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Mae Sai-Tachileik Thai-Burma bridge reopens to much fanfare

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FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

Mae Sai-Tachileik Thai-Burma bridge reopens to much fanfare 

A border bridge that connects Tachileik in Shan State with Mae Sai in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand reopened on Feb. 20 after being closed for more than three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bridge will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prior to its closure three years ago, the bridge was open from 6.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Commerce experts predict that the restoration of border crossings could bring economic benefits to the locals on both sides of the Thai-Burma border. Last month, the Myawaddy-Mae Sot border bridge on the Asia highway reopened.

Regime showers more Burmese monks with national awards

A ceremony honoring nationalist Burmese monks was held by the junta and its Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) at a monastery in Insein Township on Feb. 18. In the ceremony, the two monks Wirathu and Zwekabin Sayadaw were given the title “Thiri Pyanchi” – a national award for people who have done “outstanding work for the good of the country.” Officials from the USDP including its Central Vice President, Myo Zaw Thein, Yangon Region’s USDP chairman, and junta officials such as Yangon Region Commander Major-General Nyunt Win Swe and Social Affairs Minister of Yangon Region Aung Win Thein also attended. The USDP donated K3 million ($1,435 USD) to the two monks. Religious associations donated more than K70 million ($33,493 USD), the USDP claimed. Last month, Min Aung Hlaing presented the “Thiri Pyanchi” award to Wirathu in Naypyidaw.

News by Region

BAGO—A Burma Army column was attacked on Feb. 16 in Yedashe Township, causing heavy losses, the Bago Region People’s Defense Force (PDF) claimed. The PDF alleged that 30 Burma Army troops were killed, but DVB could not independently verify these claims.

MANDALAY—A deputy police officer was shot in Mogok on Feb. 19, according to the Mogok PDF. “We had prepared to attack this person for a week. He is a guy who always beats people at checkpoints and does not treat them like human beings. We don’t know yet if he is dead,” the PDF information officer told DVB.

A man was killed by the Burma Army in Mahaungmyae Township on Feb. 19 after being “wrongfully arrested,” according to locals . His body was returned to his family within hours after he was killed. “[He was] a strong National League for Democracy supporter. Around 6.30 p.m., he was arrested and beaten by the soldiers,” a man told DVB.

MON—Forty Rohingya were arrested in Thanbyuzayat Township on Feb. 19. “They first came to Thanbuyzayat, then they planned to go to Yangon. They were supposed to migrate to Malaysia with the help of the brokers, but they were apprehended in the forest,” a local told DVB. Junta officials are reportedly investigating. On Feb. 8, three Rohingya were detained on a bus in Ann town, Rakhine State heading to Yangon. On Feb. 17, 56 Rohingya were arrested in a village of Sittwe Township. They were bound for Malaysia. According to news reports, 300 Rohingya were arrested in Yangon and Ayeyarwaddy regions last month. Seventy-seven were sentenced to two years in prison.

SHAN—At least six Burma Army troops were killed and another five were captured alive during an attack by Karenni resistance forces in southern Shan State on Feb. 19, according to the Karenni Military Information Center (KMIC). It reported that the Karenni attacked supply and transport vehicles carrying food and weapons for the Burma Army. Eight soldiers were killed in clashes on Feb. 14 and 18, according to KMIC.

YANGON—Two 100-household administrators were killed, and four others injured when the Dagon Seikken PDF raided a ward administration office in South Dagon Township on Feb. 19. “I heard the loud sound of gunfire and bombs. They attacked while the administrative officials were in the office,” a local told DVB. The injured are said to be three administration officials and a motorcycle driver.

A 100-household administrator was killed in Thanlyin on Feb. 18, the Thanlyin PDF claimed. A source close to the administration said that the administrator attended military training hosted at a Burma Navy base in th township and was recently granted permission to carry a firearm.

An unnamed group claimed responsibility for an attack on a Burma Army bunker in Insein Township. Watchtowers and bunkers have appeared on city streets to monitor activities since the coup. The unnamed group was unable to confirm to DVB if Burma Army soldiers were killed or wounded. “The bunker is near the prison. Soldiers investigated near the market,” a local said. Two people were arrested.

