BURMA

US to Upgrade Burma’s Transportation Infrastructure

BURMA

NLD Members Threatened at Gunpoint to Resign

BUSINESS

NGOs Step up Pressure on Firms Bidding to Exploit Resources

CONTRIBUTOR

Premature Praise for Burma's Press Reforms

MULTIMEDIA
BURMA »

Rangoon General Hospital Renovation to Include New 1,000-Bed Facility

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Plans to renovate Rangoon General Hospital will include the construction of a new 1,000-bed facility near the current hospital within the next year.

Faint Waft for Now from Rangoon’s Budding Coffee Culture

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Coffee is the latest angle on Burma’s “emerging market,” but an age-old fondness for tea and economic factors may limit its reach for now.

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.

BUSINESS »

Burma Business Roundup (May 24)

By   Burma Business Roundup (May 24)

Naypyidaw’s business deals still secretive; IMF predicts 6.75 percent GDP growth; Thai top visitor numbers for Burma, fast food chains jostle for Rangoon’s main streets.

Burma’s Kyat Currency Slumps As Imports Flood In

By   Burma’s Kyat Currency Slumps As Imports Flood In

The kyat has plunged more than 7 percent the past month to the lowest since it was floated last year, raising concern about economic stability.

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

ASIA »

Indonesian Police Arrest 2 Suspects in Burma Embassy Bomb Plot

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Indonesia's elite anti-terrorism squad arrested two suspected militants, including a would-be suicide bomber, in connection with a plot to bomb the Burma Embassy.

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.

INTERVIEW »

Burma’s Lucky Bibliophile

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A librarian risked prison time by lending books during the former military regime and was caught by President Thein Sein’s current spokesman—with surprising results.

‘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.

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.