KAO WAO NEWS No. 9

 

An electronic newsletter for social justice and freedom in Burma

January 25 - February 5

 

 

READERS’ FRONT

MON MEDIA UNDER PRESSURE

UNLD CONGRATULATES KAREN RESISTANCE DAY

MONS GATHER AT ABBOT’S CREMATION

THAI CRACKDOWN ON MIGRANTS

MIGRANT WORKERS UNDER THREAT OF THAI MAFIA

55TH MON NATIONAL DAY IN THE WORKS

THAI YOUTH: PRISONERS OR VICTIMS

ETHNIC YOUTHS GAIN EXPERIENCE IN WORKSHOP

THAI DEFEATS MYANMAR AT ASEAN YOUTH SOCCER

 

 

READERS’ FRONT

 

Dear Readers,

We invite comments and suggestions on improvements to Kao-Wao newsletter. With your help, we hope that Kao-Wao News will continue to grow to serve better the needs of those seeking social justice in Burma and Thailand. And we hope that it will become an important forum for discussion and debate and help readers to keep abreast of issues and news. Above all, we hope the newsletter will be used as a vehicle for those who want to share their views and experiences.

 

We reserve the right to edit and reject articles without prior notification. You can use a pseudonym but we encourage you to include your full name and address.

 

Regards,

Editor kaowao@hotmail.com

 

 

Dear Kao Wao,

Thank you for sending me your newspaper. Have you seen the movie "Enemy at the Gates?" It shows how an army reporter wrote about one of their army snipers and gradually made him into such a popular hero that the enemy became very afraid of him.  The point is that as newspaper reporters, you can make a tremendous contribution towards the Struggle for Freedom and helping to relieve the suffering of all the Peoples.  I wish you all the best in your efforts.

 

Sincerely,

CPT (Dr.) Law Camp Monteith, Gjilane City, Kosova

 

 

Dear Editors,

I would like to inform you that I am a sufferer of this military regime. I have been pursuing the United Nations regarding compensation for business and property confiscated by Military Regime of Burma.  I studied in Rangoon at a school that was later nationalized by the then Socialist Government. We were compelled to leave Burma as Refugees by the courtesy of Government of India.

 

In the absence of an educational certificate (not provided by Education Authority in Burma), I could not obtain a small job. Anyway, by the grace of God, after a lot of struggle, today, we are established ourselves to a certain level and are earning sufficient for our worldly needs. We could not find time to get in touch with U.N. for any assistance [for] the agonies we have faced and the compensation for their wrong deeds [military dictatorship] and the properties taken over forcibly.

 

With kindest regards,

Unquote

 

 

MON MEDIA UNDER PRESSURE

(Kao-Wao, Bangkok, January 30, 2002)

 

Khao-Sarn News, a Thai language Newsletter, published by the Mon Information Service (Bangkok) received a letter from a top leader of the New Mon State Party on January 18 regarding a front-page article "Situation of Mon Revolutionary Forces" distributed in the December 2001 issue.  In the letter, Nai Hong Sar, the Joint-Secretary General of the NMSP, claimed the article was completely fabricated, based on mistaken facts and falsehoods. The article reported that he resented Colonel Pan Night, the leader of the breakaway army and appealed to the KNU to take immediate action against the splinter group.

 

In a similar matter last year, another Mon language Newsletter was warned for its report about the NMSP Conference, claiming serious internal conflict about the election of leaders. Since 1993, Mon media groups have emerged to keep people informed about the situation in Monland. In enjoying freedom of press and expression, the media sometimes is too eager in writing stories and can at times be biased from the original facts, lately it has been indulging in conspiracy theories.  To avoid misinformation and to encourage cooperation among the media groups, the formation of a "Mon Media Club" was suggested between the New Mon State Party and the Mon Unity League at the National Day meeting in February 2001 but as of yet the initiative has been put on hold.

 

On January 8, 2002, a gathering of activists from the Mon community urged MUL to continue its lobbying mission between the New Mon State Party and the Hongsawatoi Restoration Party led by Col. Pan Nyunt.  The meeting advised the negotiating mission to keep the public informed on a non-partisan basis and to provide an unbiased, accurate report on either side of the conflict. Accordingly, the General Secretary of the MUL, Sunthorn Sripanngern, advised its member organization, the Mon Information Service, about reporting misinformation, as was done in the case about Nai Hong Sar.  In the article, it stated that Nai Hong Sar himself went alone to negotiate with Col. Pan Nyunt.  However, initially, the NMSP sent a delegation comprised of Secretary General Nai Rotsa, Nai Hong Sar and Nai AungMin to negotiate with the break away leader after the split.

