Lieut-General Khin Nyunt, the State Law and Order Restoration Council's Secretary 1, angered Thailand when he blamed ``self-seeking Thai politicians... abetted by the foreign media...and lackeys of foreign governments bearing ill-will against SLORC'' for the recent border tension between Thailand and Burma. Acting Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan responded on 29 May, ``No one could have set up (the) border conflicts with Burma as a political ploy. I don't think Khin Nyunt understands that Thailand is a democratic country, which is totally different from Burma'' [B950604, BPWR950609].
SLORC EXPANDS CABINET
On 15 Jun, SLORC added 6 generals to its 51-man cabinet. This brings the number of military officers in the cabinet to 44. Lieut-Gen Maung Hla, SLORC member and head of the Army's Special Operations Bureau No.2, was appointed to the newly-formed Immigration Ministry. Lieut-Gen Min Thein, Army Quartermaster-General was made Minister of the Office of the Chairman of SLORC, a new post. Major-Gen Kyaw Than (Officers Training School Batch 25), Central Region Commander was made Minister for Light Industry. Major-Gen Aye Kyaw (OTS-28), Northeastern Region Commander, took over the post of Minister for Information. Major-Gen Saw Tun (OTS-29), Eastern Region Commander, became Minister for Construction. Major-Gen Soe Myint (OTS-26), Southern Region Commander, was given the Social Welfare portfolio. The incumbents, Colonel Than Shwe (ex-Industry 2), Lieut-Gen Myo Thant (ex-Information), and Khin Maung Yin (Construction) retained their cabinet status in the Office of the Prime Minister; and Maj-Gen Thaung Myint (ex-Social Welfare), took over the Culture portfolio. Lieut-Gen Aung Ye Kyaw, SLORC member and former Minister of Culture, was appointed to the Security Management Committee [BA, Net/Reu950615, N950623, TT950617].
SLORC TROOPS BEHIND RAIDS
According to the Far Eastern Economic Review, the cross border raids on refugee camps in Thailand are being carried out by regular SLORC troops, and not by the breakaway Democratic Kayin Buddhist Army (DKBA). The report quoted Thai intelligence sources stating that, ``Not more than 200-300 KNU soldiers defected last December, and the groups attacking the refugee camps are much more numerous than the so-called DKBA has ever been.'' It was also pointed out that all the refugee camps which have been attacked (opposite Manerplaw, Mae Tha Waw, Maw Pokay, and Kamaw Lay Kho) are located immediately opposite major Burma Army positions. Refugees say they recognize only a few of the attackers as former KNU soldiers. The rest spoke either Burmese or delta Karen which is not spoken in KNU areas. Many delta Karens serve in the SLORC army. Aid workers on the border say that for every DKBA soldier in the raiding parties, there are at least 5-10 regular SLORC soldiers [F950518]. Sources on the border claim that 4 intruders who were captured by Thai troops in May claimed to be DBKA soldiers but could not speak any Karen. One allegedly confessed that he is a member of SLORC's No.110 Light Infantry Division. In Mar.95, Colonel Direk Yaemngamreap, commander of Thailand's Task Force 34 in charge of security on the Burmese border, alleged that SLORC was the mastermind behind the DBKA intrusions and that SLORC troops were involved.
- Ed.
THAIS SAY SLORC RESPONSIBLE
Following the 3 May attack on Ban Mae Ngao in Sob Moei district in which 3 Thai policemen were killed by intruders, General Wimol Wongwanich, Thai Army Commander, said that SLORC must be held responsible for the incidents because the intruding forces were from Burma, regardless of which group they belonged to [BPWR950512].
