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Weekly Diary, No. 276 (17 – 23 November 2007)
Weekly Diary, No. 276 (17 – 23 November
2007)
Think Piece
Mr.Win
Tin
“Will death be my release
As long as democracy and human rights are not within reach
I decline my release
I’m prepared to stay”
Win Tin, Burma’s longest serving political prisoner to Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, 15 November 2007
“The notion of a regional approach to resolving Burma is dead.”
A senior Asian diplomat, quoted by Michael Vatikiotis, Bangkok Post, 23 November 2007.
The World
17 November 2007
More than 3,500 people were confirmed to have died since Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh on 15 November. (AFP)
18 November 2007
97% of the world’s people speak only 4% of the world’s 6,000 or so living languages, which means that only 3% of the world’s people speak 96% of its languages. In 1992, the linguist Michael Krauss predicted that if nothing were done, 90% of the languages (1/3 of which are in Asia) would become extinct over the next hundred years.
Asean Members
19-21 November 2007
Asean holds summit meeting in Singapore. (Agencies)
International Relations
Mr.Wang
Yi
14-16 November 2007
Beijing’s special envoy, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi visits Burma. He meets 3 ministers: Kyaw Hsan, Nyan Win and Aung Kyi and Gen Than Shwe on 15 November. (Xinhua)
16 November 2007
Pinheiro says he will be filing his Burma trip report to the Human Rights Council on 11 December. (Bangkok Post)
16 November 2007
Predecessors
Gambari’s Pinheiro’s
• Alvaro de Soto •Sadako Ogata
• Razali Ismail • Yozo Yokota
• Rajsoomer Lallah
(Asia Times)
18 November 2007
Asean rejects US Senate call to suspend Burma. (AP)
19 November 2007
Burma gives its full backing to Asean charter that will create an agency to review the regime’s human rights after drafters took out references to punishing violators. (AP)
19 November 2007
European Union adopts sanctions against 1,207 firms in Burma and expands visa bans and asset freezes on the country’s military rulers. (Reuters)
19 November 2007
Aung San Suu Kyi meets Aung Kyi for the third time. No details given. The meeting may have been timed to deflect criticism at the annual Asean get-together, say some observers. (Reuters)
President
Gloria Arroyo
19 November 2007
President Gloria Arroyo tells Asean leaders for the charter to be binding, it must be ratified by her country’s Congress which will refuse to do so unless Burma frees Suu Kyi and agrees to implement democratic reforms. (The Australian)
Mr.Ong
Keng Yong
20 November 2007
UN envoy Gambari’s planned address to Asean leaders tomorrow canceled. He is however allowed to hold private meetings with leaders to brief them on his negotiation with the junta. Asean Secretary General Ong Keng Yong denies the grouping is bowing to Burma. “We live to fight another day,” he says. (AP)
20 November 2007
Asean becomes official governmental body as it passes on governing charter that will
All these seem to be undermined by the group’s reaffirmation of non-interference in domestic affairs principle. (Irrawaddy) Asean given the ruling junta carte blanche to do as they like, says Debbie Stodhart of Alternative Asean. (DPA)
20 November 2007
Solidarity for Asean People’s Advocacies (SAPA) meeting in Singapore where the annual Asean summit is held says
20 November 2007
40 Burmese residents of Singapore hold 15 minutes protest to what they say is an inadequate response to the crisis in Burma by Asean. (AFP)
20 November 2007
FM Masahito Komura, meeting counterpart Nyan Win, expresses dissatisfaction over Burma’s failure to fully account for the fatal shooting of journalist Kenji Nagai in September. (Japan Economic Newswire)
Thein
Sein
20 November 2007
Indian PM, meeting his counterpart Thein Sein in Singapore, prods Burma to cede ground to pro-democracy forces. The reform process should be broadbased, he says. (AFP)
20 November 2007
UN passes two non-binding resolutions on Burma: condemnation of the violent crackdown on civilians and monks in September and call for an immediate end to human rights violations and the release of all political prisoners.