 

The SPDC has relentlessly marginalized the cease-fire groups and the NMSP faces a difficult dilemma in upholding its political image among the Mon public.  “We welcome debate from the public but it has to be in the right direction. The people are frustrated by military suppression and are at the same time dissatisfied with the New Mon State Party, some accuse the leaders as betrayers of the movement,” said a Mon observer in Bangkok.

 

Nai Hong Sar is a key player in the New Mon State Party and was dismissed from the Joint Secretary position because of his strong support for the democratic movement, as was demonstrated by his signing the historic Mae TharawTha agreement in 1997.  He was the President of the Mon Unity League but resigned his position after the NMSP withdrew from MUL in 1998.  In his letter to the Editor, Nai Hong Sar, argued that civilized and responsible journalists, using their privilege of freedom to write, do not normally report against people with a good reputation, or write mistaken facts, falsehoods and one-sided conclusions.

 

 

UNLD CONGRATULATES KAREN RESISTANCE DAY

(Kao-Wao, January 31, 2002)

 

The United Nationalities League for Democracy (Liberated Area) sent a message to honour the 53rd Anniversary of the Karen National Resistance Day on January 31, 2002.  The UNLD was established in 1989 as an umbrella organization for the non-Burman nationalities in Burma.  In the message sent to the Karen leaders, the UNLD expressed its confidence of solidarity with the Karen people in the struggle for self-determination and the future Federal Union.

 

The Karen National Union celebrated the resistance day at the liberated area near Thailand’s border where villagers, freedom fighters and foreigners attended in the border camp opposite Tak province. The KNU called for renewed commitment to solidarity and the struggle for self-determination. The KNU President, Padoe Ba Thin Sein, said talks between the ruling State Peace and Development Council and the National League for Democracy must include the ethnic groups in a tripartite dialogue for a genuine federal system to be successful.

 

The celebration included Karen dancing, musical performances and military parade.  The Resistance day commemorates the beginning of the Karen armed struggle against the Burmese government on January 31, 1949.  Karen has begun its armed struggle for an autonomous state since 1949, but suffered a major setback in 1994 when a group of disaffected Buddhist Karen left the KNU and formed the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). In early 1995, the Burmese Army captured Manerplaw, the KNU's largest base but the struggle continues and remains closely with other democratic forces.

 

 

MONS GATHERED AT ABBOT’S CREMATION

(Kao-Wao, Bangkok, February 4, 2002)

 

The Cremation ceremony for the abbot of Wat Sudhamwadee, Rev. Ajar Oin was held at Bangkadee from February 1 to 3.  Thousands of Mons from various areas gathered at the Mon village near Bangkok to pay their respects, the abbot was known for his contribution to preserving Mon literature.

 

Gen. Chetha Thanajaro, Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Chief of Thai Army, New Mon State Party Joint Secretary, Nai Hong Sar and, community leaders attended the ceremony which was carried out in true Mon traditional style with the abbot’s body ritually placed in a beautifully designed Prasard built with Mon architectural style.  The cremation ceremony was presided over three hundred monks from various monasteries including the most senior Mon monk and well respected by the Royal authorities, Rev Uttama of Wangka-vivaykarram from the Thai-Burma border.

 

Abbot Weindhasara known as Ajar Oin, 59, suffered from congestion in the chest and passed away on (12.9.2001). The Abbot who lived at Wat Sudhamwadee about 14 years received “Sarsana Dhaza Dhamasariya” title in Burma.

 

Devotees joined to donate authentic Mon food quid of betel, glutinous rice cakes, noodles and beverage at the memorial service.  Thai traditional foods and other twenty kinds were served in pavilions.   Three traditional dance groups teamed with sixty from Weangka village, fifty-two from Maharchai and fifty from Takoh Khabue (Pak Nam) performed during the 3-day ceremony.  It is said the dancers from Maharchai had been rehearsing for months for a special event like this.

