KAO WAO NEWS No. 12

 

An electronic newsletter for social justice and freedom in Burma

February 27- March 9

 

 

GENERAL DIGS UNDERGROUND

LETTER CAMPAIGN TO UNITE MON ARMED FORCES

NO FORCED LABOUR BUT FORCED CULTIVATION

HALOCKANEE VILLAGERS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

MON NATIONAL DAY ON THE SIDELINES

MON SPIRIT IN NORTHERN THAILAND

NATIONAL DAY IN MAHACHAI AND OVERSEAS

FINN MON CELEBRATION

MON DAY IN NORTH AMERICA

HELL’S GATE SWINGS WIDE OPEN TO MIGRANTS

HONEY MON WORKERS ARRESTED

TRAFFICKING TRAGEDY

READERS’ FRONT

THAILAND YEARS BEHIND IN HUMAN RIGHTS

 

 

GENERAL DIGS UNDERGROUND

(Kao-Wao, Three Pagodas Pass, March 7, 2002)

 

General Than Shwe, the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council has built an underground shelter in the compound of Kone-Myint-Tha, at the Yangon Military Command headquarters, near the capital city of Burma.

 

The General is concerned about an imminent US led foreign invasion. The elaborate bunker has 32 rooms and extends 4 stories down.  The cost for the building is not known or what the layout is like and who will occupy it if it is ever used.  The City Hotel which is located at the corner of Kabar Aye Road and Pyi(Prome) Road, 8 Mile area, was ordered to close down by army officers due to its strategic location to the new hideaway shelter.

 

The NDD (Network for Democracy and Development) reported that the Burma Army recently issued a handbook on preparations for military action called: "Manual of Peoples Militia Practice", deemed a secret document with limited publication.  It outlined “Grand Strategy of Peoples Militia” as an emergency preparation kit for the civilian population explaining what to do when the super power country (USA) invades the country.  All members of government organized NGOs such as USDA (Union Solidarity and Development Association), Fire Fighters and Myanmar Red Cross are being alerted and lectured about the possibility of a foreign invasion.

 

According to William Ashton, a freelance writer specializing in Southeast Asian security issues, the junta has long been afraid the US or a multi-national coalition, led by the United Nations, will invade the country and restore democracy under someone like Aung San Suu Kyi.  The worldwide campaigns in Iraq, Kosovo and elsewhere have brought home to the Tatmadaw (Army) leadership of the enormous power of modern warfare and the importance of having a strong air force to counter attacks.  The purchase of MiG-29 from Russia is seen as a way of winning back a degree of respect for Burma’s military power and enhancing its diplomatic influence.

 

 

LETTER CAMPAIGN TO UNITE MON ARMED FORCES

(Kao-Wao / Bangkok, March 2,2002)

 

Talks on reconciliation between two armed groups have yet to achieve positive results through MUL, compelling Mon youth groups to take up the challenge demanding an immediate end to the armed conflict between the New Mon State Party and the Hongsawatoi Restoration Party.

 

The letter issued on February 24, 2002 call on all Mon social and political organizations to write an open letter to leaders of the two Mon armed forces waging military operations against each other in a bid to leave behind national interests.  The letter campaign, facilitated by Nai Kasauh, Banya Hongsar and Nai Kun Yekkha, was sent out worldwide to Mon communities to apply pressure to the groups.

 

The campaigners assert that the NMSP and the HRP will never achieve their main principle of national unity and liberty while under armed conflict, which only serves to impede progress in the current political climate. The leaders on both sides are urged to respect public opinion and common sense irrespective of their personal opinions toward one another, unless the argument is relevant and accurate and in line with Mon unity.

 

It argued the community is finding it increasingly difficult to support both parties who are not willing or unable to solve their own personal and organizational conflicts. Mon youth believe the Mon community should be kept informed on political and social developments and be encouraged to share opinions regarding the military operations and the political campaign to achieve Mon national autonomy in Burma.  The youth believe there is no way out unless the leaders decide to talk openly, critics claim leaders on both sides underestimate or do not understand the role of the Burmese armed forces if separate mandates are promoted by HRP and NMSP.