First resolution
In favor - 88 countries
Against - 24 countries (China, India, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia)
Abstain - 66 countries (Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand)
Absent - 14 countries (Cambodia)
Second resolution
In favor - 97 countries
Against - 23 countries
Abstain - 60 countries
Negative language in the text, says Non-Aligned Movement countries, would only serve to hinder the chances for dialogue and reconciliation. All 10 Asean countries are members of the 119 member NAM. (10/Mizzima)
New
Zealand PM Helen Clark
21 November 2007
New Zealand PM Helen Clark says the reason Mr. Gambari has had access and continues to have access in Burma is because China has made absolutely clear its expectation that he should and will have access.( New Zealand Herald)
21 November 2007
Philippines FM Alberto Romulo says according to Gambari there has been “some forward movement”. (AP)
22 November 2007
Chin and Mon leaders welcome comments by Indian PM calling for ethnic parties to be involved in dialogue in Burma. Manmohan Singh had mentioned it in his meeting with PM Thein Sein in Singapore, according to Singh’s spokesman. (DVB)
22 November 2007
Asean and EU leaders endorse a 5 years plan to enhance security and trade ties and urge Burma’s military junta to speed up democratic reforms and release Suu Kyi. (AP)
Thai-Burma Relations
18 November 2007
Owners of a corn farm in Maesod, Prayoon Wiradet, 38, and Somboon Pengin, 33, arrested. Those are alleged to have killed and burned 5 Burmese migrant workers who had allegedly stolen corn. (Bangkok Post)
21 November 2007
Saengmuang Mangkorn, coordinator of the Chiangmai based Migrant Action Programme (MAP) says a man claiming to represent The Third Army called up two stations in Fang and Chom Thong and ordered them to stop broadcasting citing security reasons. The station in Chiangmai which broadcasts in Shan on FM 99 MHz had also been warned though the programme content focuses on health and law issues. (BP)
Politics/ Inside Burma
15 November 2007
53 prisoners including 6 political activists freed. “Most were criminals,” says NLD laywer Aung Thein. (AFP)
15 November 2007
Venerable U Sanda Wara beaten and taken away when junta official and supporters raid Aung Dhamma Pala monastery in New Dagon township. (DVB)
16 November 2007
At least 15 people died in Rangoon during the crackdown, says UN envoy Paulo Sergio Pinheiro. (AP)
16 November 2007
Dhamma VCDs by two well-known monks banned in Burma:
17 November 2007
Speech reported in junta media today says Gen Than Shwe sees his roadmap as the only way to “smooth transition towards a new state.” (Reuters)
17 November 2007
Night raids in Myitkyina and Bhamo to confiscate Chinese wireless landline phones. Homes of KIO officials included. (Kachin News Group)
18 November 2007
So far the Peace and Democracy Front (PDF) made up of Wa, Kokang and Mongla and the KIO have yet to issue statements as demanded by Pyinmana. Only New Mon State Party has on 16 November issued a statement opposing junta’s move to pressure ceasefire groups to its will. Main points in the so called statements issued by other ceasefire groups coincide with the 5 resolutions taken at the USDA conference, 12-16 November. (NDD)
18 November 2007
The All Burma Monks Alliance releases a statement saying they will continue to boycott the regime. It also welcomes formation of the International Burmese Monks Organization in the US on 28 October. (DVB)
19 November 2007
The New Light of Myanmar says there is “no reason to hold further discussions with any person or any organization except at the National Convention.” The junta wrapped up the Convention on 3 September. (Irrawaddy/SHAN)
19 November 2007
Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) estimates around 100 protesters, including about 10 monks, were killed in September. (Irrawaddy)
20 November 2007
1 NLD member, MP Myint Naing and 3 CRPP member, Aye Tha Aung, Soe Win and Pu Cin Siang Thang, taken from their homes for questioning. Aye The Aung allowed to return home. (DVB) Others also taken for interrogation include Nai Ngwe Thein, Ohn Tin and Khun Htoo. (Irrawaddy)
21 November 2007
Authorities stop all vehicles from entering the KIA controlled town of Laiza. (Mizzima)
22 November 2007
Burma’s Army’s Light Infantry Battalion 241 raids KIA regional command office near Laiza and detains Commander Zau San and his deputy Zau Gawng. The highway to Laiza in the meantime has been reopened. (Mizzima)
23 November 2007
