Although a number of initial peace agreements involving ethnic armed groups have been signed (see Analysis Paper No.1), sporadic fire fights and human rights violations continue to be reported in those ethnic areas covered. While there has been a tendency towards suggesting that such reports are indicative of the UOB Government’s deceitfulness, there is a failure by many observers to fully understand the enormity of the problem the country faces in relation to dealing with the military apparatus.

Published: 21/02/2012 at 02:03 AM

Eight-year-old Soifah Jetsadakraisii was failing second grade. The Chiang Rai native grew up speaking Bisu, one of the hundreds of ethnic minority languages scattered over the mountainous heart of Southeast Asia. The language spoken by the teachers was Thai; to Soifah, a foreign tongue.

Critics say that the ceasefire agreements signed with ethnic armies are driven by a desire to capitalise on the country's booming narcotics business not a desire for change and that the army and politicians are padding their coffers with the proceeds

By S.N.Oo
Sadly, Shan society during the 65 years after independence has been disintegrated to such an extent, that it has been difficult for citizens to differentiate between similarities and differences in people, and which differences are to condemned and which to be respected. This is due to the dictatorial “divide and rule policy”. The dictators not only damaged their homelands but also injected fear, terror and confusion in their minds. From the very beginning the dictatorial regimes have set out to make mischief between all ethnic nationalities and damaged the peace and harmony that existed in the relationship.

By: Sai Wansai
Monday, 06 February 2012

Within a year of governing time span, President Thein Sein, military-backed regime has achieved a higher degree of success in wooing the international community to lend increased legitimacy and hope for a better change of the country than all past, successive military regimes in fifty years.

Friday, 13 January 2012 20:35 Myo Thant

(Interview) – Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) party chairman Khun Tun Oo, who was arrested in 2005 on charges of treason and "inciting disaffection toward the government,” was sentenced to 93 years imprisonment. He was released today under the amnesty. Mizzima reporter Myo Thant interviewed Khun Tun Oo, 67, on the new government, ethnic affairs and his future plans.

By: Sai Wansai
Monday, 9 January 2012

After two pre-meetings between the Shan State Army (SSA) ‘South’ and Naypyitaw representatives, first on 17 December 2011 in Tachilek and the second, this early January, U Khin Maung Soe, who is also Minister of Electric Power #2 said that the Union level meeting between the two sides will take place some time this month. According to recent report of Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN), it would be between 15 to 20 January.

Thein Swe & Paul Chambers:
Cashing In across the Golden Triangle
Published in 2011 by Mekong Press, Chiang Mai, 192 pages, Baht 450
A Book Review by Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai (21.12.2011)

The study “Cashing In across the Golden Triangle” began in 2005 as an idea to understand Thailand’s economy in the North and is a comprehensive analysis of Thailand’s northern border trade with China, Laos, and Myanmar. The book’s cover dramatically shows a Chinese freighter at the port of Chiang Saen in Thailand’s Chiang Rai Province, hinting on the ever-growing influence of China there. Due to Mekong Press in Chiang Mai, the book is just out in the right time, when China also flexes its muscle into Laos and Myanmar.