Myanmar 20240813: Predictable, Regressed, Foreboding
Myanmar 20240813: Predictable, Regressed, Foreboding
Mekong Memo Myanmar Weekly: Business, politics, finance, trade & legal news.
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Headlines:
Junta Releases Japanese Executive
Border Closures Spark Food Shortages
Rebels Capture Military Posts in Mandalay
Junta Skeptical of Thai Election Support
Power Plant Suspends Operations
China Appoints New Ambassador
Myanmar Businesses Expand to Thailand
Rohingya Face Ongoing Violence
Junta Leader Addresses Security Situation
Anti-China Sentiment Rises After Military Losses
Junta Releases Japanese Executive
Hiroshi Kasamatsu, merchandise division chief of Aeon Orange Co., has been released from detention. The Japanese supermarket executive was held since June 30 for allegedly violating rice pricing rules under the military government.
Read more: Kyodo News (Release), Firstpost (Details)
Border Closures Spark Food Shortages
Residents in western Myanmar are facing food and fuel shortages due to closed border crossings with India. The closures, blamed on fighting and efforts to curb the trade of illegal goods, have disrupted trade in Chin state, western Sagaing region, and northern Rakhine state. Supplies of rice, cooking oil, salt, fuel, and medicine are dwindling, with prices surging.
Read more: Radio Free Asia
Rebels Capture Military Posts in Mandalay
Rebel forces have captured nine junta army posts in the Mandalay region, opening a new front in the conflict. The Mandalay People's Defense Force seized positions in Thabeikkyin township and launched offensives in three other townships. Fighting has forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, with air strikes reported in some areas.
Read more: Radio Free Asia
Junta Skeptical of Thai Election Support
The military regime is skeptical of potential Thai assistance for a census and future election. Opponents of military rule have criticized the possibility, arguing that a vote would be meaningless with pro-democracy politicians jailed. The junta has promised elections but has not set a date, citing security concerns in some areas.
Read more: Radio Free Asia
Power Plant Suspends Operations
Sembcorp Industries has temporarily suspended operations at its Myingyan Independent Power Plant in Mandalay due to civil unrest. The 225-megawatt gas-fired power plant's closure comes as the military government extended the state of emergency by six months in July. The company says it will resume operations “when conditions are safe.”
Read more: Bangkok Post
China Appoints New Ambassador
China has named Ma Jia as its new ambassador to Myanmar, succeeding Chen Hai. The 56-year-old diplomat previously served at the Chinese Embassy in Yangon from 1995 to 1998. Her appointment comes as China continues to walk a fine line in the country and works towards brokering talks between the military regime and ethnic armed groups.
Read more: The Irrawaddy
Myanmar Businesses Expand to Thailand
A growing number of Myanmar businesses are setting up shops and restaurants in Thailand to serve the increasing population of migrants and refugees. Dozens of business footholds have been established in the past three months, thanks to economic instability in Myanmar and a growing customer base in Thailand. The expansion is indicative of the worsening business conditions and declining purchasing power in Myanmar.
Read more: Nikkei Asia
Rohingya Face Ongoing Violence
The Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority in Myanmar, continue to face violence as fighting in Rakhine state continues. Recent clashes have resulted in civilian casualties, with the Rohingya particularly vulnerable due to their lack of citizenship and restricted movements. A good explainer of the violence directed towards this vulnerable community.
Read more: Radio Free Asia
Junta Leader Addresses Security Situation
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech addressing the country's security situation, acknowledging territorial losses and technological advances by rebel forces. He blamed foreign countries for prolonging the conflict and claimed that arms factories on the China-Myanmar border were supplying weapons to opposition groups. The speech was revelatory of the regime's growing concerns about its ability to maintain control.
Read more: The Irrawaddy
Anti-China Sentiment Rises After Military Losses
The junta regime has amplified nationalist and anti-China sentiment following the loss of its Northeastern Command in northern Shan State. Junta-backed rallies have been organized in major cities, with protesters raising banners and singing patriotic songs. The regime has indirectly blamed China for supporting armed groups, increasing tensions between the two countries.
Read more: The Irrawaddy
That’s it for this week… THANK YOU.
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