Nearly 2,000 foreigners escape cyber scams in Myawaddy; UN Special Envoy on Burma pays visit to Bangkok

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July 11, 2024

unnamed-7 — An aerial view of buildings in Myawaddy Township of Karen State, which are alleged to host online scam centers. (Credit: Channel 3 TV)

Nearly 2,000 foreigners escape cyber scams in Myawaddy

Thailand’s Channel 3 TV news reported on Tuesday that a total of 1,843 foreigners, who illegally crossed the Thai-Burma border, were arrested in Mae Sot, Thailand from Oct. 1, 2023 to July 8. It claimed that the foreigners were working at cyber scam compounds in Myawaddy Township of Karen State.

“It is neither the problem of Myawaddy nor that of Thailand, but it is a problem for the international community,” said Rangsiman Rome, a member of Thailand’s House of Representatives. He called on the Thai government to cooperate with other countries to shut down cyber scam compounds in Burma.

Rome added that 12 foreigners, including 11 Moroccans and one German, requested assistance from the Thai authorities and were rescued from a cyber scam compound with the help of the military regime in Naypyidaw and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), an armed group based in Karen State, on Friday.

Yoma group chairperson ‘cooperating with authorities’

Singapore’s Straits Times newspaper reported on Wednesday that there were no charges filed by the regime in Naypyidaw against Serge Pun, also known as Thein Wai, the executive chairperson of Yoma Strategic Holdings.

Myanmar Now reported on Tuesday that Pun had been detained for more than a month over alleged violations of banking regulations. “Mr. Pun had been meeting with authorities, including the Central Bank,” stated Yoma Strategic Holdings.

The regime announced that it will take action against officials from seven banks, including Yoma and AYA, for providing large housing loans against orders from the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM). Eleven businessmen were arrested on June 30 and accused of selling rice at a higher price than the rate set by the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).

UN Special Envoy on Burma Julie Bishop and Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa in Bangkok on July 5. (Credit: Thai MFA)

UN Special Envoy on Burma pays visit to Bangkok

The newly-appointed U.N. Special Envoy on Burma Julie Bishop met with Thailand’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa in Bangkok on Friday. Maris congratulated Bishop on her appointment by Secretary-General António Guterres.

The two diplomats reportedly discussed humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma, as well as how to achieve a political solution to the crisis since the 2021 military coup. They will coordinate actions between the U.N. and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to implement its Five Point Consensus.

Bishop replaced Noeleen Heyzer, a former U.N. Under Secretary-General from Singapore, who left her post as Special Envoy after 20 months in June 2023. The job was left vacant for 10 months until Bishop’s appointment. The U.N. stated that Bishop brings “extensive political, legal management and senior leadership experience to the role.”

News by Region

KACHIN—The military are blocking fuel tank trucks from entering the Namsiaung inspection gate in Mohnyin Township, which is located between Kachin State and Sagaing Region.

“We have to go to those trucks with motorcycles and carry fuel with plastic containers to the fuel stations,” said a trader. A motorcycle driver charges 40,000 kyat ($12 USD) to carry up to 10 five-gallon containers. A 52-gallon container of 92 Ron fuel costs one million kyat ($307 USD) at fuel stations in Mohnyin.

MANDALAY—A ten-year-old boy was killed and his parents were injured during an airstrike on Oakpho and Thankon villages of Madaya Township on Tuesday. “A jet fighter from Tada-U dropped three bombs near a telecoms tower, destroying two homes. Another jet fighter carried out an airstrike,” said a Madaya resident.

Residents from two villages fled their homes and are now Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). A Madaya People’s Defense Force (PDF) spokesperson claimed that there was no fighting against the military ongoing in the area. The number of casualties is still unknown.

SHAN—At least two people were killed and 10 others were injured by artillery in Lashio Township on July 10. “Two shells landed in Ward 9,” a Lashio resident told DVB. Heavy artillery has also been reported in the city since July 9. At least 30 civilians have been reportedly killed due to the fighting in Lashio and neighboring townships since July 3.

