilians Injured in Rakhine as Myanmar Military Shells Villages
• Tracing the More Than Century-Old Dream of Building a Myanmar-China Railway
• The Day British Bombers Destroyed Mandalay Palace
• Coronavirus Closes India’s Taj Mahal; Mumbai Tells Half Its Office Workers to Stay Home
• China Reports One Locally Transmitted Virus Case, 20 Imported Ones

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.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• The Myanmar Govt Has Been Spared a Real Test on Coronavirus—but No One’s Luck Lasts Forever
• 21 Killed, Many More Injured as Myanmar Military Jets Strafe Villages in Chin State
• Myanmar Preschools Braced for Coronavirus Closures
• Myanmar Migrants in Thailand Discouraged From New Year Homecoming Amid Covid-19 Concerns
• With Failed Myanmar Charter Reform, Military Still Controls Amnesty for Political Prisoners
• Myanmar Military Case Against Irrawaddy Editor to Move Ahead
• Two Women Injured by Myanmar Military in Rakhine Die in Hospital
• TNLA Attacks Five Poppy-Growing Hubs in Northern Myanmar
• Myanmar Orders Quarantine, Monitoring for Arrivals from Countries Hit by Coronavirus
• India Proposes Regional Fund to Fight Coronavirus as Cases Exceed 100
• French Infant Among Four New Coronavirus Cases in Cambodia
• BOJ Starts Moved-Up Policy Meeting After Fed’s Rate Cut

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.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• This Week in Parliament
• The Irrawaddy Business Roundup
• Will the Myanmar Military Ever Allow Charter Reform?

This Week in Parliament Posted: 13 Mar 2020 08:30 PM PDT The Irrawaddy briefs you on the week that was in the national legislature.

The Irrawaddy Business Roundup Posted: 13 Mar 2020 08:00 PM PDT The coronavirus has dominated business in Myanmar with interest rates falling, the Indian border closing and a special committee opening to address the economic impact.

Will the Myanmar Military Ever Allow Charter Reform? Posted: 13 Mar 2020 07:30 PM PDT The Irrawaddy discusses this week's failed constitutional amendment vote with political analyst Ma Mon Mon Myat and Ko Thiha Thu of the Than Lwin Citizen Empowerment Program.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Karenni Farmers Jailed in Land Dispute With Army Leave Prison
• 20 Villages Abandoned as Rakhine Rebels Attack Myanmar Army Outpost
• Tourist Arrivals in Myanmar Will Drop 50% Over COVID-19: Tourism Ministry
• Chinese Electricity: Blessing or Curse for Myanmar?
• Myanmar Central Bank Cuts Rates, Business Circle Says Move Falls Short
• Myanmar Military Still Wields Veto on Charter Change as NLD Reform Attempt Fails
• Myanmar Govt Cancels Mass Gatherings and Thingyan Water Festival as Coronavirus Precaution
• Death Toll From Coronavirus in Italy Tops 1,000
• After Fleeing Abuse, Trafficked ‘Brides’ Stuck in China Due to Coronavirus

Karenni Farmers Jailed in Land Dispute With Army Leave Prison Posted: 13 Mar 2020 06:23 AM PDT A total of 41 Karenni farmers and activists jailed for damaging property during a land dispute with the army have been freed after completing their six-month sentences.

20 Villages Abandoned as Rakhine Rebels Attack Myanmar Army Outpost Posted: 13 Mar 2020 06:00 AM PDT Villagers near the Kaladan River have fled their homes as fighting continues around a Myanmar army hilltop outpost which is besieged by the Arakan Army.

Tourist Arrivals in Myanmar Will Drop 50% Over COVID-19: Tourism Ministry Posted: 13 Mar 2020 05:49 AM PDT The Tourism Ministry estimates Myanmar will see a 20 to 50 percent drop in tourism this year as most Chinese travelers and many other tourists cancel travel plans.

Chinese Electricity: Blessing or Curse for Myanmar? Posted: 13 Mar 2020 05:28 AM PDT Hungry for electricity, Myanmar is accepting China's offers of cheap LNG stations and crossborder transmissions. But relying on Chinese power poses dangers, experts warn.

Myanmar Central Bank Cuts Rates, Business Circle Says Move Falls Short Posted: 13 Mar 2020 04:34 AM PDT The Central Bank will cut interest rates by 0.5 percent on April 1 in a bid to boost growth but economists say it won't be enough as the bank's rates remain high.

Myanmar Military Still Wields Veto on Charter Change as NLD Reform Attempt Fails Posted: 13 Mar 2020 03:58 AM PDT As the Parliament fails to reform the undemocratic terms of Article 436, the military will retain its power to block amendments to the Constitution.

Myanmar Govt Cancels Mass Gatherings and Thingyan Water Festival as Coronavirus Precaution Posted: 13 Mar 2020 01:03 AM PDT All public gatherings, including Water Festival celebrations, are banned until the end of April to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak, the government said.

Death Toll From Coronavirus in Italy Tops 1,000 Posted: 12 Mar 2020 10:08 PM PDT More than 1,000 people have died from the coronavirus in Italy, with over 15,000 confirmed infections, the government said.

After Fleeing Abuse, Trafficked ‘Brides’ Stuck in China Due to Coronavirus Posted: 12 Mar 2020 10:05 PM PDT Aid groups in Cambodia and Vietnam say local women fleeing Chinese human trafficking networks are stranded in the country due to the coronavirus.

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