BURMA BULLETIN

∞∞∞ A month-in-review of events in Burma∞∞∞

A L T E R N A T I V E A S E A N N E T W O R K O N B U R M A
campaigns, advocacy & capacity-building for human rights & democracy

Issue 32 August 2009

• Following an 86-day sham trial, the SPDC sentences IN THIS ISSUE

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to three years in prison with
hard labor. KEY STORY
• SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe immediately 1 Guilty as planned
commutes Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence to 18 2 Baseless trial, scripted verdict
months house arrest, in an attempt to quell 2 International reactions
international pressure and gain kudos. INSIDE BURMA
5 Onslaught in Shan State
• The international community broadly condemns the 5 SPDC attacks spill into China
verdict and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. 6 SPDC targets women
The EU adds new sanctions on the trial judges and 7 BGF inflames border areas
junta-controlled media. 7 Transitional package
• SPDC releases John Yettaw during the visit of US 8 Pro-democracy campaigns
8 Monks harassed
Senator Jim Webb. Webb’s naïve comments, seen to
9 SPDC dams future
be more anti-sanctions than pro-engagement,
attracts widespread criticism from activists. HUMAN RIGHTS
9 Arrests and imprisonment
• The SPDC Army begins war on separate fronts 9 Prison transfers
against the Kokang and the Shan in Eastern Burma, DISPLACEMENT
displacing about 47,000 civilians and ending a 20- 10 More Karen refugees
year ceasefire agreement. 10 Malaysia mistreats migrants
10 Rohingya die in Thai detention
• China, forced to cope with the inflow of 37,000
refugees, rebukes the SPDC over the attacks and INTERNATIONAL
deploys troops along the Sino-Burma border. 10 China rebukes the SPDC
ECONOMY
• During the SPDC’s military offensives in Eastern 11 Trade hits record high
Burma, SPDC Army soldiers gang-rape and behead 11 Burma’s gas balloons
ethnic women. 11 Korean deals
• Relations between the regime and several ethnic 11 OTHER BURMA NEWS
ceasefire groups continue to deteriorate as the junta 12 REPORTS
_____________________________________
pushes for their “integration” in the SPDC Army.
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• The SPDC increases its military presence in Kachin, email publications@altsean.org
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Shan, and Karen States as tensions increase download at www.altsean.org
between the SPDC and the armed ethnic ceasefire
groups.

KEY STORY

Guilty as planned

On 11 August 2009, following an 86-day sham trial, the Rangoon Northern District court sentenced
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to three years in prison with hard labor for allegedly violating the conditions of
her house arrest. Shortly after the court announced the sentence, SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe
commuted the sentence to 18 months to be served under house arrest.1

1
NLM (12 Aug 09) Judgments pronounced for Criminal Regular Trials against US Citizen Mr John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win and Ma Win Ma Ma; NLM (12 Aug 09) Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
issues directive dated 10 August 2009 for Ministry of Home Affairs stating upon Court pronouncing sentence to Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi, sentence to be served by her under Criminal Procedure Code be amended to be remitted and suspended if she displays

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The court found Daw Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of violating Article 22 of the 1975 State Protection Law
by allowing 53-year-old American John Yettaw to stay at her lakeside home.2 Yettaw had trespassed
into Daw Suu’s compound on 3 May and spent two nights at her home before leaving by swimming late
on 5 May.3

The court also sentenced Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s two maids, Khin Khin Win and Win Ma Ma, to
three years in prison with hard labor. Than Shwe also commuted their sentences to 18 months under
house arrest to be served at Daw Suu’s compound.4

As for John Yettaw, the court sentenced him to seven years in prison, four of which with hard labor.
The court found Yettaw guilty of trespassing, immigration law violations, and swimming in a restricted
zone.5 However, on 16 August the SPDC released and deported Yettaw following US Senator Jim
Webb’s visit to Burma on 14-16 August.6

Baseless trial, scripted verdict

On 11 August, four UN Special Rapporteurs, including the Special Rapporteur on human rights in
Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana, blasted the trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as “baseless,” “unlawful,”
and not in line with international standards. The four said that the court was not independent, judicial
guarantees were disregarded, and the charges under the State Protection Law were unsubstantiated. The
trial was “riddled with irregularities from start to finish” and “should never have occurred in the first
place,” the UN experts concluded.7

Despite the SPDC’s outrageous claim that Daw Suu’s trial “was strictly related to the rule of law,”8 the
outcome of the trial showed that the SPDC had absolute control over the court and forced the judges to
reach a guilty verdict. The extent to which the outcome of the trial was a foregone conclusion is
manifested by the fact that SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe signed the order that commuted Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi’s prison sentences on 10 August - the day before the court delivered the guilty
verdict.9