YANGON—A political activist named Soe Yarzar Tun was released from Insein Prison on July 9 after completing his three-year sentence. He was arrested and convicted under the Counter-Terrorism Law in 2022. Yarzar is the leader of the Nurture AIDS Center (NAC) in East Dagon Township.

“He is in good health,” a family member told DVB. The NAC assists people living with HIV/AIDS. It was founded by Phyu Phyu Thin, a National League for Democracy (NLD) party member, who went into hiding after the 2021 coup.

The regime’s Ministry of Health reported on July 9 that 64 individuals are currently receiving medical treatment for cholera in hospitals across Yangon. “All [of the] patients are in good health,” stated the ministry. It added that a total of 130 patients have been discharged from the hospital after recovering from illness related to the cholera outbreak.

The Myanmar Fire Services Department rescued eight of 17 passengers from a boat that capsized in the Yangon River on July 10. Nine are still missing. (Credit: MFSD)

Amnesty International traces jet fuel shipments; Mandalay PDF claims at least 36 military outposts seized

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July 10, 2024

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unnamed-6 — A satellite image of the Chinese-owned HUITONG78 oil tanker docked at Thilawa Port in Yangon on May 13. (Credit: PlanetLabs)

Amnesty International traces jet fuel shipments

Amnesty International released a report on July 8 documenting 2-3 shipments of aviation fuel to the military from January to June this year despite growing global calls to place sanctions on the supply chain to halt airstrikes against civilians.

“The Myanmar military is relying on the very same Chinese vessel and Vietnamese companies to import its aviation fuel, despite Amnesty International having already exposed that reckless supply chain,” said Agnes Callamard, the secretary general of Amnesty International.

In January, Amnesty exposed how the military was importing aviation fuel throughout 2023, following sanctions imposed on parts of its supply chain. As with the previous aviation fuel shipments, the latest were bought and sold multiple times before reaching the last leg from Vietnam to Burma, the report added.

Mandalay PDF claims at least 36 military outposts seized

The Mandalay People’s Defense Force (MPDF) claimed on Monday that it has seized control of at least 36 military outposts in Madaya and Singu townships of Mandalay Region during “Operation Shan-Man,” which refers to the twin offensives launched in Mandalay and northern Shan State by resistance forces on June 25.

“Fifteen military personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel, were arrested with many weapons when we seized control of five more military outposts in Singu Township,” said an MPDF spokesperson.

The military deployed at the strategic outpost in Mogok Township of northern Mandalay Region fired artillery shells, which destroyed some residential areas. “We heard the sound of weapons and artillery shelling,” said a Mogok resident.

Man suspected of killing wife returned to Thailand

A group monitoring human rights in Burma based in Thailand reported that a man accused of killing his wife in Mae Sot, then crossed the border into Karen State, was transferred from Karen National Union (KNU) custody to the Thai authorities for further investigation on July 7.

“The defendant was transferred to the Thai side. He also admitted his guilt during a conversation I had with him,” Htake Htar, a member of the human rights group, shared on her social media account.

Htet Htet Zaw died in April from a brain hemorrhage after being allegedly assaulted by her husband. Htake Htar praised the KNU Lion Battalion for detaining the man and handing him over to Thai authorities once it was established that he may have killed his wife, Htet Htet Zaw.

News by Region

The Myanmar Red Cross Society conducts health inspections and chlorination of drinking water in Thaketa and neighboring townships since July 6. (Credit: MRCS)

YANGON—At least 40 cases of cholera have been reported in Thaketa and Dawbon townships since July 3. The regime’s Chief Minister of Yangon Region has issued a warning to the public that his administration would address the outbreak with the same urgency as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My child exhibited symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. We sent her to the Yangon General Hospital for treatment,” one parent told DVB. There have been no reported fatalities due to the cholera outbreak in Yangon as of July 8.