``BURMA ALERT''
Home Page
http://sunsite.unc.edu/freeburma/ba/ba.html
Back issues available at:
http://sunsite.unc.edu/freeburma/freeburma.html
E-mail: yawnghwe @ hookup.net
Fax: 1 (819) 647-5403
Telephone: 1 (819) 647-5405
On 23 Apr, Sonia Gandhi, an influential Indian political leader in her own right and wife of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, became the 4th Co-President of the Seoul-based Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific (FDL-AP). The other Co-Presidents are Kim Dae-jung, former Korean presidential candidate, Corazon Aquino, former president of the Philippines and Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica. Honourary Senior Advisors of FDL-AP are Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union, Richard von Weizsacker, former president of the Federal Republic of Germany and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. The FDL-AP's Special Commission on Burma which is studying ways to help bring about democracy in Burma is co-chaired by Kamal Hossain, former foreign minister of Bangladesh, Ed Broadbent, president of the Canadian International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, Hong Sa-Duk, Korean member of parliament, Kosugi Takashi, member of the Japanese diet, and former Chair of the US Congress' Foreign Relations Committee, Stephen Solarz [KPF9506/1].
RED CROSS TO PULL OUT
The International Commission of the Red Cross (ICRC) will pull out from Burma because SLORC will not give it access to political prisoners. The ICRC has been involved in humanitarian activities in Burma since 1986. ICRC works in 55 countries [B950531, N950618, ICRC950616].
RICHARDSON WANTS SANCTIONS
US Congressman Bill Richardson speaking at a press conference in Bangkok on 30 May said that in the area of human rights, there is ``serious repression, regression and retrenchment'' taking place in Burma. Expressing disappointment at not being allowed to meet again with detained democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, he called for stronger international action to persuade SLORC to change. Richardson was the first outsider allowed by SLORC to meet with her in Feb.94. He spent 2 days in Rangoon trying unsuccessfully to meet her. Instead, he met with Deputy Prime Minister Vice Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Lieut-Gen Khin Nyunt. He was told that because Daw Aung San Suu Kyi `is surrounded by communist elements' and because `she has been forgotten by the people,' she could not be released. Richardson said that if SLORC does not unconditionally release Daw Suu by 19 July, he would push for a more aggressive US policy [B950531].
SENATE TO INTRODUCE SANCTIONS
US Senator Mitch McConnell (Republican) of Kentucky is considering introducing legislation to impose sanctions on SLORC if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is not released in July. There is reportedly strong bipartisan support for such a bill. In June, 61 US Congressmen wrote to President Clinton urging him to introduce economic sanctions against SLORC. US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Winston Lord, told a press conference that SLORC has not taken any steps to improve relations with the US. He said that SLORC's response on the whole ``has been very disappointing.'' McConnell was the Senator who initiated sanction legislation against South Africa in 1986 [B950507, N950614, Reu950516].
U.S. CONGRESS RESOLUTION ON TRAFFICKING OF BURMESE WOMEN
US Senator Patty Murray of Washington on 4 May introduced a sense of Congress resolution (S Con Res.12) concerning the trafficking of Burmese women and girls into Thailand for the purpose of forced prostitution. A similar resolution was introduced earlier by Representative Louise Slaughter in the House (H Con Res.21). The fact that resolutions have been introduced in both houses indicates that the issue is being given serious consideration. The bills call for the protection of and assistance to Burmese women in Thailand. The State Department is to report back to the Congress in 6 months [US950504, WP950505].
THAI POLICY REVIEW URGED
On 3 May, Thai House Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Committee Chairman Suthin Noppakate, urged the Thai government to review its `Constructive Engagement' policy and to drop an invitation for Burma to observe the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Brunei this year [BPWR950512].
THAI PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED
On 19 May, Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai dissolved parliament and called a snap election for 2 July following the decision by a key coalition partner to withdraw from the government [BPWR950526].
SLORC CHAIRMAN IN INDONESIA
SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe paid an official visit to Indonesia, 5-8 June to boost economic ties. He was accompanied by Intelligence Chief Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, SLORC ministers for Foreign Affairs (Ohn Gyaw), Agriculture (Lt-Gen Myint Aung), Economic Development (Brig-Gen David Abel) and Transport (Lt-Gen Thein Win). The visit is the first for Than Shwe to a member country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since he became chairman in 1992. The delegation also visited Singapore before returning to Burma [Reu950606, N950603].