By commuting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s prison sentence, Than Shwe desperately wanted to show the
international community that he is a compassionate man and respects the daughter of Burma’s
independence hero General Aung San.10 But in reality, the commutation of Daw Suu’s sentence was a
card that Than Shwe was forced to play in an attempt to quell international pressure.11

International reactions

ASEAN: Efforts to seek a pardon fall mute

Following Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s conviction and sentence, ASEAN failed to agree on a common
position other than a timid note of its ‘disappointment. As of the Bulletin publishing date, ASEAN was
still attempting to adopt a call for amnesty for Daw Suu but the issue remained unresolved.

good conduct and pardon be granted accordingly; AFP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi gets 18 months under house arrest; BBC
(11 Aug 09) Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi 'guilty'; Reuters (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi found guilty in security case
2
NYT (18 May 09) Pro-Democracy leader goes on trial in Myanmar; NLM (19 May 09) American citizen Mr John William Yettaw,
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win, Ma Win Ma Ma brought to trial
3
Bangkok Post (05 May 09) US man swims to Suu Kyi's home
4
NLM (12 Aug 09) Judgments pronounced for Criminal Regular Trials against US Citizen Mr John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win and Ma Win Ma Ma
5
AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi returns to house arrest; NLM (12 Aug 09) Judgments pronounced for Criminal Regular
Trials against US Citizen Mr John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win and Ma Win Ma Ma
6
NYT (14 Aug 09) U.S. Senator in Myanmar to Meet Leader; AP (16 Aug 09) Yettaw Leaves Burma; CNN (15 Aug 09) Senator
gains release of American jailed in Myanmar; AP (16 Aug 09) Yettaw Leaves Burma
7
OHCHR (11 Aug 09) UN human rights experts call for unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi after unfair trial; UN News
Center (11 Aug 09) Deploring Myanmar verdict, Ban urges immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi
8
AP (28 May 09) Suu Kyi Trial Nears End; Bernama (28 May 09) Trial Against Aung San Suu Kyi Has No Political Impact
9
AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi returns to house arrest; BBC (11 Aug 09) Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi 'guilty'; WSJ (11 Aug
09) Suu Kyi Sentenced to 18 Months House Arrest; AFP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi gets 18 months under house arrest
10
AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi returns to house arrest; NYT (11 Aug 09) Activist in Myanmar Is Convicted
11
Bernama (11 Aug 09) Myanmar Junta Fearful Of Suu Kyi's Influence

2
On 12 August, ASEAN expressed its “disappointment” over the SPDC’s ruling on Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi. A statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry, representing the ASEAN Chair, reiterated the
organization’s calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.12

On 14 August, Thai FM Kasit Piromya sought a consensus from the other nine ASEAN members to
urge the SPDC to grant Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a pardon. Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
supported Thailand’s initiative, while Laos and Vietnam opposed the move.13 On 21 August, senior
ASEAN officials meeting in Jakarta recommended that their respective Foreign Ministers issue a joint
appeal to the SPDC for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.14 However, as of 31 August, ASEAN
had not endorsed any letter to the SPDC.

Malaysia: ASEAN meeting needed

Malaysia said it was “very concerned” over the trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.15 Following the guilty
verdict, Malaysia's FM Anifah Aman pressed for an “urgent meeting” among his ASEAN
counterparts.16 In addition, Malaysia’s two main political parties, ruling party UMNO and opposition
DAP called on ASEAN to suspend Burma’s membership until the SPDC released Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi.17

Philippines: Reconsider the verdict

After the sentence, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged the SPDC to reconsider the
verdict.18 Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said the Philippines found the verdict incomprehensible
and deplorable.19

Singapore: Disappointed

A Singapore Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “We are disappointed to learn that Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi was found guilty.”20 Singapore FM George Yeo said, “This [the detention of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi] is not only unfair - we felt that it would go against the spirit of free and fair elections and national
reconciliation.'”21

Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam: Leave the SPDC alone

Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, defended the SPDC’s treatment of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

• Vietnam called Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's conviction an “internal affair” of Burma, while backing
regional calls for national reconciliation.22
• Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the reduction of the sentence handed down to Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi as “a good signal” and said Burma was moving towards democracy.23
• Laos said it was opposed to interfering in Burma's internal affairs. “We believe the recent trial of
Aung San Suu Kyi was conducted in accordance with the judicial process of Burma,” Lao Foreign
Ministry spokesman Khenthong Nuanthasing said.24