The Monk Representative Association has called on student monks not to take part in their annual examination in March. The boycott has already taken effect in many cities where most student monks have left to return home. (DVB)
Shans/ Shan State
18 November 2007
The Shan State Nationalities Peoples Liberation Organization (SNPLO) faction that recently returned to the armed struggle today changes its name to PaO National Liberation Organization (PNLO). Another PaO Group, PaO People’s Liberation Organization (PPLO) is led by Khun Okker. (Kantarawaddy Times)
Shan
activist Charm Tong
20 November 2007
Asean should be ashamed of itself because it had “passed on the burden of dealing with Burma to the UN’, says Shan activist Charm Tong in Singapore. (SAPA statement)
20 November 2007
Chiangmai Shans hold 100th day merit-making for Shan leader who died on 13 August. (SHAN)
Economy/ Business
Tycoon
Tayza
20 November 2007
Tycoon Tayza has grabbed control of Phakant jade mining areas. Mining companies have to pay K80-3,000 million ($60,000-226,000) per one-acre block to him to be allowed to work there. (Kachin News Group)
23 November 2007
U Htay Myint’s Yuzana Company recently awarded a contract to redevelop a 120-mile stretch of the 1,000 mile Stilwell Road. (Irrawaddy)
Human Rights
17 November 2007
During a forced pro-junta rallies in Monywa, some ethnic Burmese were forced to wear clothes identifying them as members of local ethnic minorities. (Asean News)
18 November 2007
Rapper G-Tone arrested after he showed a religious tattoo of two hands clasping in a prayer position holding prayer beads. The incident takes place at Mya Yeik Nyo hotel in Rangoon. (DVB)
19 November 2007
Monks are banned from entering Rangoon unless they have proper recommendations that they need medical treatment. About 50 monks from Arakan were turned back, says a monk who recently returned from Rangoon. (Independent Mon News Agency)
20 November 2007
Authorities have refused to release Kyaw Min Thu, 14, of South Dagon township, who was forced to join the Burma Army on 14 September. The case has now been filed with the ILO and ICRC.
(DVB)
21 November 2007
Norwegian Burma Committee(NBC) sends letter to All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) saying it cannot continue to support its activities due to its decision “to be involved in military action and attack.” It follows ABSDF statement on 4 October in which it declared its decision to conduct active military action against the military junta. (Irrawaddy)
22 November 2007
7 Days news journal forced to cover up its front page news story on UN special rapporteur Pinheiro’s visit by the censor board. (DVB)
Dr.
Cynthia Maung
22 November 2007
Taiwan Foundation for Democracy announces its 2007 Asian Democracy and Human Rights Award will go Dr. Cynthia Maung. (Taipei Times)
Environment
Anakin
23 November 2007
A rare vulture called Anakin set free in northern Thailand to fly back to Mongolia in April is believed to have been shot dead in Shan State, says Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua, a conservationist. A member of the Shan State Army had sent a photo of the vulture’s satellite transmitter and leg band. “The villager had never seen such a bird before and became curious and shot it,” he explains. (BP)
23 November 2007
China Gezhouba Water and Power Group recently awarded a 51% shareholding in the planned $ 6 billion hydroelectricity dam project at Tasang on the Salween.
Gezhouba was the leading developer of the Three Gorges Gam on the Yangze, which is facing trouble due to collapsing shorelines, water-poisoning algae infestations and other calamities due to the size of the project. (Irrawaddy)
War
19 November 2007
Police chief of Yunnan meets his Burmese counterpart Khin Yee in Jiegao, opposite Muse. Khin Yee reportedly receives equipment for detecting explosives and mines to be used at Pyinmana capital. (DVB)
Drugs
16 November 2007
Thailand’s Supreme Court acquits Laota Saenli, “ former close aide” of the late Mong Tai Army leader Khun Sa, of drug trafficking on the grounds of insufficient evidence. (Bangkok Post) Former Khun Sa associates have denied he had ever been “an aide, let alone a close aide. He had formerly served with the Kuomintong.” (SHAN)
Week’s funnies
Military Education
The Wizard of Id knows his stuff
- ASEAN BOWS TO JUNTA!
- TIME FOR SHANS TO FOLLOW THE WA!
- JUNTA TURNS HEAT ON KIA!
Think Piece
Mr.Win
Tin“Will death be my release
As long as democracy and human rights are not within reach
I decline my release
I’m prepared to stay”
Win Tin, Burma’s longest serving political prisoner to Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, 15 November 2007
“The notion of a regional approach to resolving Burma is dead.”
