Myanmar 20240625: Forthright, Lucid, Cogent

Mekong Memo Myanmar Weekly: Business, politics, finance, trade & legal news.

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Here is your Mekong Memo this week for Myanmar. As always, your feedback and paid subscriptions are very much appreciated and help support us to continue keeping you informed.

Headlines:

Yangon Sees Thriving Nightlife

Junta Still Losing Ground in Civil War

'Blood Timber' Trade Continues Despite Sanctions

Constitutional Changes Before Planned Vote

Gov’t Keeps Essential Goods Prices in Check

Chinese Tech Fuels Internet Crackdown

UN Official Calls for Action on Crisis

Tracking Violence Over Time

Suu Kyi Turns 79 Under House Arrest

Junta Fears Flowers, Arrests Dozens

Conscription Law Fuels Brain Drain

Tensions Rise in Northern Rakhine

Military Chief issues Rare Apology for Shooting

Young City Fighters Help Rebels Gain Ground

Myanmar Actor Wins Big with First Film

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Yangon Sees Thriving Nightlife

Yangon's nightlife is booming with new restaurants and bars, even as other parts of Myanmar are dealing with the effects of the war between the military and ethnic armed groups. The city's well-off residents and those tied to the military keep going out, ignoring the country's money troubles and exodus of talent, but business owners are not happy having to deal with tough rules and safety worries. The still-lively scene in Yangon shows how different life is there compared to the rest of the country during these hard times.

Read more: The Straits Times

Junta Still Losing Ground in Civil War

The military government is in trouble as rebel groups take over more of the country. The rebels now control about 60% of Myanmar. The army is running low on soldiers and effective weaponry, forcing them to recruit unwilling people and use lower-quality arms from North Korea. At the same time, it seems the rebels are getting improved weapons and support from other countries. As the army loses more land and resources, some foreign countries are getting ready for the possibility that the military government might soon fall apart.

Read more: The Globalist

'Blood Timber' Trade Continues Despite Sanctions

Millions of euros worth of Myanmar teak has made its way into EU and US markets since 2021, despite sanctions meant to block the flow. The military government, which controls the timber trade, has been using the money to fund operations. Reports show that teak is being is being routed through other countries like India to try and dodge the sanctions. Experts are calling for stricter rules and more transparency to bring about a stop to these illegal imports and cut off the supply of funding for military rule.

Read more: EIA

Constitutional Changes Before Planned Vote

The military government met with four political parties to discuss changes to the constitution and the upcoming elections. This comes even as ongoing airstrikes are reducing the number of potential voters. The talks, which have included the Union Solidarity and Development Party as well as other, smaller parties, are focused on how to build a democratic and federal union. While we don't know the specifics of what was discussed, those who took part came away hopeful about the chances for changing the constitution and successfully holding elections. The current constitution was drafted by the military in 2008.

Read more: The Irrawaddy