12
Nation (12 Aug 09) Asean calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi
13
Kyodo News (16 Aug 09) Thai call for ASEAN appeal to Myanmar to pardon Suu Kyi gets backing; Mizzima News (15 Aug 09)
Thailand urges Asean for a consensus on Burma
14
DPA (21 Aug 09) ASEAN officials agree on joint appeal for Suu Kyi's release
15
AFP (14 May 09) Clinton 'deeply troubled' by Aung San Suu Kyi charges
16
AFP (11 Aug 09) Malaysian pushes for ASEAN meeting on Suu Kyi
17
Star (12 Aug 09) Increasing calls for Asean to boot out Myanmar
18
Philippine Star (13 Aug 09) RP condemns Suu Kyi verdict; Sun Star Manila (13 Aug 09) Arroyo on Suu Kyi’s conviction
19
DPA (11 Aug 09) Philippine government deplores Suu Kyi's guilty verdict
20
DPA (11 Aug 09) Singapore government laments guilty verdict for Suu Kyi
21
Kyodo (16 Aug 09) Thai call for ASEAN appeal to Myanmar to pardon Suu Kyi gets backing
22
AFP (13 Aug 09) Vietnam: Suu Kyi verdict 'internal' matter for Myanmar
23
DPA (12 Aug 09) Cambodia's foreign ministry welcomes reduction in Suu Kyi sentence
24
Bangkok Post (15 Aug 09) Free Suu Kyi call vetoed

3
China: Give the SPDC some respect

On 12 August China Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that the international community
should fully respect Burma's “judicial sovereignty”.25

India: Economic interests mute response

India’s economic and security interests in Burma served to mute its reaction to the recent conviction of
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. On 11 August, the Indian Foreign Ministry said: that India had emphasized to
the SPDC the need to expedite their political reform and national reconciliation process. “[…] this
process should be broad based, including the various ethnic groups. In this context, the issue of release
of political prisoners will no doubt receive due attention."26

UN: All talk, no action

UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon, the UN Special Rapporteur of human rights in Burma Tomás Ojea
Quintana, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, the UN Special Advisor on
Burma Ibrahim Gambari, and the ILO, all called for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s immediate and
unconditional release. 27

On 11 August, the UN Security Council met to discuss the verdict. The meeting ended without result
and was adjourned until 12 August. The US, UK, and France faced the reluctance of China, Vietnam,
Russia, and Libya to condemn the sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and to urge her release.28 On
13 August, the UN Security Council finally issued a timid press statement that expressed “serious
concern” at the conviction and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The Council also reiterated the
importance of the release of all political prisoners and urged the SPDC “to create the necessary
conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties.”29

US: Webb’s visit spins confusion

US policy towards the junta became somewhat muddled as a result of the 14-16 August visit to Burma
by US Senator Jim Webb. The regime allowed Webb, to meet with SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe
in Naypyidaw and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon because of the Senator’s anti-sanctions stance.30
SPDC-run media used his visit as a major public relations coup. The state-run newspaper New Light of
Myanmar called Webb’s visit a “success.”31

On 17 August, Webb stated that it was his “clear impression” that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was not
opposed to lifting “some sanctions.”32 On 17 August, US State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley
played down the significance of Webb’s visit. Crowley said, “We remain very concerned about the
continued detainment of Aung San Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 prisoners that are in detention. We'll
be looking for signs that Burma's fundamentally changing its approach and its policies.”33

Webb’s comments, which ignored the regime’s escalation of atrocities in Eastern Burma and were seen
as more anti-sanctions than pro-engagement, attracted widespread criticism from activists.34

25
AP (12 Aug 09) Suu Kyi Begins House Arrest amid Outrage
26
Reuters (11 Aug 09) India says Myanmar must expedite political reform
27
AP (12 Aug 09) Suu Kyi Begins House Arrest amid Outrage; UN News Center (12 Aug 09)UN human rights chief joins call for
release of Myanmar opposition figure: AFP (11 Aug 09) UN Head demands release of Myanmar activist Aung San Suu Kyi; VOA
(11 Aug 09) UN Envoy to Burma Calls for 'Immediate Release' of Aung San Suu Kyi
28
Bloomberg (11 Aug 09) U.S., U.K., France Press for UN Condemnation of Myanmar’s Junta; Reuters (11 Aug 09) U.N. council
delays statement on Suu Kyi sentence
29
UN News Center (13 Aug 09) Security Council voices ‘serious concern’ at Aung San Suu Kyi verdict
30
Irrawaddy (15 Aug 09) US Senator Meets Than Shwe, Suu Kyi
31
Irrawaddy (19 Aug 09) Garbled words; Naive Expectations
32
AFP (17 Aug 09) Suu Kyi not for sanctions: Webb
33
AP (17 Aug 09) Obama welcomes release of US citizen from Myanmar
34
Washington Post (15 Aug 09) Webb's Trip to Burma May Be Litmus Test

4
EU: More targeted sanctions

The EU continued to call for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s immediate and unconditional release.35 After
the SPDC announced Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence, the EU imposed new targeted financial
sanctions on the four judges who presided at Daw Suu’s trial.36 New sanctions also subjected state-
owned media associated with the junta to an asset freeze along with 58 other enterprises, 48 of which
were already affected by an investment ban.37 In addition, UK PM Gordon Brown called for the UN
Security Council to act and impose an international arms embargo on the junta.38