A senior Asian diplomat, quoted by Michael Vatikiotis, Bangkok Post, 23 November 2007.
The World
17 November 2007
More than 3,500 people were confirmed to have died since Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh on 15 November. (AFP)
18 November 2007
97% of the world’s people speak only 4% of the world’s 6,000 or so living languages, which means that only 3% of the world’s people speak 96% of its languages. In 1992, the linguist Michael Krauss predicted that if nothing were done, 90% of the languages (1/3 of which are in Asia) would become extinct over the next hundred years.
- 50% are “moribund” = the languages is not being taught or learned by children of the language group
- 40% are “endangered” = the conditions exist that, if not changed, will result in the language not being passed on to the next generation
- 10% are “safe” = very large numbers of speakers and official state
support (Bangkok Post)
Asean Members
19-21 November 2007
Asean holds summit meeting in Singapore. (Agencies)
International Relations
Mr.Wang
Yi14-16 November 2007
Beijing’s special envoy, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi visits Burma. He meets 3 ministers: Kyaw Hsan, Nyan Win and Aung Kyi and Gen Than Shwe on 15 November. (Xinhua)
16 November 2007
Pinheiro says he will be filing his Burma trip report to the Human Rights Council on 11 December. (Bangkok Post)
16 November 2007
Predecessors
Gambari’s Pinheiro’s
• Alvaro de Soto •Sadako Ogata
• Razali Ismail • Yozo Yokota
• Rajsoomer Lallah
(Asia Times)
18 November 2007
Asean rejects US Senate call to suspend Burma. (AP)
19 November 2007
Burma gives its full backing to Asean charter that will create an agency to review the regime’s human rights after drafters took out references to punishing violators. (AP)
19 November 2007
European Union adopts sanctions against 1,207 firms in Burma and expands visa bans and asset freezes on the country’s military rulers. (Reuters)
19 November 2007
Aung San Suu Kyi meets Aung Kyi for the third time. No details given. The meeting may have been timed to deflect criticism at the annual Asean get-together, say some observers. (Reuters)
President
Gloria Arroyo19 November 2007
President Gloria Arroyo tells Asean leaders for the charter to be binding, it must be ratified by her country’s Congress which will refuse to do so unless Burma frees Suu Kyi and agrees to implement democratic reforms. (The Australian)
Mr.Ong
Keng Yong20 November 2007
UN envoy Gambari’s planned address to Asean leaders tomorrow canceled. He is however allowed to hold private meetings with leaders to brief them on his negotiation with the junta. Asean Secretary General Ong Keng Yong denies the grouping is bowing to Burma. “We live to fight another day,” he says. (AP)
20 November 2007
Asean becomes official governmental body as it passes on governing charter that will
- promote democracy, rule of law, good governance, protection of human rights, non-aggression and to reject unconstitutional regime change
- create a regional human rights body
- prohibit nuclear weapons, ban all weapons of mass destruction and interference by foreign powers
All these seem to be undermined by the group’s reaffirmation of non-interference in domestic affairs principle. (Irrawaddy) Asean given the ruling junta carte blanche to do as they like, says Debbie Stodhart of Alternative Asean. (DPA)
20 November 2007
Solidarity for Asean People’s Advocacies (SAPA) meeting in Singapore where the annual Asean summit is held says
- Elements in the international human rights law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are absent in the Asean Charter
- The legitimacy of Asean is in question as it is refusing to listen to the voices of the people
20 November 2007
40 Burmese residents of Singapore hold 15 minutes protest to what they say is an inadequate response to the crisis in Burma by Asean. (AFP)
20 November 2007
FM Masahito Komura, meeting counterpart Nyan Win, expresses dissatisfaction over Burma’s failure to fully account for the fatal shooting of journalist Kenji Nagai in September. (Japan Economic Newswire)
Thein
Sein20 November 2007
Indian PM, meeting his counterpart Thein Sein in Singapore, prods Burma to cede ground to pro-democracy forces. The reform process should be broadbased, he says. (AFP)
20 November 2007
UN passes two non-binding resolutions on Burma: condemnation of the violent crackdown on civilians and monks in September and call for an immediate end to human rights violations and the release of all political prisoners.