KYI MAUNG ARRESTED, RELEASED
U Kyi Maung, 76, Chairman of the National League for Democracy, who was released 15 Mar.95 after almost 5 years in prison, was re-arrested by SLORC on 1 Jun. He was held for a week and released on 8 Jun. He was questioned about his meetings with diplomats including the British ambassador. Thu Wai, Htun Shwe, Dr Tha Hla and Aye Maung were also arrested with Kyi Maung. It is not clear if they were also released or if they are still under arrest. The five met every week at Dr Tha Hla's house before proceeding to pray together at the Shwedagon pagoda. Tha Hla is almost 80 and the rest are in their 60s [BIG/VOA/B950609, N950608].
In celebrating its 20th Anniversary, Asiaweek (2 Jun.95), featured 20 great Asians (1975-1995) who have changed the region over the past two decades. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Benigno `Ninoy' Aquino, Indira Gandhi, Suharto and Lee Kuan Yew were among those honoured.
Excerpts:
She (ASSK) said ...
``A government that fails to protect political and democratic rights will never be able to protect the people's economic rights.''...(Her) ongoing detention meant to remove her as a vocal conscience and government critic, has served only to ensure that she will attain a stature rivalling her father's. Once again, the generals have miscalculated.
Following the attack by the Merng Tai Army on Tachilek on 20 Mar (BA Vol.6, No.4, Apr.95), SLORC and Thai troops have dug in along the Maesai River and the border at Mae Sai has been closed. Cement and barbed wire barriers on the approaches to the border crossing have been erected by SLORC. They have also distributed leaflets announcing that land mines have been planted along the Moei River. Each household in Tachilek township had to donate Baht 1,700 (US$68) for the construction of the 5-km barrier on the river. SLORC's Deputy Intelligence Chief, Colonel Kyaw Win accused Thailand of aiding the MTA and SLORC officers have threatened to seize the Thai border town of Mae Sai in retaliation. Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan said the allegations are ``unacceptable and unfounded'' [SHAN950329,950610, N950419, BPWR950526].
REFUGEES DENIED SANCTUARY
On June 5, Kya Oo, a refugee worker, said that 2,000 Shan refugees fleeing the recent fighting in the Shan State have been refused entry into Thailand. Relief supplies from Thailand are also not allowed to be sent over the border to them. As a result, the refugees are living in the jungle under plastic sheets. Many are suffering from malaria, diarrhoea, and hunger [BPWR950616].
SLORC WOOING U.S. GOVT
According to Time magazine, SLORC's April assault on Khun Sa's positions was aimed at convincing the US Government that it is serious about drug eradication. SLORC was hoping that the US would renew aid to Burma as a result. But the US is reported to be unimpressed and a Rangoon-based diplomat said that, ``Until Aung San Suu Kyi is released, there is not going to be any relationship with SLORC.'' US officials also questioned SLORC's cease-fire agreements with the ethnic Wa and other groups that allow them to continue trafficking in opium and heroin. Experts point out that Wa production of opium is now higher than the Khun Sa's [T950529].
S.A.M. MISSILES SEIZED
On 5 Jun, Thai police arrested two suspects and a shipment of arms in Phrae province. Police allege that the suspects intended to sell the 3 surface-to-air missiles and launchers worth Baht 3 million (US$120,000) to Khun Sa [N950608].
Salai Sanghlun, 36, head of the northern command of the Chin National Front, and in-charge of its justice department died on 23 Apr.94 while in the custody of Indian authorities. Sanghlun was born in Farrawn, Than Tlang district, Chin State. A graduate of Rangoon University, he fled to India from Rangoon in 1988 to escape SLORC's crack down on participants of the pro-democracy movement. He joined the CNF and served as Vice-President until 1992. On 31 Mar.95, Sanghlun and two CNF officers, Kung Ling and Thawng Mang travelled to Parva village at the southern tip of Mizoram, India, at the invitation of Indian intelligence (SIB) officials. After a short meeting, they were told to come back the next day but were arrested by Indian Border Security Forces. Kung Ling was released the next day but Sanghlun and Thawng Mang were handed over to the Indian Army (Assam Rifles) who took them away in a helicopter. On 25 Apr, Sanghlun's relatives were informed that the Assam Rifles had the body of a CNF man in the morgue of Aizawl Hospital and that the body was to be buried secretly. Sanghlun's mother and sister who on hearing of his arrest by Indian authorities, had travelled to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, immediately went to the hospital. They identified Sanghlun and returning the next day, found Indian soldiers guarding the hospital. After pleading with Indian authorities, the body was released for burial. There was no sign of physical abuse but the tips of his fingers were discoloured. According to the hospital's autopsy report dated 24 Apr, he died of cerebral malaria. His belongs were returned by the Assam Rifles but a notebook and diary which he kept were missing. Thawng Mang, the other CNF officer arrested is still missing. Locals speculate that Thawng Mang is also dead. According to some Indian soldiers, the two men were detained in the barracks and were questioned often by the authorities. Sanghlun was said to have been very cooperative. On 23 Apr, they were served mutton curry at 6 pm. After a few mouthfuls, Sanghlun complained of stomach pain and thought that he had been poisoned. The soldiers took him to the hospital where he died at 8 pm. This is the first time a high-ranking CNF officer has died in Indian custody [BA/BurmaNet/CNF950613].