Australia: Supporting sanctions and arms embargo

After Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s conviction, FM Stephen Smith said that Australia would review
existing financial sanctions which target senior members of the regime, their associates and family
members, and consider including senior members of the judiciary. Smith also said that Australia would
support any action before the Security Council to place a global arms embargo on Burma.39 Australian
PM Kevin Rudd announced that the Australian government would resume broadcasting Radio Australia
into Burma.40

INSIDE BURMA

During August, war broke out when the SPDC Army launched two separate military campaigns against
the Kokang and the Shan in Eastern Burma, which displaced 47,000 civilians, the majority of whom
fled to China. Relations with other ethnic groups continued to deteriorate as the SPDC pressed their
demand for ethnic ceasefire groups to cede control over their armed factions.

Military onslaught in Shan State

Through early August the SPDC Army launched a military offensive against civilian populations in
Shan State. The SPDC Army forced an estimated 10,000 people in Central Shan State out of their
villages and burned more than 500 homes.41 It was the single largest forced displacement in Shan State
since 1998, when the SPDC Army uprooted over 300,000 people.42

In Laikha Township alone, the SPDC Army displaced residents from over 40 villages.43 SPDC forces
killed at least three villagers and tortured over 100. In addition to numerous reports of sexual violence
against Shan women, SPDC soldiers beheaded a woman falsely accused of being a wife of an ethnic
army soldier [See below SPDC targets women].44

SPDC aggression spills into China

In late August, SPDC baiting and aggression led to the break down of a 20-year ceasefire agreement
and the resumption of hostilities between the Kokang and the SPDC Army. 45 Hostilities between ethnic
armed groups and SPDC troops pushed nearly 37,000 refugees into China, provoking the ire of Beijing
[See below China rebukes SPDC over Kokang offensive].46

35
EU (11 Aug 09) Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the verdict against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
36
EU (13 Aug 09) The Council adopts additional restrictive measures against Burma/Myanmar
37
NYT (14 Aug 09) U.S. Senator in Myanmar to Meet Leader
38
Reuters (11 Aug 09) UK's Brown "saddened, angry" at Suu Kyi verdict
39
AAP (12 Aug 09) Australia supports global Burma arms ban
40
AAP (11 Aug 09) Kevin Rudd seeks to provoke Burmese junta
41
Irrawaddy (13 Aug 09) 10,000 Villagers Forcibly Relocated in Shan State: Rights Groups; DVB (13 Aug 09) 500 Shan houses
burned in scorched earth campaign
42
DVB (13 Aug 09) 500 Shan houses burned in scorched earth campaign
43
Irrawaddy (13 Aug 09) 10,000 Villagers Forcibly Relocated in Shan State: Rights Groups; DVB (13 Aug 09) 500 Shan houses
burned in scorched earth campaign
44
Irrawaddy (13 Aug 09) 10,000 Villagers Forcibly Relocated in Shan State: Rights Groups
45
SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers
46
Xinhua (31 Aug 09) China resolves issue with Sino-Myanmar border inhabitants; AP (30 Aug 09) Myanmar says 26 forces, 8
rebels killed at border; VOA (29 Aug 09) Fresh Fighting Erupts in Burma; SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese
soldiers

5
• 8 August: Tensions erupted between the regime and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance
Army (MNDAA), a Kokang ceasefire group, when SPDC Army soldiers and police attempted to raid
the house of the group’s chairman Peng Jiasheng. Peng reportedly ordered 300 of his soldiers to block
the route and encircle the raiding SPDC forces. The five hour stand-off ended only after the SPDC
forces retreated.47
• 24 August: The SPDC Army captured Laogai, the capital of the Kokang region, after several Kokang
leaders staged a mutiny against Peng and expressed their loyalty to the SPDC.48
• 25 August: The breakaway elements of the MNDAA formed a new Central Executive Committee,
and announced that the Kokang Special Region would be under its administration.49 The majority of
the Kokang region was under joint control of the SPDC Army and the new Kokang splinter group.50
• 27 August: Sporadic fighting broke out between MNDAA forces and the SPDC Army along the
border with China and in Laogai.51 During the clashes, an errant SPDC shell fell in Chinese territory,
reportedly killing a Chinese Army solider while wounding two others.52 Similarly, SPDC attacks near
Wa territory prompted the United Wa State Army (UWSA) to join battle with its Kokang ally against
the SPDC Army.53
• 28 August: UNHCR reported that nearly 30,000 refugees from Shan State entered China.54 Chinese
sources said that the new arrivals were being housed in two temporary shelters near the border area.55
• 29 August: Fighting near the Sino-Burmese border came to an abrupt halt after about 700 MNDAA
soldiers surrendered their weapons to Chinese officials.56
• 30 August: The SPDC released its first official statement on the hostilities, saying three days of
fighting killed 26 SPDC personnel and at least eight MNDAA soldiers. The announcement concluded
by saying that “the region has now regained peace.”57