First resolution
In favor - 88 countries
Against - 24 countries (China, India, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia)
Abstain - 66 countries (Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand)
Absent - 14 countries (Cambodia)
Second resolution
In favor - 97 countries
Against - 23 countries
Abstain - 60 countries
Negative language in the text, says Non-Aligned Movement countries, would only serve to hinder the chances for dialogue and reconciliation. All 10 Asean countries are members of the 119 member NAM. (10/Mizzima)
New
Zealand PM Helen Clark21 November 2007
New Zealand PM Helen Clark says the reason Mr. Gambari has had access and continues to have access in Burma is because China has made absolutely clear its expectation that he should and will have access.( New Zealand Herald)
21 November 2007
Philippines FM Alberto Romulo says according to Gambari there has been “some forward movement”. (AP)
22 November 2007
Chin and Mon leaders welcome comments by Indian PM calling for ethnic parties to be involved in dialogue in Burma. Manmohan Singh had mentioned it in his meeting with PM Thein Sein in Singapore, according to Singh’s spokesman. (DVB)
22 November 2007
Asean and EU leaders endorse a 5 years plan to enhance security and trade ties and urge Burma’s military junta to speed up democratic reforms and release Suu Kyi. (AP)
Thai-Burma Relations
18 November 2007
Owners of a corn farm in Maesod, Prayoon Wiradet, 38, and Somboon Pengin, 33, arrested. Those are alleged to have killed and burned 5 Burmese migrant workers who had allegedly stolen corn. (Bangkok Post)
21 November 2007
Saengmuang Mangkorn, coordinator of the Chiangmai based Migrant Action Programme (MAP) says a man claiming to represent The Third Army called up two stations in Fang and Chom Thong and ordered them to stop broadcasting citing security reasons. The station in Chiangmai which broadcasts in Shan on FM 99 MHz had also been warned though the programme content focuses on health and law issues. (BP)
Politics/ Inside Burma
15 November 2007
53 prisoners including 6 political activists freed. “Most were criminals,” says NLD laywer Aung Thein. (AFP)
15 November 2007
Venerable U Sanda Wara beaten and taken away when junta official and supporters raid Aung Dhamma Pala monastery in New Dagon township. (DVB)
16 November 2007
At least 15 people died in Rangoon during the crackdown, says UN envoy Paulo Sergio Pinheiro. (AP)
16 November 2007
Dhamma VCDs by two well-known monks banned in Burma:
- U Kawvida, abbot of Mizzima Gonyee, Rangoon, “Ajatasattu”
- U Nyanithara, Thidagu abbot, Myingyan, “The Way of Dumb People” (on people who are guided by numerology and astrology”) and “The end of a king”
17 November 2007
Speech reported in junta media today says Gen Than Shwe sees his roadmap as the only way to “smooth transition towards a new state.” (Reuters)
17 November 2007
Night raids in Myitkyina and Bhamo to confiscate Chinese wireless landline phones. Homes of KIO officials included. (Kachin News Group)
18 November 2007
So far the Peace and Democracy Front (PDF) made up of Wa, Kokang and Mongla and the KIO have yet to issue statements as demanded by Pyinmana. Only New Mon State Party has on 16 November issued a statement opposing junta’s move to pressure ceasefire groups to its will. Main points in the so called statements issued by other ceasefire groups coincide with the 5 resolutions taken at the USDA conference, 12-16 November. (NDD)
18 November 2007
The All Burma Monks Alliance releases a statement saying they will continue to boycott the regime. It also welcomes formation of the International Burmese Monks Organization in the US on 28 October. (DVB)
19 November 2007
The New Light of Myanmar says there is “no reason to hold further discussions with any person or any organization except at the National Convention.” The junta wrapped up the Convention on 3 September. (Irrawaddy/SHAN)
19 November 2007
Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) estimates around 100 protesters, including about 10 monks, were killed in September. (Irrawaddy)
20 November 2007
1 NLD member, MP Myint Naing and 3 CRPP member, Aye Tha Aung, Soe Win and Pu Cin Siang Thang, taken from their homes for questioning. Aye The Aung allowed to return home. (DVB) Others also taken for interrogation include Nai Ngwe Thein, Ohn Tin and Khun Htoo. (Irrawaddy)
21 November 2007
Authorities stop all vehicles from entering the KIA controlled town of Laiza. (Mizzima)
22 November 2007