CHIN VILLAGES BURNED
On 17 Apr, SLORC battalions No.89 led by Major San Yu and No.50 led by Major Maung Win, intercepted a 200-strong armed column at Hriphei and Hlamphei villages in Than Tlang Township. After the fighting, SLORC troops looted the villages and set fire to 70 houses. Some of the stolen goods were later sold by the soldiers in the adjacent villages of Aibur and Lei Tak, and in Than Tlang town. It is believed that the armed column was a Naga convoy from India . The Nagas in northeast India are fighting for independence. Indian authorities believe the Nagas purchase arms from Pakistan and transport them by sea to Bangladesh. From there, they are transported through the Chin hills to Nagaland in the north. In the past, the CNF received military training in the Kachin State further north. To cross Nagaland safely, the CNF maintained good relations with the Nagas. India suspects that in return, the CNF ensures safe passage of Naga arms. The Burma Army also used to allow the Nagas to pass through the Chin State unmolested. This changed against the Nagas. During the operations in Apr.95 against the Nagas, 272 villagers from 13 villages were conscripted by SLORC to become porters and human shields [BA/CNF950613].
On 1 May, the Thai 9th Infantry Division ordered refugees in Tanaosri camp in Kanchanaburi to return to Burma within 45 days. The Camp is located 2-3 kms away from the most likely route for the Martaban natural gas pipeline being built by France's TOTAL and UNOCAL. Glenn Sethbandhu, manager of Somsak Mining, which is working in the area, said, ``I can see clearly now that they are being moved because of the pipeline. The authorities are afraid the refugees will try to obstruct the pipeline.'' The refugees have been told that they will not be given any more rice or medical supplies unless they move by 15 Jun. Camp leaders say that they will not go back ``until there is democracy there'' [N950506].
At the end of Apr, SLORC Construction Minister Khin Maung Yin ordered a halt to the construction of the Friendship Bridge linking Mae Sot, Thailand and Myawaddy. Khin Maung Yin accused Thailand of diverting the flow of the Moei River by land filling to build shop houses and that it damaged the river bank on the Burmese side. The Thai firm building the Baht 70 million (US$2.8 million) Thai Government funded bridge was told to stop operations and to pull back all its construction equipment from Burma [N950613, B950608].
REFUGEE CONCENTRATION CAMP?
On 2 May, Thai Interior Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said that the 74,000 plus Karen refugees in 23 camps in Thailand should be concentrated into 2 or 3 protected camps farther away from the border. General Wimol Wongwanich, Thai Army Commander, wants to repatriate all refugees and relief workers fear that the camp proposal may pave the way for the future repatriation of refugees. On 5 May, US Congressman Bill Richardson, British parliamentarians Sir David Steel, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Jim Lester (Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Baroness Cox, Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, and Glenys Kinnock (European Parliament), wrote a letter to Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai stating that ``concentration camps are not a sensible solution.'' In the meanwhile, Thai authorities have been arresting hundreds of illegal Burmese immigrants in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and on the border [F950518,0525, N950505]. Until the cross-border raids, Karen refugees in Thailand lived in small (2-3,000 people) unprotected camps resembling villages and fended for themselves. They received only minimum rice and medical supplies. Concentrating them into 2-3 camps would put them into a large city environment and make them totally dependent on aid. Enormous social problems can be expected - Ed.