CHINLAND—Nearly 200 Matupi Township residents from six villages are in need of food aid and medicine to treat illness. The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were forced to flee their homes during the fighting between the two factions of the Chin resistance: the Chin Brotherhood and the Chin National Army (CNA), which is the armed force of the Chinland Council, on June 18.

“We don’t know when we can go home,” said a Matupi resident. A Chinland Defense Force (CDF) Matupi spokesperson told DVB that it is unable to administer or reconstruct Matupi due to the threat of attack by the CNA. The Chin Brotherhood seized Matupi town on June 29. Chin resistance forces now control 11 towns across Chinland.

KAREN—The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) regained territory lost to the military during its Operation Aung Zeya along the Kawkareik-Myawaddy Road, also known as the Asia Highway, on Monday. “We will try to retake Kawkareik [Township],” said a KNLA spokesperson.

The KNLA claimed that more than 10 civilians have been killed and more than 600 homes have been destroyed during fighting between Karen resistance forces and the military since December 2023. Thousands of Kawkareik residents have been forced to flee their homes and are now IDPs in need of assistance.

NAYPYIDAW—Regime media reported on July 8 that Chinese New Year was officially designated a national public holiday beginning next year, in 2025. It added that this decision was made “to further strengthen friendship” between the neighboring countries. The Embassy of China shared a message to social media: “Chinese New Year is paid respect.”

A political analyst told DVB on the condition of anonymity that this announcement was likely aimed at addressing the fact that the China-brokered peace agreement between the military and the Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State signed on Jan. 11 collapsed on July 3 as fighting resumed. Soe Win was the first regime official to visit China since the 2021 military coup.

Min Aung Hlaing speaking at the Chinese New Year festival at the National Sports Stadium (1) Thuwunna in Yangon on Feb. 19. (Credit: Regime media)

Monks protest spreads to more townships; Calls for US to enforce jet fuel sanctions against military

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July 9, 2024

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unnamed — Monks in Magway Region lead a demonstration against the military on June 27. (Credit: CJ)

Monks protest spreads to more townships

Monks from 21 townships across Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay and Tanintharyi regions have joined the growing protest in response to the killing of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa by the military in Mandalay on June 19.

“We believe the country will be devastated under the rule of the military regime,” said Ye-U Sayadaw, who lives in Sagaing Region. The chairperson of the Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw (SFUH) Myint Htwe called on all monks in the Patriotic Association of Myanmar, also known as Ma Ba Tha, to reject the military and join the protests.

Monks from Chaung-U Township in Sagaing Region refused to accept alms from anyone associated with the military on June 23. This protest has spread nationwide with monks in a total of 21 other townships across the country having joined them.

Calls for US to enforce jet fuel sanctions against military

Whistleblower group Justice for Myanmar (JFM) and The Sentry, an investigative group that tracks corruption, called on the U.S. Department of the Treasury to sanction a Chinese ship, a Vietnamese petroleum storage terminal operator, and other entities and individuals involved in the supply of aviation fuel to the military.

“The U.S. has the power to act to disrupt the junta’s access to jet fuel and it needs to take concrete action with sanctions,” said Yadanar Maung, the JFM spokesperson.

The U.S. and the E.U. placed targeted sanctions on Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) and state-owned financial institutions such as the Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB) as well as the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) in June 2023.

Twelve foreigners freed from scam compounds in Myawaddy

Twelve foreign nationals, including one German and 11 Moroccans, were reportedly rescued from a cyber scam compound in Myawaddy, Karen State, on Friday. The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), an armed group based in Karen State, reportedly facilitated the rescue.

“We contacted NGOs and groups to assist those trapped foreigners. We asked help from the DKBA through the military regime,” said Rangsiman Rome, a member of the House of Representatives in Thailand.

The 12 foreign nationals were sent by boat across the Moei (Thaung Yin) river from Burma to Thailand. Rangsiman Rome added that more than 150 foreigners are trapped inside cyber scam compounds and casinos in Karen State.