SPDC targets women

SPDC Army soldiers continued to terrorize ethnic women through violence and rape as part of their
military campaign in Eastern Burma.58

• 2 August: SPDC Army forces gang-raped a woman in front of her husband in Laikha Township,
Shan State.59
• 3 August: SPDC soldiers from LIB 514 attacked and beheaded a 29-year old woman in Mongkeung
Township, Shan State.60
• 5 August: An SPDC Army Captain and other soldiers from IB 132 gang-raped a 15-year-old girl in
Kehsi Township, Southern Shan State.61

47
Irrawaddy (10 Aug 09) Kokang Thwart Burma Army Drug Raid; Mizzima News (10 Aug 09) Palpable tension between Burmese
Army and Kokant rebels
48
Kachin News Group (27 Aug 09) Burmese troops and Kokang soldiers clash
49
DVB (27 Aug 09) Ceasefire group split sparks tension
50
DVB (27 Aug 09) Ceasefire group split sparks tension
51
SHAN (27 Aug 09) Clashes push more refugees to neighboring area; AP (27 Aug 09) Ethnic group in Myanmar said to break
cease-fire; DVB (27 Aug 09) Ceasefire group split sparks tension; Kachin News Group (27 Aug 09) Burmese troops and Kokang
soldiers clash; Irrawaddy (27 Aug 09) Fighting Breaks Out in Kokang Area; DPA (27 Aug 09) Myanmar military moves to crush
Kokang Chinese; Mizzima News (27 Aug 09) Kokangs victim of junta’s old tactics: observers
52
SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers
53
SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers
54
Mizzima News (29 Aug 09) Nearly 30,000 civilians flee conflicts in Northeastern Burma: UN; Independent (29 Aug 09)
Refugees pour into China after Burma clashes; UN News Center (28 Aug 09) UN voices concern as fresh fighting in Myanmar
uproots thousands. (NOTE: Chinese sources later reported the figure at nearly 37,000. See footnote 46)
55
Irrawaddy (28 Aug 09) 10,000 More Kokang Refugees Flee into China
56
AP (30 Aug 09) Clashes along China-Myanmar border subside; Irrawaddy (29 Aug 09) Fighting Stops as Kokang Surrender
Arms to Chinese
57
AP (30 Aug 09) Myanmar says 26 forces, 8 rebels killed at border; Xinhua (30 Aug 09) Myanmar gov't says Kokang region
situation returns to normalcy
58
SHAN (06 Aug 09) Burmese Army troops behead woman; Kaladan News (11 Aug 09) Refugee woman gang-raped by local
youths; Kaladan News (10 Aug 09) Burmese woman gang raped by Bangladeshi youths; SHAN (11 Aug 09) Teenage girl gang
raped by Burmese Army personnel; SHAN (07 Aug 09) Burmese Army personnel gang-rape Shan woman; Mizzima News (07
Aug 09) Women’s groups urge Security Council to act on Burma; Irrawaddy (07 Aug 09) Women’s Groups Want to See Than
Shwe before the ICC
59
SHAN (07 Aug 09) Burmese Army personnel gang-rape Shan woman
60
SHAN (11 Aug 09) Teenage girl gang raped by Burmese Army personnel; SHAN (06 Aug 09) Burmese Army troops behead
woman
61
SHAN (11 Aug 09) Teenage girl gang raped by Burmese Army personnel

6
On 7 August, 65 international women’s organizations, including the Women’s League of Burma, urged
the UN Security Council to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity and
war crimes in Burma.62 On 19 August, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Altsean-
Burma, and the Burma Lawyers Council (BLC) also called on the UN Security Council to set up a
Commission on Inquiry on crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.63

BGF scheme inflames border regions

In August, the continued SPDC push for the Border Guard Force (BGF) scheme inflamed tensions with
several armed ethnic ceasefire groups.

