FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
Min Aung Hlaing holds virtual meeting with Thai army chief
Regime media reported that Min Aung Hlaing discussed cracking down on online gambling and scam centers operating in Myawaddy Township, Karen State near the Thai-Burma border, with Thai Army Chief Songwit Noonpackdee on Jan. 12.
The two also discussed drug eradication, how to improve bilateral cooperation in humanitarian aid, and how to prevent the forest fires and transboundary haze pollution near their respective borders with Laos. Regime official Ye Win Oo and Thailand’s Air Chief Marshal Chakorn Tawanjang attended the online meeting.
DVB has reported that criminal syndicates running cyber scam centers in Laukkai, northern Shan State, shut down operations since the crackdown by China began last September and have since relocated to Shwe Kokko, Karen State.
KNU vows to combat scam centers in Myawaddy
The Karen National Union (KNU) spokesperson Padoh Saw Taw Nee said it is ready to cooperate with China and Thailand to combat cyber scam centers and criminal activity in Shwe Kokko, located in Myawaddy Township of Karen State, along the border of Thailand.
“All of these scam businesses were started by the Burma Army. It is not useful to cooperate with the military to crack down on these businesses. We are ready to cooperate with China and Thailand and we can find a good solution together,” he said.
Regime spokesperson Zaw Min Tun accused KNU members of being involved in scam centers operating in Shwe Kokko and KK Park – a Chinese-backed project south of Myawaddy. The KNU has denied these accusations.
China brokers ceasefire between Brotherhood Alliance and military
Beijing said that the military and Brotherhood Alliance agreed to cease fighting and resolve disputes through negotiations at China-brokered talks in Kunming, China from Jan. 10-11.
“The two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and disengagement of military personnel, and to resolve their disputes and claims through peaceful negotiations. Both sides undertook not to jeopardize the safety of the Chinese border guards and personnel in Myanmar,” said Mao Ning, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
Beijing had also stated that both parties had agreed to a temporary ceasefire after talks on Dec. 11. But fighting continued in northern Shan State with the Brotherhood Alliance taking control of the key town of Laukkai, near the China border, on Jan. 4. Read more here.
News by Region
SHAN—The United Wa State Party (UWSP/UWSA) stated on Jan. 12 that it will slowly suspend humanitarian assistance programs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Namtit, Wa Self-Administered Division, starting Jan. 15.
The UWSP Central Committee formed Operation 1027 Emergency Command in response to the arrival of IDPs in Namtit. It has provided food, shelter, transportation and medicine. Thousands of IDPs are sheltering at temporary camps. They will receive assistance to return home to the Kokang Self-Administered Zone.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA/PSLF) stated on Jan. 13 that it has granted an amnesty to 232 prisoners in commemoration of the 61st Ta’ang Revolution Day on Jan. 12. It reduced the prison terms of a total of 60 prisoners sentenced between seven to 20 years. No prisoners of war were included in the amnesty.
TNLA Chairman Tar Aik Bong said that resettlement will soon begin to areas under TNLA control. He urged Ta’ang people abroad to return home to join regional development and reconstruction works. The TNLA will amend its laws and establish a new security and administration mechanism.
AYEYARWADY—The regime’s Central Committee on Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) stated on Jan. 11 that seven people were arrested after the Burma Navy seized 1.45 tons of methamphetamine worth an estimated 36.25 billion kyat from a boat near Hainggyikyun, on its way to Kawthaung, on Jan. 4.
KACHIN—San Lin Soe, a former member of National League for Democracy (NLD) party was killed in Nantmon Township on Jan. 13. “A gunman entered his house when he was alone and shot several times. I don’t know who did it,” said a Nantmon resident.
San Lin Soe worked as a representative of an NLD Member of Parliament (MP) in Nantmon Township from 2015 to 2020. He also worked in community-based tourism and provided training in rural development.
MON—The New Mon State Party (NMSP) stated on Jan. 12 that Naing Hong Sar has been re-elected as its chairperson during the party congress and all of its top officials will keep their positions. A total of eleven people, including the chair, have been elected as members of the Central Executive Committee.
Thirty-five Central Committee members and six Reserve Committee members were elected during the congress. Political observers noted that the NMSP policies are unlikely to change as its leadership has remained in place. The 11th Congress was held in Ye Chaung Pyar region.
Kids from Myanmar receive gifts at Children’s Day in Mae Sot, Thailand on Jan. 13. DVB English News is on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads & TikTok. Subscribe to us on YouTube.