A member of a nationalist Buddhist group named Nay Myo Aung was reportedly killed in Thaketa Township on Feb. 19, according to his friends and colleagues in Mabatha. A member of the nationalist Buddhist monk group told DVB that it was tipped off that Nay Myo Aung was being targeted  by unknown assailants. “We told him to stay in hiding,” the member added. “Two locals were arrested because of information he provided to the military,” a man claimed.

DVB Weekly Cartoon: The tiny dictator wants to arm those ‘loyal to the nation.’

Podcast: The Burmese Rambler on his podcast, culture, religion & music

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Paing Lynn Aung hosts a podcast called “The Burmese Rambler.” In each of his four episodes (recorded in 2022), he rambles on about Burmese culture, religion and music – unafraid to ask provocative questions and challenge traditions with his humour and wit.

DVB English Podcasts are on-demand via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Substack, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn Radio, Anchor FM, Audible, Amazon Music, Apple & Google Podcasts: link.chtbl.com/dvbenglish

News Cartoon: February 20, 2023

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The tiny dictator wants to arm those he considers ‘loyal to the nation.’

75th Chin National Day celebrated in Burma, North America and Europe

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FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

75th Chin National Day celebrated in Burma, U.S., Canada and Europe 

The Chin National Front (CNF) vows to fight against the regime “together with Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs), the National Unity Government (NUG), and local defense forces who share common goals and beliefs.” The CNF made this statement ahead of its 75th anniversary of Chin National Day on Feb. 20. It calls on all Chin people to “ardently participate in the fight against the military dictatorship.” Chin National Day is observed to commemorate the historic day when the old system of hierarchical chieftaincy was replaced with a democratic system on Feb. 20, 1948. “An auspicious day on which Chins had expressed a sense of national unity and unanimously resolved to practice a new democratic system with national self-determination in Chinland,” the CNF stated.

Regime seizes large haul of drugs in Tachileik, Shan State

Drugs with an estimated street value of K18.66 billion ($8.8 million USD) were seized by the regime in Tachileik town, eastern Shan State,  according to Maesai Press. The Thai Border Security Department informed Burmese authorities over 36 million ecstasy tablets were destined for Thailand. A Thai national was arrested and 14 million ecstasy tablets hidden inside four trucks were seized. Later, another 12 million WY tablets were discovered inside a house, 5,000 kilograms of Vietnamese made pure caffeine powder and 500 kilograms of crystal meth were seized.

Unregistered MPT and ATOM SIM cards deactivated, states users

Local telecommunication operators have started to deactivate unregistered mobile phone SIM cards since earlier this month. “I found out today [Feb. 17] that my MPT SIM card has been terminated as I checked at the mobile shop. I paid K5,000 ($2.39 USD) to reopen my SIM card,” a Bago town resident said. Among Burma’s four telecoms operators, only the users of MPT (Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications) and ATOM (formerly Telenor) have been facing SIM card deactivation, according to MPT and ATOM subscribers. The military-owned and operated MyTel doesn’t require subscribers to re-register, according to a SIM card dealer in Yangon. In December 2022, the junta’s Department of Communications announced that SIM cards must be re-registered to remain active.   

News by Region

YANGON—GTIG garment factory located in War Ta Yar industrial zone in Shwe Pyi Thar Township will shut down on Feb. 28. The factory employs over 1,300 workers. They were informed about the closure on Feb. 16. “We’ve been told that the factory will be shut down by the end of this month. And the salary will be paid normally and that they won’t give any compensation because of the closure. And they didn’t say if it is a temporary or permanent closure,” a GTIG worker said.

CHIN—The Chinland Defense Force-Kanpetlet (CDF-Kanpelet) announced that locals have donated some cash and over 60 cows to the group. Kanpetlet Township People’s Administration has been visiting the villages to clarify the challenges and difficulties people living there face. And to help solve the financial problems faced by the CDF.  

KACHIN—Thirteen out of 20 youths who were forcibly recruited by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) at Washaung recreation camp in Waingmaw Township were released on Feb. 15. “There were around 20 youths arrested. Later, 13 young people including women were released,” a local said. Families used to visit the recreation camps of Myitson, Aung Myin Thar, Kachin Chaung Tha and Washaung in Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships. However, the number of visitors has declined due to the unstable political situation after the coup.