• Myanmar Peace and Democratic Front: The Kachin Independent Organization (KIO), the
MNDAA, the UWSA, and the National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State formed a new
defense alliance to counter possible SPDC aggression.64
• Mon: On 4 August, the New Mon State Party reaffirmed its refusal to reform its armed wing, the
Mon National Liberation Army, into a BGF or an SPDC aligned people’s militia.65
• Kachin: The KIO agreed in principle with the BGF proposal but suggested that steps should be taken
only when the nation is at peace and after a popularly elected democratic government is in place. 66
On 22 August, the SPDC Army’s Northern Regional Command Commander Maj Gen Soe Win
ignored the KIO position and warned them that the SPDC expects the Kachin Independence Army
(KIA) to convert into a BGF battalion by October 2009.67
• Kokang: Following the MNDAA’s rejection of the SPDC’s BGF scheme, the SPDC increased the
pressure on the group’s leader through police raids and legal harassment.68 SPDC harassment led to
the eventual escalation of conflict and the end of a 20-year ceasefire [See above SPDC aggression
spills into China].
• Wa: On 26 August, an SPDC Army Operations Command Commander in Eastern Shan State
demanded that the UWSA immediately withdraw from all their bases west of the Thai border road.69

As tensions increased between the SPDC and the armed ethnic ceasefire groups in August, the SPDC
increased its military presence in Kachin, Shan, and Karen States.70

Transitional package

On 13 August, the Burmese exiled pro-democracy coalition Movement for Democracy and Rights for
Ethnic Nationalities (MDREN)71 released their “Proposal for National Reconciliation” following a two-
day meeting in Jakarta.72 Feeling threatened by the exiled groups’ initiative, the regime unsuccessfully
pressured Indonesian authorities to stop the meeting.73

62
Irrawaddy (07 Aug 09) Women’s Groups Want to See Than Shwe before the ICC; Mizzima News (07 Aug 09) Women’s groups
urge Security Council to act on Burma
63
Mizzima News (20 Aug 09) Campaigners call for commission of inquiry into junta crimes
64
Mizzima News (13 Aug 09) Four ceasefire groups form military alliance; Kachin News Group (11 Aug 09) Four ethnic ceasefire
groups to take on junta in event of war; SHAN (10 Aug 09) Junta and Kokang almost come to blows
65
IMNA (04 Aug 09) NMSP officially rejects future role in Burmese government ‘Border Guard Force’
66
DVB (07 Aug 09) Border guard pressure could ‘threaten peace’
67
Kachin News Group (25 Aug 09) Junta reiterates October deadline on KIA
68
Irrawaddy (10 Aug 09) Kokang Thwart Burma Army Drug Raid
69
SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers
70
Kachin News Group (11 Aug 09) Four ethnic ceasefire groups to take on junta in event of war; Mizzima News (14 Aug 09) KIO
trains administrative staff; Irrawaddy (25 Aug 09) Tension Mounts between Junta and Kokang Ceasefire Group; SHAN (24 Aug
09) Tension sparks people to flee into China; SHAN (14 Aug 09) Junta’s ploy is to push Kokang to shoot first; Irrawaddy (10 Aug
09) Kokang Thwart Burma Army Drug Raid; Irrawaddy (13 Aug 09) Tension Mounts at Three Pagodas Pas; Irrawaddy (31 Aug
09) Junta Sends Major Reinforcements to Shan State
71
MDREN comprises the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the National Council of the Union of Burma, the
Ethnic Nationalities Council, the Women's League of Burma, the Forum for Democracy in Burma, the Students and Youth
Congress of Burma, and the Nationalities Youth Forum.
72
VOA (13 Aug 09) Exiled Dissidents Propose Democratic Transition for Burma
73
UPI (14 Aug 09) Myanmar democracy meeting held in Jakarta; DVB (13 Aug 09) Indonesia meeting pressured by Burma junta;
Mizzima News (13 Aug 09) Indonesia withdraws support to Burmese opposition meet

7
The “Proposal for National Reconciliation” calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all
political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a declaration of a nationwide ceasefire, a review
of the SPDC’s 2008 constitution, and a new or reformed electoral law ahead of the 2010 elections. 74

The “Proposal” acknowledges the right of the military to play a “significant role” during Burma’s
transition to democracy and calls for measures to transform military administration into civilian rule.
The document also outlines a plan for socio-economic reforms to be implemented during the
democratic transition.75

Pro-democracy demonstrations and campaigns

• 5 August: Activists in Pegu distributed leaflets that exhorted people not to forget the 8888 uprising.76
• 8 August: Riot police and pro-junta thugs patrolled Rangoon on the 21st anniversary of the 1988
uprising.77 Outside Burma, thousands of activists marked the day with events in Thailand, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Canada, US, and France.78
• 15 August: The NLD launched a five-day “White Campaign” in 20 Townships in Pegu, Madalay,
Magwe, and Rangoon Divisions to express solidarity with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The campaign
organizers urged people to wear white, offer white flowers at pagodas, and paint houses and fences
white.79
• 23 August: Activists in Taunggoat, Arakan State, distributed leaflets that called for the release of all
political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.80
• 25 August: NLD members launched a month-long “Yellow campaign” in the cities of Rangoon,
Mandalay, and Pegu as well as in Meikhtila and Yamethin, Mandalay Division, and in Yenanchaung,
Magwe Division. The campaign organizers urged people to wear yellow during their Tuesday prayer
vigil for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners.81