 

 

NO FORCED LABOUR BUT FORCED CULTIVATION

(Kao-Wao, Monland, March 8, 2002)

 

Farmers of Durae and KowDut villages, Ye Township of southern Mon State are forced to cultivate rice by the local authorities, a refugee farmer recently reported to Kao-Wao.  The local army unit and Township Peace and Development Council ordered farmers who have land near streams to expand production and work harder to reach the government economy targets.

 

The farmers, who normally just grow rice during the wet season, are being forced to increase production through the summer paddy cultivation project over the dry season.  Nai Shein, a recent arrival to the Thai-Burma border, said military officers ordered farmers to cultivate according to the quota set by the authorities, where farms located near to streams can utilize water for irrigation, they make a small dam and use pumps to direct water into the rice fields.  Mon farmers in the area are reluctant to grow paddy during the dry season because it takes up too much of their time and no money will ever be made from this type of project.

 

Farmers are forced to attend meetings to show senior officers making tours of the country that they are willing to work for the development project. The military and township officers however use the farmers to acquire subsidized gas intended for the pumps to irrigate the fields, the officers then use the gas to sell on the black market to make themselves a profit. Farmers in turn have to buy back the fuel from the black market at a higher price, explained Nai Shein. He also added that he was impressed with the resolution of ILO which reduced forced labour in the village, however, military men have decided to use forced rice cultivation instead to make some quick cash.

 

The SPDC buys paddy from the farmers at a low price for export and distribution to the army and the civil servants.  According to Kao-Wao reporter in Mon State, the authorities comprised of Peace and Development Council, Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), local Police Force and Militia (PyiThuSit) are teaming up to hound farmers to collect paddy targeted for the government's distribution quota.

 

 

Refugee Alert

 

HALOCKANEE VILLAGERS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

(Kao-Wao / Sangkhlaburi, March 5, 2002)

 

While Mon communities celebrated the annual Mon National Day worldwide in their respected venues, Mon armed groups continue to create havoc near 3 Pagodas Pass border town, Thailand-Burma border.

 

At Krein Htow and Kun Kyaik, west from the border town, the New Mon State Party suffered one dead on March 4, 2002 when the Hongsawatoi Restoration Party attacked their small fort in the early evening. There are no reports of causalities of HRP.  Prior to this on March 1, HRP entered Halockhanee refugee camp knowing of one home owned by NMSP member, Mon Kyaw Seik.  About 30 guerrillas poured gasoline on the house then set fire to it, the fire spread to the next house of Nai Nyan Tun destroying half of it. Both houses were unoccupied at the time.  One villager attempted to put the fire out but was beaten.

 

After the house burning incident at Halockhanee, refugee villagers decided to dig trenches for protection, they know that one day they will be caught in the line of fire between the NMSP and HRP. Villagers, who are able to do so, have decided to leave and go live somewhere else.

 

 

55TH ANNIVERSARY OF MON NATIONLA DAY WORLDWIDE

 

MON NATIONAL DAY ON THE SIDELINES

(Based on Mon communities and MUL, March 5, 2002)

 

The New Mon State Party held the 55th Anniversary of the Mon National Day at PhaLan, in Ye Township, while the Hongsawatoi Restoration Party modestly held the same ceremony at a new covert base in the jungle, southern Burma on February 28, 2002.

 

The Mon National Day of the New Mon State Party was celebrated in full uniform with a bright military parade, followed by speeches and National Day statements, cultural performances and sports activities.  In his National Day statement, the President of the NMSP, Nai Shwe Kyin urged the Mon to unite and strive for their national rights. According to the DVB radio, the 89-year-old party leader also said that the NMSP had issued an official statement regarding the ongoing reconciliation talks in Rangoon.

