CARTOON

Candlelight in the Capital?

BURMA

Burma Marks First Ever LGBT Day

BURMA

Burma Vice-President Enters Monkhood

ASIA

Indonesian President Urges N Korean Transparency on Missile Issue

Bamboo huts with leaf roofs, built by refugees, dot the hills of Mae La Oon camp southwest of Mae Sariang. (Photo : DIETER TELEMANS/ TBBC)

Is Refugee Return Already Underway?

Preparations are being made, at the Thai-Burmese border and in Naypyidaw, to kick-start the process of returning some 150,000 Burmese refugees from Thailand.

Over 5,000 Workers Still on Strike in Rangoon

More than 5,000 workers in five different factories at Rangoon’s Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone have been striking for better pay for two weeks.

Phyo Wai Aung has been sentenced to death for alleged involvement in the Rangoon water festival bombing. (Photo: AHRC)

Accused Bomber in Critical Condition

Just weeks after being sentenced to death for his alleged role in a 2010 bombing in Rangoon, Phyo Wai Aung is reportedly dying of cancer.

Aung San Suu Kyi will deliver her first speech outside the country before a UN labor conference in Geneva next month. (Photo: Reuters)

Suu Kyi to Give First Foreign Talk in Geneva

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will deliver her first speech outside the country before a UN labor conference in Geneva on June 14.

More than 1,000 people protest against power shortages in Mandalay on Sunday night. (Photo: Thu Rain)

Protesters Released as Blackout Marches Spread

Around 40 protest leaders are released by Burma’s Special Branch after being arrested in the wake of mass power blackout demonstrations which continue to spread.

Norwegian shipping tycoon John Fredriksen, pictured in Oslo in 2006. (PHOTO: Reuters)

The Volatile Viking Drills Again

A controversial Norwegian shipping tycoon sends a rig into Burmese waters to drill for French oil giant Total.

BURMA

Is Refugee Return Already Underway?

By SAW YAN NAING / THE IRRAWADDY

Is Refugee Return Already Underway? Preparations are being made, at the Thai-Burmese border and in Naypyidaw, to kick-start the process of returning some 150,000 Burmese refugees from Thailand.

BURMA

Over 5,000 Workers Still on Strike in Rangoon

By NYEIN NYEIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Over 5,000 Workers Still on Strike in Rangoon More than 5,000 workers in five different factories at Rangoon's Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone have been striking for better pay for two weeks.

BURMA

Accused Bomber in Critical Condition

By ZARNI MANN / THE IRRAWADDY

Accused Bomber in Critical Condition Just weeks after being sentenced to death for his alleged role in a 2010 bombing in Rangoon, Phyo Wai Aung is reportedly dying of cancer.

BURMA

Suu Kyi to Give First Foreign Talk in Geneva

By JOHN HEILPRIN / AP WRITER

Suu Kyi to Give First Foreign Talk in Geneva Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will deliver her first speech outside the country before a UN labor conference in Geneva on June 14.

BURMA

Protesters Released as Blackout Marches Spread

By LAWI WENG / THE IRRAWADDY

Protesters Released as Blackout Marches Spread Around 40 protest leaders are released by Burma’s Special Branch after being arrested in the wake of mass power blackout demonstrations which continue to spread.

BURMA

The Volatile Viking Drills Again

By SEAMUS MARTOV / THE IRRAWADDY

The Volatile Viking Drills Again A controversial Norwegian shipping tycoon sends a rig into Burmese waters to drill for French oil giant Total.

BURMA

US Lawmaker Proposes Keeping Burma Sanctions

By LALIT K JHA / THE IRRAWADDY

US Lawmaker Proposes Keeping Burma Sanctions Aung San Suu Kyi talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about renewed trade just as a US congressman proposes legislation to maintain sanctions on

MULTIMEDIA

BURMA »

Is Refugee Return Already Underway?

By SAW YAN NAING / THE IRRAWADDY

Preparations are being made, at the Thai-Burmese border and in Naypyidaw, to kick-start the process of returning some 150,000 Burmese refugees from Thailand.

Over 5,000 Workers Still on Strike in Rangoon

By NYEIN NYEIN / THE IRRAWADDY

More than 5,000 workers in five different factories at Rangoon's Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone have been striking for better pay for two weeks.

Accused Bomber in Critical Condition

By ZARNI MANN / THE IRRAWADDY

Just weeks after being sentenced to death for his alleged role in a 2010 bombing in Rangoon, Phyo Wai Aung is reportedly dying of cancer.

BUSINESS »

New Laws for Investors, but Lawlessness for Burmese in the Way

By WILLIAM BOOT / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma has wasted no time in drafting laws favorable to foreign investors, but is dragging its feet on legislation to protect the rights of citizens.