Monks harassed

As the second anniversary of the Saffron Revolution draws near amid rumors of another monk-led-
uprising, the regime stepped up harassment and surveillance of Buddhist monks across Burma.82

• The regime collected personal information and photographs of monks from monasteries nationwide.83
• Since the second week of August, police in Myitkyina, Kachin State, have escorted local monks
during their morning alms procession.84
• The regime increased police presence around monasteries in Rangoon and Akyab, Arakan State.85
• SPDC authorities in Mon State arbitrary searched traveling monks.86
• SPDC authorities threatened to disrobe and imprison monks from Rangoon monasteries if they
participated in anti-junta protests.87

74
Movement for Democracy and Rights for Ethnic Nationalities (13 Aug 09) Proposal for National Reconciliation.
http://www.mdren.org/resources/Proposal_for_National_Reconciliation.pdf
75
Movement for Democracy and Rights for Ethnic Nationalities (13 Aug 09) Proposal for National Reconciliation
76
Mizzima New (05 Aug 09) Leaflets recalling 8.8.88 distributed in Pegu
77
AP (08 Aug 09) Security Tight on Anniversary of 8888 Uprising; Straits Times (09 Aug 09) Yangon quiet
78
AFP (09 Aug 09) Burma marks 21st anniversary of student uprising; AP (08 Aug 09) Security Tight on Anniversary of 8888
Uprising; Straits Times (09 Aug 09) Yangon quiet; Burma Partnership (07 Aug 09) 21st Anniversary of 8888 - Global Solidarity
Action and Statement
79
DVB (15 Aug 09) White Campaign launched for Suu Kyi
80
Narinjara News (24 Aug 09) Poster Campaign in Arakan for Daw Suu's Release
81
Mizzima News (27 Aug 09) Opposition activists launch yellow campaign
82
IMNA (18 Aug 09) Monks searched as they travel through Mon state; Mizzima News (20 Aug 09) Junta alert about possible
monk-led protests; Narinjara News (21 Aug 09) Sittwe Security Beefed up with Riot Police
83
Irrawaddy (05 Aug 09) Monks Question Gov’t Use of Personal Photographs; Irrawaddy (15 Aug 09) Are Monks Preparing to
Return to the Streets?
84
Kachin News Group (17 Aug 09) Police escorts for monks accepting offerings
85
Irrawaddy (15 Aug 09) Are Monks Preparing to Return to the Streets?; Mizzima News (20 Aug 09) Junta alert about possible
monk-led protests; Irrawaddy (25 Aug 09) Monk Leaders Call for Third Sangha Boycott; Narinjara News (21 Aug 09) Sittwe
Security Beefed up with Riot Police
86
IMNA (18 Aug 09) Monks searched as they travel through Mon state; Kachin News Group (17 Aug 09) Police escorts for monks
accepting offerings
87
Irrawaddy (15 Aug 09) Are Monks Preparing to Return to the Streets?

8
• On 5 August, SPDC authorities in Yenanchaung, Magwe Division, barred monks at the Myat Saw
Nyi Naung pagoda from reciting sutras during a full moon religious ceremony.88
• On 9 August, SPDC authorities in Akyab, Arakan State, prevented local monks from holding any
public commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the death of the revered Rakhine monk U Ottama.89
• On 26 August, the website of the state-run Kyemon [Mirror] newspaper said the regime would take
“severe action” against the exiled International Burmese Monks’ Organization and Sangha League
(Myanmar) for their alleged involvement in the organization of a new wave of monk-led protests in
Burma90

SPDC dams future

The SPDC continued its push for hydroelectric energy, regardless of the human and environmental
costs to Burma.

• 4 August: The KNU appealed to the Thai government to halt its involvement in the construction of
the Hatgyi Dam project in Karen State.91 The KNU said the project would displace thousands and
endanger the local ecosystem and rare animal life.92
• 5 August: SPDC officials informed residents of their plans to relocate over 60 villages from the
Myitsone hydropower dam project area in the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy River in Kachin State.93
SPDC authorities did not explain to the villagers where they would be relocated to, nor did they
inform them of any planned compensation for their loss.94

HUMAN RIGHTS

Arrests and imprisonment

• 11 August:
o SPDC security forces, riot police, and Swan Swan Arr Shin thugs stationed outside Insein prison
briefly detained about 50 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi supporters after the court delivered its verdict.95
o SPDC authorities in Yenanchaung, Magwe Division, arrested five NLD members who were on
their way to go to a local pagoda to pray for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. 96
o SPDC authorities in Pegu Division arrested five NLD members while praying for Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi at a local pagoda.97
o Police in Akyab, Arakan State, arrested Tun Shwe for unauthorized travel to Bangladesh. Tun Shwe
is a member of the Saidra Tee Wai, a 300-strong group of traditional drummers led by former
political prisoner Kyaw Zan Maung.98
• 14 August: A court in Taunggoat Township, Arakan State, sentenced former tuition teacher Chit
Htwe to seven days in jail for protesting the imprisonment of 87-year-old elected MP Kyaw Khaing.99
[See July 2009 Burma Bulletin]

