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� Message to the ReaderMessage to the ReaderMessage to the ReaderMessage to the ReaderMessage to the Reader
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� Shan Diary September 2015Shan Diary September 2015Shan Diary September 2015Shan Diary September 2015Shan Diary September 2015
� WHAT DID XI TELL THEIN SEIN?
�DAY OF FOUR NINES!
�SSA –SOUTH BACK TO WAR!
�7 EAOS WILL SIGN NCA!
�ELECTION CAMPAIGNS IN FULL SWING!
War
Economy/Business
The World Ethnic Affairs
2
Message to the Reader
Dear Reader:
During the last 4 years, things have changed a lot for millions of people including myself.Before I wasn’t able to visit my homeland (which I have come to call Hopeland). Now I can. That’sone of the happiest things that have ever happened to me during these years. It’s good to meet my oldfriends and my relatives.
More than that, it’s good to know for yourself that when things change, they are really different fromwhat you had known when you were still there. I couldn’t even recognize the neighborhood I hadroamed with my childhood friends.
Indeed like Rick Nelson once sang:There’s no way to get down homeNo, you can’t retrieve it,cause once you leave itOh, down home’s just a memory
So’s the rest. A friend once said old things are best forgotten. But I disagree. I believe they are best letgone. Which proves I have also changed too, from a sentimental young man to an old man who takesthings as they are.
Of course, that still doesn’t mean I’m getting nearer to what my Indian teacher had counseled all of us:Having seen danger in every mode of beingAnd having seen beings seeking for non-beingI do not attach myself to any mode of beingNor do I cling to any delight in being.
But I believe I’ll get there one of these days. Like all of us sooner or later.Thanks for your continuing to read my ramblings.
Mysoong Kha! (All the best!)
SHAN DIARY SEPTEMBER 2015
SHAN HERALD AGENCY FOR NEWS (S.H.A.N.)
Think Piece
3
Cartoon
Shan Diary, September 2015
Learning how to garner votes!
The danger is that if (Aung San Suu Kyi) wins a majority in parliament, the elite may be forced to
take the “coup” option. The more belligerent The Lady is towards the army, the more likely this
is the scenario that will materialize. This too would be the worst possible outcome for
businesses in Burma.
Larry Jagan, DVB, 1 September 2015
In battle-ridden Kokang, there are 14 candidates to contest the seats (for 1 Upper House, 2 Lower
House and 4 state assembly). Therefore it is questionable that the Wa area that has not heard a
shot fired in anger for 26 years cannot hold an election.
7 Day, 2 September 2015
Mahidol model
Pattanic Malay is being taught alongside Thai and other languages, including Malaysian, English
and Arabic. Thai literacy has consequently risen by 30%.
The reasons are threefold:
1. It provides a bedrock for understanding discourse and acquired skills are transferable
2. The students enjoy class more, and attendance is higher
3. It implies identity respect and spurs ownership of the education system. However, there
is a widespread belief among military and secularity personnel that strengthening
locals’ mother tongues can reduce ‘Thainess’ and undermines national security, leading
to secessionism.
John Draper, Khon-Kaen University, Bangkok Post, 8 September 2015
4
The World
We cannot move democratic transition without
having peace.
President Their Sein to ethnic leaders, 9
September 2015, respected by Myanmar Times
We will initiate peace talks once we win the
upcoming election with a landslide victory. Our
policy regarding the peace talks is very simple.
We will meet the ethnic groups transparently.
We will keep our promise. We will never break
the promise.
Aung San Suu Kyi, speaking to rally in Shan State’s
Hsihseng township, 5 September 2015, Eleven
Myanmar
I’m confident to say that if the National League
for Democracy becomes government, we will
prioritise the peace process and dialogue, and
immediately work on it (adding that NLD would
stand by it ’s promise to convene second
Panglong)
Aung San Suu Kyi, speaking to rally in Shan State’s
Hopong township, 6 September 2015, DVB
(N)urturing nationalism is a way of diverting
public attention from the economy to foreign
policy. Sustained economic growth is more
crucial to the average Chinese than ownership
of specks of land in the South China Sea.
Nationalism in China (therefore) has a way of
turning against the ruling power.
