FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
New 20,000 Kyat banknote released into circulation
Burma’s highest denomination banknote, the 20,000 Kyat, will be added into circulation today, on July 31. This follows its introduction last week, which immediately led to a depreciation in the Kyat’s value. It also reportedly led to the increased price for gold, real estate, fuel, consumer goods, and medicine. Financial experts and business owners are expecting rapid inflation despite assurances from the regime that the new 20,000 Kyat banknote wouldn’t destabilize the currency’s value. The exchange rate stands at 3,400 Kyat for $1 USD. The National Unity Government (NUG) announced that it would not recognize these new banknotes and considered them illegal.
Legal action to protect undocumented kids in Thailand
The Children Rights Protection Committee Thailand (CRPC) has taken legal action against the Thai government regarding the repatriation of 122 children from Burma. A total of 126 undocumented children were students at Thairath Wittaya No. 6 School in Aug Thong Province, but were sent to Chiang Rai Province to be held until their parents could take them back to Burma. The CRPC states its legal action is to ensure that the remaining four children can continue to study in Thailand. The Thairath Wittaya No. 6 School’s principal, teacher, and two village chiefs have been charged for aiding and providing shelter to the 126 undocumented children. “Every child has the right to education in accordance with the rights of the child,” said Moe Gyo, the chairperson of the Joint Action Committee on Burmese Affairs (JACBA).
Over 230 women killed by regime since 2021 coup
At least 237 women have been killed by regime forces since the 2021 military coup, states the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Of the total 237, 91 were killed in airstrikes and 69 were killed by artillery shelling. As many as 130 women were killed in Sagaing Region alone. At least 394 women have been arrested across Burma and 365 remain in prison. A total of 3,848 people have been killed by pro-regime forces and 24,048 people have been arrested since the 2021 coup, according to the latest AAPP statistics.
News by Region
NAYPYIDAW—Three men were killed inside a car by unidentified armed men in Pyinmana Township on July 29. The identities of the victims remain unknown. “The [Burma] Army stated that the deceased individuals were employees of a company. But since they were in civilian clothes at the time of the incident, their identities have not been established. The car in which they were traveling was set on fire during the attack,” a Pyinmana Township resident told DVB. No group has claimed responsibility for the murders.
SAGAING—Three teenage members of the Budalin Students’ Union, belonging to the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU), based in Nyongkan village of Budalin Township were reportedly killed during a Burma Army raid on July 28. The victims were identified as Budalin Students’ Union President Ko Kyaw Win Thant, 18, Vice President Ko Kyal Sin Nyein Chan, 19, and Information Officer Ko Thuta Nay, 19. There were unconfirmed reports of other casualties in Nyongkan village during the raid. Villagers said the Burma Army burned down the student union office.
The bodies of five men in their 20s were discovered in Katha Township on July 29. The Burma Army had been conducting patrols on the Irrawaddy River. “The military eventually left the area on the day the bodies were discovered,” said a Katha Township resident.
TANINTHARYI—A local man was reported dead after drowning in Dawei on July 29 as the city received 6.85 inches of rainfall, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. Residents and social relief groups have been assisting people in flooded areas. “The water levels have continued to rise and rescue efforts have continued,” a spokesperson from a relief group told DVB. More rain is forecasted over the next two days. The Mon State capital of Mawlamyine experienced record-breaking rainfall in mid-July. It resulted in the death of three children.
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