THAIS TO RETURN REFUGEES
On May 12, Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan said that the 90,000 Karen refugees in Mae Hong Son, Tak and Kanchanaburi should be sent back. The comment was made following a meeting of the Foreign, Defence, and Interior Ministries and the National Security Council. However, Surin conceded that the refugees do not want to go back and that Thailand cannot force them to. Defence Minister General Vijit Sookmak said that internal strife in Burma is the root cause of the refugee problem and that in order to solve it, Thailand would like to see national reconciliation take place in Burma [BPWR950526].
N.D.F. OPPOSES REPATRIATION
The National Democratic Front, the umbrella group of ethnic armies fighting Rangoon, said on 5 Jun that the proposal to repatriate refugees is premature and could lead to an escalation of the civil war. Refugees fleeing the fighting should be protected and repatriated only after a political settlement is reached and the civil war ended, said the statement [NDF/AFP950606].
Due to an overwhelming response to the advertisement in BA Vol.6, No.5, May 1995, of the PROSPECT BURMA SCHOLARSHIP, the competition has now been closed. No further applications will be accepted in 1995.
TELEGLOBE CANADA is interested in doing business in Burma [G&M950321/MJRA].
CHINA:
CHINA AIRLINES and Myanmar Airways International started their first Bangkok-Rangoon-Beijing-Bangkok flights in Jun.95. MAI will fly every Wednesday from Bangkok to Rangoon and China Airlines will fly from Rangoon to Beijing and Bangkok [BA].
INDONESIA:
INDONESIA agreed to step up cooperation in agricultural technology, livestock breeding and fisheries with SLORC. Two memoranda of understanding were signed on 11 Jan in Rangoon [Reu950112].
INDONESIAN Minister for National Development Planning and Chairman of the National Development Planning Agency Dr Ginandjar Kartasasmita met Sr-Gen Than Shwe, SLORC Deputy Prime Minister Vice Admiral Maung Maung Khin, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen David Abel and Minister for Energy Lt-Col Khin Maung Thein on 31 Mar [WPD950401].
President Suharto met with SLORC Chairman Sr-Gen Than Shwe and agreed to increase bilateral economic and trade relations [N950608].
INDUSTRI PESAWAT TERBANG NUSANTARA, the state-owned aircraft manufacturer in Bandung, was visited by SLORC Chairman Sr-Gen Than Shwe's delegation [N950608].
SINGAPORE:
SINGAPORE signed an agreement with SLORC to strengthen economic ties starting with an exchange of advisors and technical experts in tourism and agri-business [Reu/Net9506].
SINGAPORE trade with SLORC in 1993 was S$720 million (US$518 million) up from S$603 million (US$434 million) in 1992. In the first 9 months of 1994, trade increased to S$576 million, an increase of 7% compared with the same period in 1993. Imports increased nearly 15% and exports by 4.7%. Singapore imports seafood, wood and crude rubber, and exports tobacco, petroleum products and cars [Reu/Net9506, BBC941221].
A TRADE DEVELOPMENT MISSION led by Trade Facilitation Director Edith Cheong Choy Hoong met SLORC Minister for Forestry Lieut-Gen Chit Swe on 3 Apr and Brig-Gen David Abel on 4 Apr, to discuss wood-based furniture manufacturing [WPD950404,05].
JAPAN:
MITSUI Senior Vice President Akira Utsumi met SLORC Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung on 25 Apr and Lieut-Gen Khin Nyunt on 26 Apr, to discuss the export of prawns and other marine products to Japan [WPD950426,27].
FRANCE:
EURO RSCG, the Paris-based advertising agency is expanding in the Asia by opening 5 offices in China, and developing partnerships in India, Vietnam and Burma [BT941202].
UNITED KINGDOM:
ARCTURUS EXPEDITIONS - is promoting cruises on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin with the IRRAWADDY FLOTILLA COMPANY. Contact: PO Box 850, Gartocharn, Alexandria, G83 8RL, Scotland. Tel/Fax 44 (1389) 83 02 04.