 

The worldwide Mon Communities in USA, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Australia and Thailand issued a joint statement in commemorating the auspicious day; demanded the national rights of the Mon whose freedom has lost since 1757. The four-day Mon National Affairs Seminar on the political, armed forces and State Constitution was conducted after the celebration at PhaLan.  Seventy delegates from various Mon groups attended the meeting, organized by the NMSP from March 2 to 8.

 

 

MON SPIRIT IN NORTHERN THAILAND

(MUL, February 28, 2002)

 

A group of local Thai Mon people of Tambon Nongdu, Lamphun Province in northern Thailand held a ceremony in front of the statue of Queen Chamma Thewi in the early morning of the 1st waning day of the 11th lunar month. Every year since the Queen's statue was established in 1982, they bring foods such as cakes, fruits as offering; they also entertain with traditional Mon dance, which takes place in front of the statue. Not far from the statue is one of the oldest chedis in Thailand reputed to built by Queen Chamma Thewi, and from her kingdom Wat Prathat Haribhunchai founded in 897 AD, a large important temple, (Mon) elements of which have been widely copied in Thailand.

 

Nai Boonmee Srisathittham, the Mon community leader in Nongdu village, said the former governor of Lamphun initiated this event. It is to honor Queen Chamma Thevi, who had ruled the Mon kingdom of Haribhunchai, 8th century AD, known today as Lamphun. The residents of Lamphun believe the spirit of the Queen continues to protect their city to ensure peace and prosperity. Songs have been written in her honour and sung by local Thais in different venues, it is widely believed that the women of Lamphun are strong willed and proud as a result of her influence.

 

 

NATIONAL DAY IN MAHACHAI AND OVERSEAS

(Kao-Wao, Samutsakhorn, February 28, 2002)

 

About 1500 Mon people merrily gathered for several hours of festivities at Wat Bangyaphreak, Samutsarkhorn Province, 36 km southwest of Bangkok.  Among the migrant workers, the gathering was composed of a diverse blend of groups, made up of Buddhist Monks, Mon Youth Community of Thailand (Thai-Mon), Mon Youth Liberty Organization, Mon National Democratic Front (LA), and a few overseas Mon from Canada and Australia.  The event was recorded then broadcasted later by the Radio Free Asia (Burmese Section) and Thai Radio Pacific.

 

The Abbot of the monastery and leaders of Thai Mon Community chaired the celebration.  Employers of migrant workers cut 500 B off for the one-day absentees who took time off to attend Mon National Day, reported a migrant worker who earns about 200 Baht per day. Many migrants however were happy to partake in the once-a-year event.  Mon women and men dressed in their traditional red and gold threaded sarongs that glittered in the noonday sun, dancers performed for onlookers, accompanied by Mon traditional dance, and pop singers including RaMarn rounded out the festivities with contemporary songs.

 

On the same day, the Mon migrant community in Hatyai and Ayudhaya Provinces gathered to partake in similar events to commemorate the special occasion. The migrant Mon community in Malaysia also celebrated the special day in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

 

 

FINN MON CELEBRATION

(Helsinki, February 28, 2002)

 

The newly founded Finn-Mon Association celebrated the Mon National day at the northern cold city of Jyvaskyla where the Mon community recently settled; more than a hundred participants, including the Vice-Mayor of the city and leaders of the Finnish Burma Committee pleasantly joined in.  All Mon wore their traditional national dress, dancers performed and delicious hot and spicy food was served buffet style as part of the entertainment and festivities, all guests enjoyed a joyful moment together.

 

 

MON DAY IN NORTH AMERICA

(MRC- MCS, March 2, 2002)

 

The Mon Community of Fort Wayne, Indiana, in USA, celebrated at Sun Set Reception Hall in the long evening hours on March 2, 2002, the community hall was buzzing with 27 entertainment items including 12 dancing troupes and 27 Mon traditional songs.