News by Region

Lashio residents fleeing the fighting in northern Shan State on Monday. (Credit: CJ)

SHAN—Thousands of Lashio residents have fled their homes in fear of retaliatory airstrikes and artillery attacks from the military. Checkpoints blocked motorists from accessing the Lashio-Mandalay Road on Monday. Fighting between the military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) began July 3.

“We have to move slowly and the cars are stuck in the traffic jam. We were told that they would allow people to use Maehan Road on Sunday. I hope they will still allow us to pass the Maehan gate,” said a Lashio resident.

ARAKAN—The Arakan Army (AA) stated on Sunday that it recovered the bodies of more than 400 military personnel killed during fighting in Thandwe Township. The AA added that it launched an attack on the remaining military outpost in Thandwe. Residents have been facing shortages of food and medicine due to military roadblocks.

MANDALAY—One civilian was killed and many others were injured in an airstrike on Yonepin village of Madaya Township on Sunday. “A woman who fled from another village was killed and a child was severely injured. Many villagers fled after the airstrike,” said a Yonepin resident.

The Mandalay People’s Defense Force (MPDF) stated on Saturday that it had seized 25 military outposts in Madaya, where it launched an attack on June 25.

YANGON—An anti-military group calling itself the Freeland Attack Force claimed that it had killed a regime-appointed administrator at a tea shop in Kyundaw ward of Sanchaung Township on Saturday.

“He was famous as an informant and notorious for recruiting conscripts and collecting guest lists in the ward,” said a Sanchaung resident. The military patrolled Baho Road and Phyar Phone Street near the Myaynigone intersection. Residents reported soldiers were searching pedestrians’ phones and bags.

Watch: Sixty-two years since July 7, 1962: A commemoration. DVB English News is on X, FB, Instagram, Threads & TikTok. Subscribe to us on YouTube. Find us on YouTube Music.

Sixty-two years since July 7, 1962: A commemoration

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July 9, 2024

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photo_2024-07-08_06-25-03 — A man takes a look at the July 7, 1962 memorial at Sanimthoon Community Cafe in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Sunday.

The 62nd anniversary of the July 7, 1962 memorial was held at the Sanimthoon Community Cafe in Chiang Mai, Thailand on July 7. It was organized by the Chiang Mai Burmese Students Network and the General Strike Committee (GSC). See photos of the event here.

Regime official makes first visit to China since 2021 military coup; Arakan National Party reacts to UEC

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July 8, 2024

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Regime official makes first visit to China since 2021 military coup

A delegation led by regime deputy Soe Win departed Naypyidaw and arrived on Saturday to Qingdao, Shandong Province of China, where he will reportedly attend the Green Development Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on July 8-9. This would be the first visit by a senior regime official to China since the 2021 military coup.

“They were welcomed at Qingdao Airport by Myanmar Ambassador to China Tin Maung Swe, Deputy General Secretary Ms Lin Bin of the Communist Party of China in Qingdao Municipal Region and officials,” regime media reported. Former President Thein Sein returned from a trip to Beijing last week.

Min Aung Hlaing met with China’s Ambassador to Burma Chen Hai in Naypyidaw on July 4. During the meeting the two discussed “preparations for holding a free and fair multiparty democratic general election.” Chen Hai announced that he has completed his tenure as China’s ambassador to Burma.

Arakan National Party reacts to Union Election Commission

The Arakan National Party (ANP) responded to the Union Election Commission (UEC) announcement last week to deny it political party registration despite it winning the most seats in Arakan State in the 2015 and 2020 elections.

“We believe the avenues to solve the problems through political means have been closed. Since our party’s registration was canceled, if elections are held in Rakhine State only organizations that have some form of communication with the military would participate,” said Tun Aung Kyaw, an ANP member.

The UEC stated that the ANP violated Section 7 of the Political Party Registration Law, which stipulates that any group associated with organizations or individuals designated as engaged in terrorism, or using religion for political purposes, should be barred from registration. This refers to the ANP’s alleged links to the Arakan Army (AA).