Mitsubishi Eyes Burma Car Market

By MAY LAY / THE IRRAWADDY

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries expresses a strong interest in manufacturing in Burma and sees real potential in the country's car market.

Burma Business Roundup (Saturday, May 19)

By WILLIAM BOOT / THE IRRAWADDY

Another oil and gas trade show to be held in August; investors warned on Burma; China aims to bolster bilateral ties; President tries to reverse

Land Grabs Intensify as Burma ‘Reform’ Races Ahead of Law

By WILLIAM BOOT / THE IRRAWADDY

Land theft appears to be increasing in Burma as state agencies and powerfully placed domestic firms position themselves to welcome foreign investment.

FEATURE »

Rangoon Musicians Play for Kachin Peace

By HPYO WAI THA / THE IRRAWADDY

A group of musicians hits Rangoon teashops for a weekly fundraising gig to help the thousands of civilians victimized by the war in Kachin State.

Aung San Museum—Discover Burma’s Hero

By HPYO WAI THA / THE IRRAWADDY

The newly refurbished General Aung San Museum in Rangoon offers visitors an insight into Burma’s independence hero and father of democracy icon Aung San Suu

Freed Mon Activist to Return to Political Work

By LAWI WENG / THE IRRAWADDY

A former Mon political prisoner has been greeted as a hero upon his return home and has vowed to continue fighting for greater autonomy.

Take Note: Young Migrants Makes Waves with New Magazine

By BRENNAN O'CONNOR / THE IRRAWADDY

Young Burmese living in the Thai border town of Mae Sot launch a small magazine with a big ambition: to give a new generation a

ASIA »

Graft Charges Dropped Against Tibet Holy Man

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Authorities drop charges against Tibetan Buddhism's third most important leader involving US $1.35 million in cash discovered at his monastery in northern India.

Separatists Strike to Honor Slain Kashmiri

By AIJAZ HUSSAIN / AP WRITER

An annual strike called by separatists in Indian-controlled Kashmir shutters shops and businesses to commemorate a top Muslim cleric's assassination 22 years ago.

Blind Chinese Activist Will Still Fight Injustice

By KAREN MATTHEWS / AP WRITER

A blind Chinese legal activist who escaped house arrest and endured a month-long diplomatic tussle pledged to continue fighting injustice upon his arrival in New

Bangladesh Opposition Protests Jailed Activists

By JULHAS ALAM / AP WRITER

Hundreds of opposition protesters rally in Bangladesh's capital to demand that authorities release 33 of their leaders and find a missing official.

INTERVIEW »

Burma Future Looks Bright but No Guarantees

By THE IRRAWADDY

Thomas Carothers, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, visited Burma in the run-up to the April 1 by-elections and thinks prospects look good for

Foster Mum’s Life Mission of Compassion

By HPYO WAI THA / THE IRRAWADDY

Amarylla Myatt has devoted her life to helping Burma’s neediest young people and already has 152 children who owe her their happiness.

Why Nations Fail—and Why Burma May Succeed

By THE IRRAWADDY

The authors of a new book suggest that the Burmese military's efforts to legitimize its rule through reforms could backfire and result in real change.

‘The Fortunes of Chins Should be Decided by Chins’

By THE IRRAWADDY

Paul Sitha, the assistant general secretary 1 of the Chin National Front, speaks about the group's recent peace talks with the Burmese government.

SPORTS »

Euro Champs Chelsea Plan for Future  

By GRAHAM DUNBAR / AP WRITER

Chelsea will be planning for the future from an unexpected position of strength as champion of Europe following its dramatic upset victory over Bayern Munich.

Late Drama as Man City Win EPL Title

By ROB HARRIS / AP Writer

In the final moments of the English Premier League's most dramatic season yet, Manchester City had just enough time to produce one last, stunning twist.

Man U Loss Opens Door for City

By STEVE DOUGLAS / AP WRITER

Manchester United blew open the Premier League title race by losing 1-0 loss at Wigan while Manchester City won 4-0 over West Bromwich Albion.

Bubba Watson Wins US Masters Playoff

By DOUG FERGUSON / AP GOLF WRITER

American Bubba Watson ins the US Masters golf tournament in Augusta after a tense playoff against South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen.

OPINION »

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Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan and Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa (R) attend a signing ceremony at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on April 2. (PHOTO: Reuters)

Asean Secretariat Must be Strengthened

With six months left in his five-year term, Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan is making a last-ditch effort to strengthen his 260-strong staff, including 79 openly

'Irreversible' or Not, Reforms Have a Long Way to Go

The Obama administration has announced that it will suspend US sanctions on Burma. This marks the most significant move by the US in its shift

Kachin refugees from Bhamo shelter in a tent at a rescue camp in the Chinese border city of Ruili, Yunnan province, on February 9, 2012. (PHOTO: Reuters)

Kachin Crisis Needs Urgent International Action

When the Burmese army shoots civilians on the streets of Rangoon, there is international outrage and discussions at the United Nations Security Council. When the

Thein Sein’s ‘Second Wave’ Requires Help

Burmese President Thein Sein seems to have done a good job again! His straightforward, honest confession and down-to-earth instructions made his fans admire him more

Who Will Replace Tin Aung Myint Oo?