 

More than 400 people attended, the Mons invited the city Mayor, Congressman, local labour groups, and community leaders.  Statements and speeches were heard, and awards granted to four people who had consistently supported the Mon community in resettlement in Fort Wayne.  The hosts happily entertained the guests with Mon traditional dancing, singing and Mon food. News agencies and T.V Channel 15,21,33 telecasted the event and news was reported to RFA, VOA and DVB radio stations.

 

In Canada, the 55th Anniversary was held on March 2, 2002 in Calgary. According to Chit, Calgary’s Event organizer, the celebration opened up with singing of the National Anthem, while people were eating, tributes were made to the leaders, accompanied by Statements and speeches by Nai Sai Rot and Nai Khaing Wang of the Mon Cultural Society leaders in front of guests which included Amnesty International.  The audience was thankful for the abundance of foods offered and enjoyed the colorful Mon cultural dances.  The Mon Community of Canada, Vancouver also celebrated the event with a small social gathering on the same day.

 

 

Migrant Watch

 

HELL’S GATE SWINGS WIDE OPEN TO MIGRANTS

(Based on the Nation and Kao-Wao / Phuket, March 1, 2002)

 

More than 200 Burmese were arrested over the week by the Phuket Immigration Police as part of nationwide sweep of illegal workers from the country launched on February 10.  Pol Maj Gen Ukrit Phatchimsawas, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, paid a visit to the Phuket Immigration Office to check on local progress in the three-month systematic campaign to eradicate illegal labour across the country.

 

On the other side of the repressive policy, several migrant workers ready with their registration cards were arrested during the Phuket crackdown and were told to pay 5000 Baht up front or else face repatriation, unable to afford that kind of money many were arrested then sent to Ranong for deportation at the Thailand-Burma border.

 

The crackdown consists of workers with proper identification and workers’ registration cards arrested on their way to shopping or while en route to traditional religious ceremonies.  At the Seven Days temple festival of Wat Chalong, Phuket District, which began February 11 and ended on the 18, migrant attendees were stopped and checked on their way back home.  One individual who works at a construction site, witnessed about 100 migrants being arrested at Wat Chalong alone.  Those released were the lucky ones who were able to pay the requested money, those who couldn’t pay were tagged for deportation.  Workers caught fleeing from the scene were chased, beaten and kicked.   Some employers were able to advance money for release of some workers. It is believed that the police arbitrarily target migrants with or without the proper registration to meet the quota set by the Immigration Bureau.

 

There are about 80,000 migrant workers in Phuket province in the fishing, construction and farming sectors, 75 percent migrants are of Mon nationality of Burma. Thais refuse to work in these sectors, often the government will give Thais the first option but many refuse the work, because the hours of work are insecure, it is labour intensive, and stigmatized by the Thai public. The crackdown on migrant labourers is promoted by Thai society who sees migrants as a threat to national security; the Thai government at this time of year introduces public awareness campaigns, recently pop stars joined in by protesting against illegal migrants.

 

 

HONEY MON WORKERS ARRESTED

(MUL, Sangkhalaburi, March 2, 202)

 

On Sunday February 24, Thai soldiers rounded up migrant workers at a rubber plantation and in nearby areas, arresting more than 100 workers and shipping them out in 3 loads of 6 wheels trucks. The rubber plantation is 16 km southwest of Sangkhlaburi and about 10 km from the Thai Burma border. Fearing arrest, several hide in a nearby forest.  Mons who have crossed over from Thailand as displaced persons, and like the refugees in Bann-tonyan Karen camp, have no shelter and place to go and find work in the rubber plantation to survive.

 

Honeybee farm workers, part of a development project run by the MUL, were also arrested in the crackdown.  The community worker worries that migrants with young families with newborn babies and children, will be deported to Burma through Three Pagodas Pass. The situation on the other side of the Thai border at Halockhanee camp is dangerous because of recent fighting between two Mon arms groups, no humanitarian assistance is provided there and many will suffer, he said.