Burma’s Army’s Light Infantry Battalion 241 raids KIA regional command office near Laiza and detains Commander Zau San and his deputy Zau Gawng. The highway to Laiza in the meantime has been reopened. (Mizzima)
23 November 2007
The Monk Representative Association has called on student monks not to take part in their annual examination in March. The boycott has already taken effect in many cities where most student monks have left to return home. (DVB)
Shans/ Shan State
18 November 2007
The Shan State Nationalities Peoples Liberation Organization (SNPLO) faction that recently returned to the armed struggle today changes its name to PaO National Liberation Organization (PNLO). Another PaO Group, PaO People’s Liberation Organization (PPLO) is led by Khun Okker. (Kantarawaddy Times)
Shan
activist Charm Tong20 November 2007
Asean should be ashamed of itself because it had “passed on the burden of dealing with Burma to the UN’, says Shan activist Charm Tong in Singapore. (SAPA statement)
20 November 2007
Chiangmai Shans hold 100th day merit-making for Shan leader who died on 13 August. (SHAN)
Economy/ Business
Tycoon
Tayza20 November 2007
Tycoon Tayza has grabbed control of Phakant jade mining areas. Mining companies have to pay K80-3,000 million ($60,000-226,000) per one-acre block to him to be allowed to work there. (Kachin News Group)
23 November 2007
U Htay Myint’s Yuzana Company recently awarded a contract to redevelop a 120-mile stretch of the 1,000 mile Stilwell Road. (Irrawaddy)
Human Rights
17 November 2007
During a forced pro-junta rallies in Monywa, some ethnic Burmese were forced to wear clothes identifying them as members of local ethnic minorities. (Asean News)
18 November 2007
Rapper G-Tone arrested after he showed a religious tattoo of two hands clasping in a prayer position holding prayer beads. The incident takes place at Mya Yeik Nyo hotel in Rangoon. (DVB)
19 November 2007
Monks are banned from entering Rangoon unless they have proper recommendations that they need medical treatment. About 50 monks from Arakan were turned back, says a monk who recently returned from Rangoon. (Independent Mon News Agency)
20 November 2007
Authorities have refused to release Kyaw Min Thu, 14, of South Dagon township, who was forced to join the Burma Army on 14 September. The case has now been filed with the ILO and ICRC.
(DVB)
21 November 2007
Norwegian Burma Committee(NBC) sends letter to All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) saying it cannot continue to support its activities due to its decision “to be involved in military action and attack.” It follows ABSDF statement on 4 October in which it declared its decision to conduct active military action against the military junta. (Irrawaddy)
22 November 2007
7 Days news journal forced to cover up its front page news story on UN special rapporteur Pinheiro’s visit by the censor board. (DVB)
Dr.
Cynthia Maung22 November 2007
Taiwan Foundation for Democracy announces its 2007 Asian Democracy and Human Rights Award will go Dr. Cynthia Maung. (Taipei Times)
Environment
Anakin23 November 2007
A rare vulture called Anakin set free in northern Thailand to fly back to Mongolia in April is believed to have been shot dead in Shan State, says Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua, a conservationist. A member of the Shan State Army had sent a photo of the vulture’s satellite transmitter and leg band. “The villager had never seen such a bird before and became curious and shot it,” he explains. (BP)
23 November 2007
China Gezhouba Water and Power Group recently awarded a 51% shareholding in the planned $ 6 billion hydroelectricity dam project at Tasang on the Salween.
Gezhouba was the leading developer of the Three Gorges Gam on the Yangze, which is facing trouble due to collapsing shorelines, water-poisoning algae infestations and other calamities due to the size of the project. (Irrawaddy)
War
19 November 2007
Police chief of Yunnan meets his Burmese counterpart Khin Yee in Jiegao, opposite Muse. Khin Yee reportedly receives equipment for detecting explosives and mines to be used at Pyinmana capital. (DVB)
Drugs
16 November 2007
Thailand’s Supreme Court acquits Laota Saenli, “ former close aide” of the late Mong Tai Army leader Khun Sa, of drug trafficking on the grounds of insufficient evidence. (Bangkok Post) Former Khun Sa associates have denied he had ever been “an aide, let alone a close aide. He had formerly served with the Kuomintong.” (SHAN)
Week’s funnies
Military Education
The Wizard of Id knows his stuff
Locals facing less opium output impact