Ta’ang National Liberation Army accuses military of bank robberies

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) claimed that the military stole two billion kyat ($615,795 USD) from CB and KBZ banks in Mogok Township of Mandalay Region on June 30. It added that it had recovered five million kyat ($1,539 USD) and jewels from a bag belonging to a soldier killed during fighting between the TNLA and the military in Mogok.

“The situation in Mogok is calm at the moment. There are no soldiers in the town. We don’t know for sure that it was they who had robbed the banks,” said a Mogok resident.

The Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the TNLA and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) relaunched attacks in northern Shan State and neighboring Mandalay Region on June 25. Fighting has been taking place in Lashio’s Mongyai Township since July 3. More than ten civilians have been killed.

Artist Ess Sai Mein at the opening ceremony of “For the Country” exhibition at Pongnoi Community Art Space on July 5.

News by Region

CHINLAND—The Chinland Defense Force (CDF) Matupi announced on July 4 that 13 political prisoners held by the military escaped during fighting with Chin resistance forces in Matupi Township. The Chin Brotherhood seized control of Matupi on June 29. It launched its attack against the military in southern Chinland on June 9.

“They were detained at a police station before being transferred to a military battalion when Matupi town came under attack. Once the regime troops were defeated, the prisoners [escaped],” a CDF Matupi spokesperson told DVB. He added that plans to reunite the 13 escapees with their families are underway.

MANDALAY—More than 60 million kyat ($18,473 USD) and three mobile phones were stolen at the Myanmar Apex Bank (MAB) in Namoolwin village of Patheingyi Township on Friday. “Six robbers with three motorcycles entered the bank at noon,” said a Patheingyi resident.

NAYPYIDAW—The regime’s Ministry of Labour ordered all overseas employment agencies to submit personal information of all migrant workers currently working outside of the country. It said a failure to submit this information will result in legal repercussions.

“They are actually demanding proof that workers transfer 25 percent of their salaries,” a worker at an overseas employment agency told DVB on the condition of anonymity.

There are an estimated 570 licensed employment agencies but only half are able to find migrant workers legal work abroad, according to the ministry. All migrant workers from Burma now have to sign an agreement that they will transfer 25 percent of their salaries through regime-run banks.

YANGON—The Yangon City Development Center (YCDC) ordered street food stalls located near schools in Thaketa and neighboring townships closed on July 5 after five people reportedly died from an outbreak of severe diarrhea.

“Everyone is concerned about it,” said a Thaketa resident. The regime Ministry of Health stated on Sunday that there were no reported fatalities and blamed the outbreak on seasonal change brought on by the monsoon in Yangon.

The Thaketa Township administration announced that food stalls should remain closed until July 12. Food inspection teams have been dispatched to investigate. Rumors circulated online last week that residents were receiving treatment at Yangon General Hospital for cholera.

What’s happening in Myanmar’s Chin State? A Chinland explainer. DVB English News is on X, FB, IG, Threads & TikTok. Subscribe to us on YouTube. Find us on YouTube Music.

Sixty-two years since July 7, 1962: A memorial for the anniversary

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July 8, 2024

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The 62nd anniversary of the July 7, 1962 memorial was held at the Sanimthoon Community Cafe in Chiang Mai, Thailand on July 7. It was organized by the Chiang Mai Burmese Students Network and the General Strike Committee (GSC).

“We must keep up the July 7 spirit for [our resistance to] the military dictatorship because we want to build a new nation. This is why we are currently resisting the military dictatorship in various ways. Not only through armed struggle but also through the civil resistance movement,” an event organizer told DVB on the condition of anonymity.

The July 7 commemorative event featured a screening of the documentary film “7.7.62 Don’t Forget.” It also featured photographs, performance art and poetry, as well as a fundraiser for the All Burma Federation of Students Unions (ABFSU).