KAREN—Airstrikes took place on Feb. 14-15 inside the territory of the Karen National Union (KNU), destroying many homes including schools, the KNU stated. Six bombs were dropped on a village located in the territory of KNU Brigade 5, Mutraw district on Feb. 14, destroying six civilian houses. On the next day, airstrikes took place on Htaw Htee Pal village inside KNU Brigade 5, destroying seven buildings – including a school and three shops – causing a total of over three million Thai baht ($86,634 USD) worth of damage, according to the KNU.

MANDALAY—Around 70 Burma Army troops have been deployed at a monastery in Kan Phyu village since Feb. 15. They arrived one day after a man’s body was discovered near Kan Phyu and Thabyay Pin Kone villages. The man’s body had gunshot wounds and bruises on Feb. 14. The pro-regime militia Madaya Thway Thout, or “Blood Drinking Group,” claimed responsibility for the murder, leaving a note stating: “This is how the terrorist People’s Defense Force will end.” 

MON—A man was injured when he stepped on a landmine near the village of Baykalwe, in Ye Township, on Feb. 17. The area is where resistance forces and the Burma Army have clashed recently. It is uncertain which side planted the landmine. The Burma Army restricted locals from traveling to the area where the explosion occurred. Four people have been injured in landmine accidents, according to locals.  

A Burma Army-controlled checkpoint on a bridge in Ye Township was raided on Feb. 19, according to a group called Ye Balu. “We had to retreat since the army fired heavy weapons as a counterattack,” a leader of Ye Balu told DVB. The group claimed to have killed 20 Burma Army troops, but DVB was unable to independently verify this. The checkpoint is located on the Yangon-Ye-Dawei-Myeik highway. The township is under martial law. | Burmese 

SAGAING—Almost all of Tigyaing Township is under National Unity Government (NUG) control. “The military council’s forces are based in the town. Except for that area, it must be said that the [people’s] administration is strong,” a spokesperson of the Tigyaing People’s Defense Force (PDF) told DVB. The NUG runs 105 basic education schools and 18 rural clinics in the township, but there is a need for skilled workers, the PDF spokesperson said.

TANINTHARYI—Two civilians were killed after a group opened fire at a bus during an inspection on Pyidaungsu Road in Boak Pyin Township of Kawthoung district on Feb. 17. Manoe Yone Village Defense Force stated that it accidentally killed a nine-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman. “We fired at the vehicle that didn’t accept our inspection [and sped up] as we thought it was from the military. We tried to send those two victims [to the hospital] but they died on the way. We’re very sorry for our mistake,” said a spokesperson. The bus was heading from Kawthaung to Myeik. A passenger said the bus driver didn’t see the group inspecting vehicles on the road. Local groups based in Tanintharyi Region warned drivers not to travel in military convoys.  

Last week, the NUG received diplomatic recognition from the U.S. government when it opened its first Foreign Affairs office in D.C. DVB was there to cover this historic moment. DVB English is on-demand via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, & Substack.

Mae Tao Clinic founder Cynthia Maung applies for Thai citizenship

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Dr. Cynthia Maung, the founder of the Mae Tao Clinic, has applied for Thai citizenship, the Bangkok Post reported. Dr. Maung said that obtaining Thai citizenship would enable her to receive more assistance from Thai and international organizations to continue providing free medical assistance to migrant workers, refugees and stateless people. The Mae Tao Clinic reportedly helps an average of 30,000 patients a year and has treated over one million patients since its founding in 1989. Dr. Maung has also established an education center in Mae Sot district in Thailand’s Tak Province that provides free classes to refugees. Dr. Maung founded Mae Tao Clinic 34 years ago as a Burmese refugee and has vowed to provide health care to people on both sides of the Thai-Burma border regardless of citizenship.

Video: National Unity Government opens Foreign Affairs office in U.S. capital

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DVB REPORTS

Burma’s National Unity Government (NUG) opened its first Ministry of Foreign Affairs office this week in the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C. After successfully opening NUG offices in Europe and Asia, the NUG turned its sights on winning diplomatic recognition from the U.S. government.

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The DVB (Democratic Voice of Burma) is a non-profit Burmese media organization committed to independent and responsible journalism. The DVB Foundation is registered in Oslo, Norway since 1992.

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