 

 

Migrant Watch

 

THAI CRACKDOWN ON MIGRANTS

(Cited from Bangkok Post, February 3, 2002)

 

Pol Lt-Gen Charnvut Watcharabukka, commissioner responsible for the Illegal Labour Suppression Centre, says there are over one million workers not registered and working illegally in Thailand.  He is optimistic that 36,000 of these people will be caught and sent back home within a short period of time. Starting February 10 to June 10, 2002, Thai authorities will again, after a short relapse, commence their annual campaign of repatriating undocumented (illegal) workers back to neighbouring countries, which includes Burma, targeting nine provinces; Tak, Ranong, Phuket, Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Samut Prakan and Sa Kaeo. Thailand has requested neighbours to set up holding center (camps) for these people who will be preventing from leaving the country again.

 

 

MIGRANT WORKERS UNDER THREAT OF THAI MAFIA AT THE BORDER

(By Sanin Bop, Bangkok / Hatyai)

 

Mon migrant workers in Malaysia experience unexpected discrimination by the Thai Mafia in Southern Thailand between Malaysia and Thai border.  Mon workers in Malaysia face an uncertain future, as they are unable to find shelter and employment in the construction sector, in many situations they must use what little money they have to pay bribes to both the Malaysian and Thai police.  The Mafia and local police work side by side in abusing the law.

 

It is fair to say that undocumented (illegal) migrants break the law and order of respected countries but governments should adopt a moral duty not to leave them in the hands of the Mafia (traffickers).  The rights of the employed are not credited to migrant workers in foreign countries because they do not hold a valid document for legal entry.  However, at the same time countries have benefited greatly by importing cheap labour.  There is growing doubt in the claim that ‘Asian Values” will promote democracy in the region, as stated repeatedly by Asian leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohammed.

 

According to several sources, a number of deported Mon migrant workers from Malaysia have been transferred recently to the Thai Mafia in the Southern border for 50.00 Rupee each. The local Mafia charges 200.00 Rupee to deported migrants for their release from unlawful arrest.  No migrant worker is freed unless he/she pays the amount demanded by the Mafia.  Migrants who have close friends are able to borrow money for their release, while others who are not so lucky are transferred to work for fishing contractors in exchange for 'Money and Employee' without pay.  In other words, they are sold to brokers who are hunting for workers in the fishing industry. Migrants transferred to work on commercial fishing boats must remain until they cover their debt, otherwise they will not escape from this nightmare. If they attempt to escape to freedom they risk being shot dead, the interviewee said.

 

Distressing stories like these go unheard. When arrested, the Malaysian police will keep all personal properties and return original properties to deported migrants, but when transferred to the local Mafia, all expensive properties will be confiscated and not returned.

 

According to an interviewee, "many brokers do not heed to their obligations when they bring migrant workers to other countries'.  Migrant workers have no other opportunity for income; they leave their families in Burma and send much needed cash back home to the family for survival.  Although most say “life is better here than in Burma” they work hard for small wages and pay a high price for it, some have to sleep in the bush at night.  Many work in the plantation fields or in the agriculture sector and earn only about 550.00 Rupee per month, with most expenses going toward bribes and safety as they live under the threat of both the Mafia and police.

 

 

55TH MON NATIONAL DAY IN THE WORKS

(Kao-Wao in Monland, Bangkok January 31)

 

The Mon Communities in Thailand held a meeting on January 26 for the 55th Anniversary of the Mon National Day, which will fall on February 28 of this calendar lunar year.  The meeting was co-organized to plan for the upcoming event and set up by Thai Mons, Mon National Organization of Thailand and Bangkok based Mon Youth Community.  The celebration will take place at Bangyaphraek, Samutsarkhon Province, 36 km south-west of Bangkok.  The organizing committee printed off 600 T-shirts, designed with colorful emblems for distribution and is available for 150 Baht. Many have been sold to Mons in Maharchai and Bangkok.

 

The New Mon State Party will also celebrate the event with a military parade, sports and literacy competition, cultural performances, including dance and music, and political statements.  The Mon people will celebrate in many places and everyone will participate despite tension created by the splinter group that has shaken both the Mon community and the NMSP. The Mon Community in Canada will also join in on the first weekend of March in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary as in previous years. The MCC urged the international Mon organizations to draft a National Day joint-statement about the development of many issues within the community.

