IMF Gives Cautious Thumbs Up on Burma’s Growing Economy BURMA

IMF Gives Cautious Thumbs Up on Burma’s Growing Economy

Burma’s Ex-Dictator and His Invisible Line COMMENTARY

Burma’s Ex-Dictator and His Invisible Line

In Shwedagon’s Shadow, Free Newspapers Shed Light BURMA

In Shwedagon’s Shadow, Free Newspapers Shed Light

In Sittwe, Hotels Enjoy Aid Boom After Tourism Bust MULTIMEDIA

In Sittwe, Hotels Enjoy Aid Boom After Tourism Bust

MULTIMEDIA
BURMA »

US to Upgrade Burma’s Transportation Infrastructure

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The United States will help Burma to repair some of the main infrastructure of the country’s transportation sector.

NLD Members Threatened at Gunpoint to Resign in East Burma

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Dozens of members from the National League for Democracy party fear for their safety after an ethnic militia stormed their office in Shan State.

Burmese Migrant Workers’ Group Receives International Award

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A Burmese migrant labor activist group receives the International Labor Rights Award for its contribution to the labor rights movement and exposing work-related rights violations.

On Salween River, Growing Signs that Work on Hat Gyi Dam Resumes

By   On Salween River, Growing Signs that Work on Hat Gyi Dam Resumes

A research team of the Thai dam developer EGAT consulted Thai villages that would be affected by the controversial 1,200-megawatt project.

BUSINESS »

NGOs Step up Pressure on Firms Bidding to Exploit Burma’s Resources

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While still far from transparent, Burma’s resource sector is coming under growing international scrutiny.

Burma Business Roundup (Saturday, May 18)

By   Burma Business Roundup (Saturday, May 18)

Burma has world’s least transparent oil, gas industry; Thai airline flies opens small-town routes; European giants battle for Burmese beer market; Yoma opens department store

‘Bangladesh Syndrome’ Looms over Burma’s Electricity Crisis

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Burma’s chronic power shortages could turn it into the next Bangladesh, rather than the next Asian tiger.

Starbucks Sees Burma Entry in ‘Couple of Years’

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Starbucks says the coffee chain’s first stores in India and Vietnam have been received positively and it might soon give Burma a shot too.

ASIA »

Chinese Premier Visits Pakistan, Praises Ties

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China’s premier signs economic agreements and praises Pakistan in glowing terms, underscoring the importance of the longstanding alliance to the two Asian powers.

Japan’s Wartime Brothels Were Wrong, Says 91-Year-Old Veteran

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When Masayoshi Matsumoto joined the Japanese army in 1943, he thought he was taking part in a righteous war to free Asia from Western imperialism.

China to Lend $580 Million for Sri Lanka Development Projects

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China Development Bank Corporation will lend $580 million to Sri Lanka to help implement key infrastructure projects, a government document shows.

With Wary Eye on the US, China Courts India

By   With Wary Eye on the US, China Courts India

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is out to smooth ruffled feathers in India, promising to ease tensions and increase trade between Asia’s fastest growing economies.

INTERVIEW »

‘I Want to Build a Peaceful Life for Myself’

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His recently opened art gallery shows how far Burma’s former spymaster Khin Nyunt has come since his days as one of Burma’s most feared men.

Burmese Cuisine and the American Dream

By   Burmese Cuisine and the American Dream

A husband and wife team earn critical acclaim by introducing the flavors and culture of their Southeast Asian homeland to California foodies.

Press Freedom, With Limits

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Burma’s journalism scene is opening up, but after speaking with reporters in Rangoon, media watchdog Shawn Crispin sees cause for concern.

‘What I Have Been, Constantly, Is in a Revolution’

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Famed exile Kachin singer and songwriter Mun Awng longs to perform before a home audience, but isn’t convinced he can do so freely just yet.

FEATURE »

The Dictators: Part 10—Than Shwe Enjoys Absolute Power

By   The Dictators: Part 10—Than Shwe Enjoys Absolute Power

With his rivals dispatched and predecessor Ne Win under house arrest, Snr-Gen Than Shwe is free to enjoy the pleasures of absolute power.

The Dictators: Part 9—Than Shwe Becomes King

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Than Shwe’s position as dictator of Burma becomes undeniable as his rivals fall by the wayside and even Ne Win is placed under arrest.

The Dictators: Part 8—Khin Nyunt Overplays his Hand

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Than Shwe consolidates power while infighting between senor military figures sees Khin Nyunt’s position become increasingly precarious.

An Open Secret, an Illicit Trade without End

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A trip through several border towns in northern Thailand reveals that drugs are an open secret–and a lucrative trade–in the region.

SPORTS »

Sheik Salman Elected President of Asian Football

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Sheik Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa wins a landslide victory to be elected president of the Asian Football Confederation, replacing longtime rival Mohamed bin Hammam.

Van Persie Guides Man United to 20th Premier League Title

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Manchester United clinched a convincing victory over Aston Villa, with Robin Van Persie scoring three times, as the club recorded its 20th league title.

Spurs Stun Man City With Late Comeback, Liverpool and Chelsea Draw

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Gareth Bale fronted a late fightback by Tottenham in a 3-1 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, while Liverpool and Chelsea drew 2-2.

Asean Football Federation Hopes Local Money Can Fuel Ambitious League

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As Southeast Asian money floods into English football while local leagues rot, the proposed Asean Super League might offer investors a viable alternative.