Kengtung a pricey place to die

No.13 - 6/2007
27 June 2007
Human Rights
 
Kengtung a pricey place to die
 
If one is looking for a place to die, Kengtung, 160km from Maesai, is definitely not one's choice, writes SHAN's Ten Tai from the border, as the price of death has shot up dramatically since early June by the order of the outgoing regional commander.
 ^{Maj Gen Min Aung Hlaing}

The following is the list of fees those who are left behind by the newly departed have to pay:

• Notifying the ward (neighborhood) office                          1,000 kyat

• Notifying the municipality/township office                        45,000 kyat

• Cremation                                                                        10,000 kyat

• Undertaker                                                                         5,000 kyat

• Burial                                                                                  5,000 kyat

• Funeral hearse                                                                 20,000 kyat

• Transport for mourners (only one vehicle is given)           15,000 kyat

                                                      Total                           101,000 kyat ($ 77.7)
 
The list does not include other expenses for items such as the price of coffin, a religious ceremony for the dead, and extra transportation.
 
In a country where an average person can earn only about 60,000 kyat ($ 46) a month, the stipulation is certainly a tall order, agree sources.
 
They also confirm Maj Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Commander of the Kengtung-based Triangle Region Command, will be leaving next month. His replacement is yet to be disclosed.