A BRITISH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION delegation met with SLORC Finance and Revenue Minister Brig-Gen Win Tin, Lt-Col Khin Maung Thein (Energy), Deputy Minister for Transport Lt-Col Sann Wai and Brig-Gen David Abel from 3-5 Apr [WPD950404-06].
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
CATERPILLAR ASIA Chairman Larry Walden opened an office of the MYANMAR TRACTORS AND TRADING at 62 Kominkochin Rd, Bahan, on 26 Apr [WPD950427].
KODAK will open a new branch office in Burma in 1995. Kodak holds a 30% market share with 7 of Burma's 30 labs. It plans to lead in market share by 1997 [B950315, N950315].
RIGGS BANK Chairman Joe Albritton was hosted at a dinner by SLORC Minister for Trade Lieut-Gen Tun Kyi on 20 Apr [WPD950421].
TEXACO MIDDLE EAST AND FAR EAST President and TEXACO EXPLORATION MYANMAR Chairman Dr William P Doyle, Senior Vice President Cecil M Chopin, and Regional Director Patrick E McGuire met with Lieut-Gen Khin Nyunt and Lt-Col Khin Maung Thein (Energy) to discuss the Yedagun gas field and new offshore exploration projects [WPD950404].
``...Foreign governments are indulging in fantasy if they believe that the military junta in Rangoon will gradually loosen its iron-fisted grip on the Burmese people and allow democracy to be restored by merely keeping in touch with or exposing the regime to the outside world without applying pressure or sanctions. On the contrary, the aid and investment pouring in will help consolidate the junta's rule...'' [BPWR950519].
CHINA signed a joint venture agreement with SLORC on 9 Mar to establish MYANMAR-BEIJING FISHERIES. Authorized capital is Kyat 25 million (US$4 million) [NCNA950309].
BRITAIN:
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK was issued a licence to open a representative office in Rangoon in Feb.95 [AFP950228].
MALAYSIA:
KEMAYAN, a listed agriculture and property firm, is buying a 51% stake in AIR MANDALAY HOLDINGS from TECHMAT HOLDINGS of Singapore for US$2.7 million [F950608].
NETHERLANDS:
HEINEKEN LTD signed an agreement with the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (UMEHL) and ASIA PACIFIC BREWERIES LTD, which is a joint-venture in Singapore between Heineken and FRASER & NEAVE, to build a 140,000 hectolitre capacity brewery near Rangoon. APBL will control 60% of the shares and UMEHL the other 40%. The brewery is expected to be operational by Sep.96 and will cost $30 million [BCN950329].
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
PEPSI-COLA INTERNATIONAL is selling to SERM SUK its 40% share in MYANMAR PEPSI PRODUCTS [Net950518].
SINGAPORE:
SINGAPORE investments in Burma to date total S$400 million (US$285,7 million) [N950607]. A BBC report in Dec.94, estimated Singapore investments at S$600 million - Ed.
SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES INDUSTRIAL CORP's subsidiary S.T. CONSTRUCTION signed a memorandum of understanding with SLORC's Department of Civil Aviation on 4 Jun to design and build a US$357 million international airport in Mandalay. The runway will be capable of taking wide-bodied jets such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus 340, and the airport will handle a peak passenger traffic of 2,000 people per hour. This will be Singapore's first infrastructure project in Burma [N950607]. It had earlier been reported that SLORC would build the new airport with help from China - Ed.
THAILAND:
CITY REALTY, a real estate developer affiliated with the BANGKOK BANK Sophonpanich family and MITSUI & CO, signed an agreement with THAI COUT to invest Baht 700 million (US$28 million) in a deluxe 320-room hotel near the Royal Lake in Rangoon. Thai Cout is also affiliated with the Bangkok Bank. City Realty managing director is Chali Sophonpanich, son of Bangkok Bank Executive Chairman Chatri Sophonpanich [N941213].
SERM SUK is buying PEPSI-COLA INTERNATIONAL's 40% share in MYANMAR PEPSI PRODUCTS. Serm Suk is 43% owned by Pepsico and it will become its major marketer in Southeast Asia [Net950518].