Cornell University’s Weiss, on China, Time, 21
September 2015
According to a report from King Prachadkipok
Institute’s office of Peace and Governance:
• An average Thai works 35 hours per week
• Almost 35% of Thai women work up to
49 hours a week
In domestic affairs:
• More than 77% of Thai women are
responsible for all household chores
• Less than 1% have their husband’s help
with household tasks
Bangkok Post, 24 September 2015
3 September 2015
Beijing commemorates Japan’s World War II
defeat. Leader Xi Jinping says the 2.3 million
members of the PLA will be cut by 300,000.
Appears at the parade is DF 21 D anti-airship
ballistic missile capable of sinking US Nimitz-
size aircraft carrier in one single strike.
(AP)
21 September 2015
What Asian leaders earn:
Prime minister, Singapore $ 1,700,000
Prime Minister, Japan $ 202,700
President, South Korea $ 187,000
President, Indonesia $ 124,171
Prime Minister, Thailand $ 50,000
President, Philippines $ 32,513
President, China $ 22,300
(Bangkok Post)
President Thein Sein earns $ 1,500 per
month or $ 18,000 per year.
(Maungzarni.net)
22 September 2015
President Xi Jinping on a week long visit to US.
(Agencies)
SHAN DIARY SEPTEMBER 2015
SHAN HERALD AGENCY FOR NEWS (S.H.A.N.) 5
InternationalRelations
2-4 September 2015
President Thein Sein attends events in Beijing
to commemorate the 7th anniversary of Victory
of the World Anti-Fascist War, 2-4 September.
Meets Chinese president Xi Jinping to step up
cooperator in border to maintain peace and
stability in border areas. They have “in-depth
exchange of views and reached important
consensus.”
(Global New Light of Myanmar/Mizzima)
6-11 September 1015
C in C Min Aung Hlaing visits Israel. He tours the
Elbit Systems, a defense manifesting company.
No details are disclosed.
(Irrawaddy)
17 September 2015
Deputy minister for foreign affairs U Thant Kyaw
was in Pyongyang for two days “of regular
consultations” and returns to Burma today.
(Myanmar Times)
21 September 2015
Speaking to visiting deputy commander-in-chief
Soe Win, Defense Minister Chang Wangguan
says China and Myanmar should “jointly
maintain stability in the border areas.” In June,
President Xi Jinping told visiting Aung San Suu
Kyi he hoped Myanmar would maintain a
consistent and positive position on relations,
regardless of any changes in its domestic politics.
(Reuters)
22 September 2015
UN Department of Safety and Security issues
directive to staff restricting travel to Burma
during the election period, 6-24 November, as
“disruptions are expected”.
(DVB)
Thai-Burma Relations
1 September 2015
Statement issued by Burmese embassy in
Bangkok informs Burmese residents in Thailand
to cast advance votes on Saturday 17 October,
09:00-16:30.
(Statement)
2 September 2015
PM Prayut Chan-o-Cha visits Maesot and attends
meeting on Tak’s SEZ development. Maesot,
Phop Phra, Tha Song Yang and Mae Ramat districts
are set aside for the SEZ.
(Bangkok Post)
3 September 2015
Migrant workers will be barred from bringing
relatives into Thailand from the beginning of
2017, PM Prayut Chan-o-Cha says at a conference
on enhancing labor cooperation in CLMTV region
in Bangkok. He also stresses the nationality
verification process for new migrant workers
must be carried out in their country of origin.
Gen Sirichai Distakul, labor minister, says proper
measures will be sought and must proceed
gradually to ward off panic as dependents may
be staying in Thailand for a long time.
(Bangkok Post)
10 September 2015
6
Transport minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith
and Construction minister U Kyaw Lwin sign
agreement in Naypyitaw for construction of 3.9
billion baht ($ 108 million) second Friendship
Bridge across the Moei.
(Bangkok Post)
Inside Burma
2 September 2015
President Thein Sein during his monthly radio
message to the nation:
• Pledges to work for a free and fair
election
• Stresses need to start political dialogue
as soon as the NCA is signed
(Mizzima)
2 September 2015
UEC member Win Kyi confirms that a total of 88
candidates were barred from competing in the
election due to failure to meet the eligibility
criteria. The decisions were made by local sub-
commissions and are deemed ‘final and
conclusive.’
(Irrawaddy)
3 September 2015
Out of 2 million eligible voters in foreign
counties only 18,000 have registered for advance
voting, sayings U Tin Aye, UEC chair.