 

 

TRAFFICKING TRAGEDY

(Cited from BBC News and The Nation, March 6, 2002)

 

Burma's military junta has asked the Thai Government to launch an inquiry into the deaths of 13 Burmese nationals whose bodies were found dumped in northeastern Thailand.

 

A forensic investigation revealed that they suffocated while en route during the difficult journey from Burma. Officials in Thailand believe the Burmese were the victims of an illegal smuggling racket.  A police spokesman, Major General Pongsapat Pongjaroen, told the BBC it was possible the victims had suffocated when they crossed the border underneath a truck. The bodies placed in empty sandbags, were found dumped at a quarry and hidden under piles of fertilizer sacks. The victims, mostly women and children, were estimated between 12 and 25 years old and died late on Monday night.  Their heads were twisted due to rigor mortis; their necks were not broken as was previously thought.

 

Before the forensic findings emerged, Kyaw Win, Burma's deputy chief of military intelligence told reporters he believed the 13 Burmese were murdered.  "We will make a request through the foreign ministry to the Thai Government to take serious action against the murderers after investigation and to prevent similar incidents from breaking out and to give Burmese workers protection" he said.

 

Burmese workers in Thailand are unpopular with the local population. Last month the bodies of 14 workers thought to be Burmese migrants were found dumped in a creek in northwestern Thailand. Officials said they suspected the victims were Karen migrant labourers killed by their Thai employer to avoid paying them, or hired for criminal activity and then killed when they had finished the job.

 

 

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.

 

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Regards,

Editor kaowao@hotmail.com

 

 

THAILAND YEARS BEHIND IN HUMAN RIGHTS

(Cited from Letters to the Editors of The Nation and Bangkok Pos)

 

The way of thinking in Thailand toward migrant labourers reminds me of Canada 100 years ago. In Canada there used to be a serious problem with discrimination and racism, especially toward people of Asian descent. Today it is not as deep-rooted and widespread as it once was in the 19th and 20th centuries. Migrant labourers, mostly poor Chinese peasants, built the Canadian Pacific Railway. Chinese and South Asians were shipped in from Asia to save the government millions of dollars to build the railway and many suffered and died. They say four Chinese died for every mile of track put down.

 

If you have ever visited the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia you’ll understand the sheer enormity of the work involved, blasting tunnels through massive mountains passes, literally backbreaking work. The migrants were paid half the wages of white people.  In Canadian schools we are taught how Asians were seriously discriminated against, killed, extorted, and harassed openly in our society.

 

A shameful part of our history happened during WW II when thousands of Japanese families, many naturalized Canadians, were interred in camps, their land confiscated and all possessions destroyed and stolen.

 

It wasn’t until the late 1940s that Asian people were given the right to vote. Now let’s look at Thailand. I have Mon friends, registered (legal) workers, in Maharchai who are ordered by the Thai authorities to not wear their traditional sarong in public; if they do they are fined. Mon people contributed significantly to Thai society.  Now after over 1000 years of contributing to Thai society, (Mons still provide cheap labour in the fish-processing factories which by the way saved many businesses from collapse during the 1997 economic crisis) Mons are social outcasts, excluded, and forgotten, how shameful and sad.

 

Through personal observation I see that Thai society degrades migrant labourers in very much the same way white people did to Asian people 100 years ago in Canada, they are blamed for economic problems, and the ensuing policy directives which represses migrants. Not allowed to wear a sarong in Thailand! Even Chinese people in Canada were allowed to wear their traditional clothes back in the 1880s.  So I think someone should not only educate the Thai public, police, and government about human rights and freedom, but give them a little history lesson as well.

 

Lita Davidson

March 4, 2002, Reporter’s Day

 

 

KAO WAO NEWS GROUP

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