TRIUMPH INTERNATIONAL is planning to establish a production and marketing subsidiary in Rangoon [BA]. Address: Managing Director, GPO Box 1678, Bangkok 10501.
BURMA SUPPORT GROUP, NORWAY - launched an Aung San Suu Kyi Birthday postcard campaign between 29 May - 19 June to inform people about what is going on in Burma, and to flood post offices in Burma with birthday greetings, making people in Burma and SLORC aware that the international community has not forgotten her and her fight for democracy. Fax: 47 (22) 11 49 88, Tel: 65 98 86.
The CAMPAIGN TO END TRAFFICKING OF BURMESE WOMEN AND GIRLS INTO THAI BROTHELS was launched by the International Women's Development Agency. It hopes to focus on this issue at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women to be held in Beijing in Sep.95. Contact: Carol Ransley, IWDA, PO Box 1680, Collingwood, Vic.3065, Australia. Tel: 61 (3) 417 1388, Fax: 416 0519.
``MYANMAR: NO PLACE TO HIDE'' and ``AUNG SAN SUU KYI'' - Amnesty International published the two reports on 6 Jun and 1 Jun respectively. ``No Place to Hide'' documents attacks and abuses against Karen villagers and the more than 70,000 refugees inside Thailand (Feb-May 95). The report claims that the incursions are explicitly designed to terrify the refugees into returning to Burma and thus deprive the Karen National Union of its supposed civilian base. ``Aung San Suu Kyi'' calls for SLORC to unconditionally release her on 11 Jul.95 which marks the end of her detention period under SLORC's own laws. AI International Secretariat, 1 Easton St, London, WC1X 8DJ, UK.
WORKING IN BURMA - On 6 Jun, World Vision UK hosted a conference on World Vision's experiences in Burma. The conference included papers/sessions on: urban/rural poverty, HIV/AIDS, the legal framework, and the role of foreign and indigenous NGOs in Burma.
Burmese Radio:
AUSTRALIAN SBS BURMESE LANGUAGE RADIO - Wednesdays 2:00-3:00 pm: Adelaide - FM 106.3 MHz; Brisbane - FM 93.3 MHz; Darwin - FM 100.9 MHz; Melbourne - FM 93.1 MHz; Perth - FM 96.9 MHz & Sydney - FM 97.7 MHz.
AUSTRALIAN BURMESE COMMUNITY RADIO, MCRA 2000FM - Every Sunday from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm on 98.5 MHz. Information: MCRA Radio 2000FM, 4/61 Renwick St, Leichardt, NSW.2020, Australia. Tel: 61 (2) 564-3133.
DEMOCRATIC VOICE OF BURMA RADIO - from Oslo, Norway. Daily on shortwave at 00:30 GMT on 41 MHz and at 14:30 GMT on 25 MHz.
According to the Far Eastern Economic Review, SLORC's recent attack on the Karen National Union and fighting along the Thai-Burmese border have caused a significant drop in tourists. SLORC is hoping to attract 500,000 in its ``1996 Visit Myanmar Year.'' The number of visitors in 1994 including businessmen numbered 67,000 [F950608]. According to Asiaweek, only 40,000 were tourists and they spent only US$5 million [A950616]. The fighting is not the only obstacle SLORC is facing. Following are comments made by Armin Schoch, managing director of Insight Myanmar Tourism:
According to Schoch, the biggest obstacle is the one in the minds of upcountry officials: ``I'd like to make government and army personnel understand what the central government in Rangoon wants, allows and encourages, in terms of tourism so local personnel will better know how to act nation-wide.'' He said that liberalization of travel and eradication of permit requirements for peripheral areas should be given priority... After obtaining a special permit (to Moulmein) for the trip, an official in the Mon State told him he needed extra permission before he could visit the nearby war cemetary...(but) he later met an independent traveller who (had) gained access without a permit. Schoch said, ``Package tourists who have paid a high price to be at some spot should not be punished by no access.'' He also said that SLORC's goal of 500,000 visitors is ``highly ambitious,''and that, ``Nobody knows what half a million really means.'' He added that the number of inbound flight seats into Burma is less than 500,000 a year [BP950518].