(DVB)
8 September 2015
Elections campaigning begins.
(Agencies)
9 September 2015
Judiciary workers in Dekkhinathiri is waging a
yellow ribbon campaign against militarization
of the legal system, by appointing former
military officers to judicial positions they are
often largely unqualified for.
(Myanmar Times)
10 September 2015
The police force “ is planning” to introduce
security measures nationwide in 4 phases in the
coming elections: pre-election, campaigning,
election and post-election, according to Union
Daily. Nearly 20,000 police will be deployed in 3
sensitive areas: Rangoon, Mandalay and Kachin.
(Bernama/Xinhua)
10 September 2015
NLD issues directive to its candidates not to have
any dealings which unlawful assoscialiations as
the UEC might decide to withdraw the candidacy
of those suspected of associating with them.
(7 Daily)
14 September 2015
Election manifesto by NLD promises to retain a
“dignified” role for the military as a defender of
democracy.
(DVB)
22 September 2015
Zakhung Ting Ying, Border Guard Force leader
and MP (Upper House), sends letter to NLD to
avoid campaigning in Waingmaw, Chipwi and
Tsaw law townships.
(Irrawaddy)
22 September 2015
NLD CEC member Win Htein says the party has
filed complaints to the UEC on the alleged
unlawful use of religion by Ma Ba Tha to
influence the upcoming polls but has yet to
receive a response.
(Irrawaddy)
31 August 2015
Retired colonel Lin Zaw Tun who is running in
Shan State publishes pictures of his K 40 million
($ 31,000) donation the Ma Ba Tha leader U
Wirathu. UEC has set a K 10 million ceiling on
SHAN DIARY SEPTEMBER 2015
SHAN HERALD AGENCY FOR NEWS (S.H.A.N.) 7
Ethnic Affairs
campaigning, which is counted starting 8
September.
(Irrawaddy)
5-6 September 2015
Aung San Suu Kyi visits Hsihseng and Hopong. If
the NCA is ‘real and true” it should be signed
“as soon as possible”, she says in her speech.
(Irrawaddy)
7 September 2015
Interfaith leaders meeting in Pa-an pray for
success of NCA negotiations.
(KIC)
9 September 2015
NSCN-K that has ceasefire agreement with
Rangoon forcibly recruits 15 school children
from Nagaland’s Phek district.
(NDTV)
9 September 2015
9 top EAO representatives meet the President
at 9:00 (Agencies) They reach tentative
agreement to sign the NCA in early October, but
spokesman Pu Zing Cung says EAOs will meet
again to confirm the date.
(Irrawaddy)
20 September 2015
UPWC and 8 EAOs agree to form joint committee
to prepare for the signing of NCA. Those that
are yet to sign it will also be invited. They will
meet again on 3 October.
(Mizzima/MNA)
28-30 September 2015
19 EAOs hold “summit” in Chiangmai. 7 of them
announced their decision to sign. The signers
and non-signers agree to work together on
Common Goal, Diverse Actions principle.
(Statement)
Shans/Shan State
6 September 2015
Speaking at NLD rally in Hopong, Aung San Suu
Kyi says “if the NLD becomes government, we
will prioritize the peace process and dialogue,
and immediately work on it.”
(DVB)
9 September 2015
UWSA has issued statement saying it will not
sign the NCA. Reasons:
• It has already signed peace agreement;
signing NCA may mean a step backward
• Signing of NCA will involve western
countries, which it fears will be a breach
on its promise to China
• The NCA draft doesn’t say anything
about constitutional amendment which
means no benefit for the Wa people*
(BBC)
*Article 22 (d) says constitutional
amendment would be carried in
accordance with the resolutions of the
political dialogues—(SHAN)
16 September 2015
Shan State’s UEC chief Than Lwin Myint says
there are 150,000 eligible voters among the
8
Economy/Business Human Rights
Environment
military, police and their families in the state;
30,000 in Kachin State; 6,000 in Kayah; 12,000 in
Karen; 6,000 in Chin; 6,000 in Arakan; 30,000 in
Sagaing; and 40,000 in Magwe.
(Eleven)
8 September 2015
World’s largest bank Industrial and Commercials
Bank of China (ICBC) opens branch in Rangoon,
becoming the first Chinese commercial bank
operating in the country.