 

 

Case Study: Burma’s Future?

 

THAI YOUTH: PRISONERS OR VICTIMS

(By Lita Davidson in Thailand)

 

Pattaya City, located in Chon Buri province, caters to over 2 million visitors per year, making it the tourist Mecca of Thailand. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, Jomtien beach offers an exotic setting for luxury resorts, bungalows, and golf courses. Hotels are named the “Charming Inn”, “Paradise”, the “Honey Lodge”, now beauty and health spas are the trend. People come to explore popular entertainment venues, such as “Tiffany’s Transvestite Cabaret Show” or watch rounds of Thai boxing. But many come only for the nightlife, the flip side of the tourist industry.  Customers can choose from a variety of prostitutes, the activity is very much like deciding what Thai food to have, though selection is done with a smile or a glance, not a point of the finger.

 

Sex workers work out of the open bars and in strip clubs where customers pay a bar fine to the establishment for removing the worker(s), which can range anywhere from 100-300 Baht per head and customers can hold their companion(s) for days so long as the workers return to pay the bar fine daily.  Workers are then paid an unfixed fee after completion of services. A common attitude among Thai sex workers is that they are not concerned with morality; the most important thing is having a job.  On “Walking Street”, a wide boulevard of sleazy clubs, there is one club called BOYS, BOYS, BOYS that illustrates this way of thinking. The club, owned by a Scottish businessman, has a stage set up in the middle around which patrons sit and mirrors are placed at 360 degrees so the young men can gaze at themselves while dancing in front of the audience. Mostly men go there, but women are welcome too.

 

All clubs have street hawkers outside shouting to passersby the show’s highlights. Like one group of young women dressed in Thai schoolgirl’s uniforms, holding signs announcing, “Don’t miss tonight’s feature of 12 beautiful, but 2 are ugly dancers, show.” Many tourists are Europeans, mostly German, who stroll along the center of the street with their families. All visitors must enjoy viewing the contradictions of Thai society; ironically, some may experience a sort of human pathos in a Buddhist society. Is this what the future has in store for the youth of Burma?

 

 

NATIONALITIES YOUTHS GAIN EXPERIENCE IN WORKSHOP

(Kao-Wao, Chiang Mai, February 2, 2002)

 

The closing ceremony of Workshop-2 for ethnic nationalities youths was held in Chiang Mai on February 2, 2002.  Present at the farewell ceremony were guests, 19 ethnic youths who completed the workshop and nationalities leaders from Shan, Chin, Mon and Palaung.  The workshop was organized by the Nationalities Youth Development Program (NYDP) and lasted from January 27 to February 2.  The trainees from Pa-O, Karenni, Karen, Kachin, Lahu, Wa and Shan learned about and discussed a variety of topics that included self-determination, human rights, national reconciliation, different perspectives on multiculturalism, gender equality and women rights.  The trainers came from a wide range of backgrounds including NYDP, NCUB, National Reconciliation Program, Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact, and Burma Relief Centre, all were pleased with the program’s success.

 

NYPD was founded in 1999 by non-Burman ethnic youths to build solidarity among all ethnic nationalities in Burma.  Last September 2001, the NYDP organized a Nationalities Youth Seminar at the Thai-Burma border and formed the umbrella front, United Nationalities Youth League to establish networking among diverse ethic youths.

 

 

THAI DEFEATS MYANMAR AT ASEAN YOUTH SOCCER

(Kao-Wao, Bangkok, February 3, 2002)

 

Thailand and Burma battled it out in the final of the first Asean Youth soccer competition in Bangkok. Held at the Thai Japanese stadium, the teams entered the tournament in the round-robin stage and drew 1-1, but at the final competition Thailand wiped out Burma 4-0.  Enthusiastic crowd of 10,000 watched the final game at the stadium where there was nearly a fight between Thai and Burmese players in the second half.  Laos finished Third after beating Vietnam 2-1 in the third place playoff.

 

Burma together with South Korea at one point back in 1960s and the early 1970s was one of the best teams in Asia after Japan, under military rule, sports of all categories were dealt a serious blow from maintaining its competitive edge as Asian’s champions.

 

 

KAO WAO NEWS GROUP

kaowao@hotmail.com