| Editorial_May 2005 |
 A Day to Remember Kyaw Zwa Moe offers a personal account of the thrilling day in 1990 when the Burmese people were called on to go to the polls for the first time in thirty years, and examines the fiasco that followed. |
 Was It A Parliamentary Election or Not? In January 1989, SLORC Chairman Snr-Gen Saw Maung gave an interview to Asiaweek magazine, in which he guaranteed a free and fair election. The government, however, greatly misjudged the mood of the people, says Dominic Faulder. |
 Burma’s Seven-Point Gambit The ongoing National Convention is merely one step along the Burmese government’s much-vaunted road map to democracy. But will this strategy ever achieve its aims? Aung Lwin Oo reports. |
 Drugs Bust Blunder? The arrest of Maha Seng, a wealthy Wa businessman, by Thai police was supposed to have represented a crucial blow in the war on drugs. But as reports come to light of his involvement with both Thai and US anti-narcotics agencies, many are wondering whether his arrest was actually a mistake, writes Yeni. |
 Welcome to the Real Burma In a country where speaking out about the government involves taking great risks, some tour guides seem surprisingly ready to make waves, writes Tara Monroe. |
 A Very Burmese Way There’s more to Burmese art than buffaloes and rice-fields. Rangoon’s modern artists are producing work to rival any in the region, writes Harry Priestley. |
 Karaoke Nights Rangoon’s karaoke-bar business is thriving as businessman throw their money around and women leave their factory jobs to earn more money working as hostesses, Ko Jay reports. |
 Top of Their Class Schools operating along the Thai-Burma border are giving a growing number of children a shot at a decent education, reports Shah Paung. |
 Secrets of a Shan Palace Tara Monroe investigates the history, and possible curse, of one of the most remarkable Shan palaces left standing. |
 What Makes Thais Tick? Philip Cornwel-Smith’s new book, Very Thai, offers “an excellent introduction to everyday popular culture, social trends and assorted eccentricities in Thailand” writes Bertil Lintner. |
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 Terror in the City The three bombs that exploded almost simultaneously in downtown Rangoon early May resulted in an official death toll of 19 with a further 160 injured. As unofficial reports place the actual figures ever higher, confusion reigns as to who was behind the blasts. Aung Zaw reports. |
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