The abrupt resignation of Burmese Vice-President Tin Aung Myint Oo has forced the government to hold several private meetings to find a suitable replacement candidate. Although

Putin’s Return Firms Russia’s Asean Grip

Vladimir Putin's return as the Russian president was not discussed seriously in this corner of the world. But like it or not, his third term

LATEST NEWS

Landmine Use Continues in Conflict Zones: Report

Civilians living in war-torn parts of eastern Burma remain under serious threat from landmines, according to a new report released on Monday. The report, “Uncertain Ground: Landmine use in eastern Burma,” by the Karen Human Rights Group, found that both state and non-state armed groups are still using landmines in conflict zones despite recent moves to end open hostilities. The report urges humanitarian assistance to address the issue, which it says “must be taken into account during any discussion of refugee repatriation.”

Suu Kyi to Give Nobel Lecture During Norway Visit

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will finally get a chance to deliver her acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, nearly 21 years after winning the prestigious award. Suu Kyi is set to deliver her speech in Oslo’s City Hall on June 16 during a three-day visit to Norway that will also include a meeting with Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. She also is expected to visit Britain during her first travels abroad since 1988. Suu Kyi’s eldest son, Alexander Aris, accepted the peace prize on her behalf during the 1991 ceremony.—AP

Japan to Negotiate Investment Treaty with Burma

Japan will start negotiations on an investment treaty with Burma on Wednesday, according to Trade Ministry officials in Tokyo. “Since many Japanese private companies are trying to do business with Myanmar, we want to reach the agreement as soon as possible,” said a ministry official quoted by Reuters. A deal will be reached no earlier than November, when Japan and the Association of South East Asian Nations will hold a summit in Cambodia. Japan will seek most-favored-nation status, giving it conditions that are at least as favorable as those granted to other nations.

China Seeks Support of World Dam Body

The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) is currently carrying out an inspection of the Chinese-backed Myitsone hydro-power dam project in northern Burma's Kachin State, according to a press release by the Kachin Development Networking Group. Citing Chinese media reports, the group quoted Xu Zeping of the Chinese Committee on Large Dams, a member of ICOLD, as saying that the inspection is being carried out “to dispel Myanmar people’s doubts” about the safety of the dam, which was suspended by President Thein Sein last year amid growing resistance to the project.

Malaysian Opposition's Anwar Charged over Protest

Prosecutors charged Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and two of his allies on Tuesday with breaking various laws during a massive street rally to demand electoral fairness. The charges could distract Anwar from preparing for national elections expected to be held by September. The three men were charged with defying a court ban against assembling at a public square in Kuala Lumpur last month and inciting other demonstrators to breach a police barricade. They pleaded innocent and face a maximum jail sentence of six months and fines totaling 12,000 ringgit ($3,800) if convicted.—AP

Quinceaneras Dresses

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Candlelight in the Capital?

Burma Marks First Ever LGBT Day

Burma Vice-President Enters Monkhood

Indonesian President Urges N Korean Transparency on Missile Issue

Is Refugee Return Already Underway?

Over 5,000 Workers Still on Strike in Rangoon

Accused Bomber in Critical Condition

Suu Kyi to Give First Foreign Talk in Geneva

Protesters Released as Blackout Marches Spread

The Volatile Viking Drills Again

Is Refugee Return Already Underway?

Over 5,000 Workers Still on Strike in Rangoon

Accused Bomber in Critical Condition

Suu Kyi to Give First Foreign Talk in Geneva

Protesters Released as Blackout Marches Spread

The Volatile Viking Drills Again

US Lawmaker Proposes Keeping Burma Sanctions

OPINION »

Asean Secretariat Must be Strengthened

'Irreversible' or Not, Reforms Have a Long Way to Go

Kachin Crisis Needs Urgent International Action

Thein Sein’s ‘Second Wave’ Requires Help

Who Will Replace Tin Aung Myint Oo?

Putin’s Return Firms Russia’s Asean Grip

LATEST NEWS

Landmine Use Continues in Conflict Zones: Report

Suu Kyi to Give Nobel Lecture During Norway Visit

Japan to Negotiate Investment Treaty with Burma

China Seeks Support of World Dam Body

Malaysian Opposition's Anwar Charged over Protest

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