(Xinhua/Mizzima)
9 September 2015
Almost $ 20 billion in dirty money linked to
corruption, crime and tax evasion has left Burma
in the past 5 decades, says US based Global
Financial Integrity (GFI).
(Reuters)
9 September 2015
Yoma Bank and China’s ICBC sign agreement
facilitating direct flow of trade-related funds
between the two countries.
(Mizzima)
21 September 2015
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism had a target of 3
million arrivals for all of 2015 but it was already
exceeded in August. Tourism employs around
300,000 people and the number could hit 1.5
million by 2020. Politicians are urging Myanmar
nationals to return home to realize the growth
opportunity their motherland has.
(Bangkok Post)
23 September 2015
Vice President Nyan Tun opens $ 1.5 billion
Thilawa Special Economic Zone, an hour’s drive
from Rangoon.
(Reuters)
21 September 2015
Construction of a pagoda inside a church
compound that began on 21 August in Pa-an has
increased tensions. The construction reportedly
was ordered by U Thuzana, abbot of Myaing Gyi
Ngu.
23 September 2015
There are 108 political prisoners in Burma,
according to AAPP, and nearly 460 activists on
trial.
(Reuters)
9 September 2015
Tun Lwin, well known meteorologist, says
according to his 2003 research paper, since 1978,
the monsoon season has begun 15 days late and
ends 25 days earlier. So the rainy season has
shortened by about 40 days. Before 1978, Burma
had a rainy season from 15 May- 10 October 2015.
(Irrawaddy)
11 September 2015
Between 2010 and 2015 Burma lost an average if
546,000 hectares (over 1.3 million acres) of forest
each year, according to the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO), making it behind
only Brazil and Indonesia in terms of forest losses.
The chunk of forest lost annually is about the size
of fellow Asean Brunei. It leaves the country
vulnerable to extreme weather events brought
about by climate change, including more severe
bouts flooding, drought and disease. While
forest covered 65% of the country in 2006, that
number has been reduced to 45% in 2015.
(Myanmar Times)
SHAN DIARY SEPTEMBER 2015
SHAN HERALD AGENCY FOR NEWS (S.H.A.N.) 9
Drugs
War
17 September 2015
London-based Environmental Investigation
Agency (EIA) says there had been alarming
escalation of timber flowing into China from
Burma over the last three years, 978,000 cubic
meters for last year alone.
(The Guardian)
22 September 2015
International Finance Corporation (IFC) had
signed to advise Naypyitaw on social and
environment risk management for hydropower
projects nationwide, according to Kate Lazarus,
team leader for IFC’s Mekong sustainable
hydropower program, funded by Australia.
(Myanmar Times)
14 September 2015
US declares Myanmar, Bolivia and Veneczuela
“failed demonstrably” against drug trafficking
over the past year. Aid program to support
democracy in Myanmar and Venezuela
nevertheless remain “vital to the national
interest of the United States” and would
continue.
(AFP)
15 September 2015
Min Oo Khaing, director with Kaladan Delta
Development, surrenders to anti-narcotics unit
in Maesot. He is reported to be linked to $ 100
million haul of narcotics seized in Rangoon on
July.
(Irrawaddy)
1 September 2015
Myanmar and Bangladesh forces launch
simultaneous offensives against Arakan Army
(AA) following the group’s attack on a camp of
Bangladeshi border guards on 26 August.
(Mizzima)
9 September 2015
RCSS spokesman Col Sai La says 5 Tatmadaw and
4 RCSS soldiers were killed in fighting in Loilem
district on 7-8 September.
(Myanmar Times)
10 September 2015
Global New Light of Myanmar reports Senior
General confirmed an order for the FAC super
Dvora Mark 3 patrol boat, a vessel mounted with
30 mm cannons, which is designed for
deployment for coastal rivers from Israel.
(DVB)
22 September 2015
Troops from Mongpawn based L1B 527 column
ambushed by SSA South in Kawngtan, Loilem
district. Gunfire was exchanged between the
two sides a day earlier in Namzang and
Lawksawk.
(DVB)
S.H.A.N. P.O.Box 15, Nong Hoi P.O., Chiangmai 50007, ThailandEmail: [email protected]
www.english.panglong.org, www.shan.panglong.org,www.burmese.panglong.org and www.khonkhurtai.org
Cartoon
THE PEAE PROCESS!
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