Prison transfers

• 6 August: SPDC authorities in Kale prison, Sagaing Division, transferred labor rights activist and
NLD member Su Su Nway to Khamti prison, Sagaing Division.100

88
Irrawaddy (06 Aug 09) Burmese Authorities Ban Chanting of Metta Sutta
89
Narinjara News (11 Aug 09) Month long programme to honour U Ottama
90
Irrawaddy (26 Aug 09) Junta Warns Buddhist Monks Online
91
Irrawaddy (04 Aug 09) KNU Asks Thai Government to Pull out of Salween Dam Project
92
Mizzima News (05 Aug 09) Dam construction endangers lives of locals: report
93
DVB (26 Aug 09) Dam forces relocation of 60 villages
94
Kachin News Group (24 Aug 09) Irrawaddy hydropower project to displace many Kachin villagers
95
Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial
96
Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial
97
Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial
98
Narinjara News (18 Aug 09) Traditional Musician Missing After Arrest
99
Narinjara News (18 Aug 09) Nonagenarian protester sentenced to week in prison
100
Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial

9
• 9 August: SPDC authorities in Sandoway prison, Arakan State, transferred 87-year-old elected MP
Kyaw Khaing, to Thayet prison, Magwe Division.101

DISPLACEMENT

More Karen refugees

In August, over 200 Karen fled from Eastern Karen State seeking shelter in camps across Thailand’s
Tak Province.102 Recent arrivals escaped forced recruitment, extortion, forced labor and other abuses by
the DKBA.103

On 14-17 August, the DKBA and Thai authorities discussed new avenues of cooperation in order to
send recent Karen arrivals back to Burma.104 Negotiating with the DKBA was an odd decision by Thai
authorities, as many recent Karen refugees reported DKBA abuses in Karen State as their main reason
for fleeing in the first place.105

Malaysia mistreats migrants

On 18 August, Malaysian authorities released 80 Burmese migrants from an immigration detention

center near Kuala Lumpur International Airport with the help of the UNHCR.106 However, many more
Burmese migrants remained in overcrowded detention centers in Malaysia.107 During the first seven
months of 2009, the number of detained Burmese in Malaysian camps more then doubled, increasing
from 1,200 to 2,800.108 Unlike detainees from other countries who are typically deported within a week,
the Burmese embassy often takes several months to register its citizens for deportation and charges
them US$180 for the “service.”109

Rohingya die in Thai detention

On 17 August, Thai officials confirmed that two Rohingya teenagers died in a detention facility in
Ranong while the health of 13 others was also at risk.110 Following the most recent death, Thai
immigration authorities moved the remaining Rohingya detainees from the Ranong detention centre to a
detention facility in Bangkok.111

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

China rebukes the SPDC over Kokang offensive

The massive inflow of refugees from Northern Shan State as a result of the regime’s offensive against
the Kokang [See above SPDC aggression spills into China], prompted China to interfere into Burma’s
internal affairs.

• 10 August Chinese officials from Yunnan Province warned SPDC Northeastern Military Command
Commander Maj Gen Aung Than Htut not to fuel instability on the Sino-Burma border.112 The
Chinese Army moved over 700 troops to the Sino-Burma border.113

101
Mizzima News (11 Aug 09) Prison transfer for detained opposition member; Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during
Suu Kyi Trial
102
Irrawaddy (21 Aug 09) 30 More Karens Flee Hlinebwe; DVB (06 Aug 09) More Karen refugees flee to Thailand
103
Irrawaddy (21 Aug 09) 30 More Karens Flee Hlinebwe; DVB (06 Aug 09) More Karen refugees flee to Thailand
104
KIC (18 Aug 09) DKBA-Thai authorities work on return of IDPs
105
Irrawaddy (21 Aug 09) 30 More Karens Flee Hlinebwe; DVB (06 Aug 09) More Karen refugees flee to Thailand
106
Irrawaddy (21 Aug 09) Burmese Released from Malaysian Detention Center
107
AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar migrants stuck in Malaysia detention camps
108
AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar migrants stuck in Malaysia detention camps
109
AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar migrants stuck in Malaysia detention camps
110
Nation (18 Aug 09) Two migrants dead, 13 more "failing"
111
Bangkok Post (20 Aug 09) Rohingya deaths spark anger
112
Irrawaddy (14 Aug 09) China Warns Commander to Avoid Instability in Shan State
113
SHAN (25 Aug 09) PLA moves to the Kokang border

10
• 28 August: China issued a rare warning to the SPDC to “maintain stability” along the Sino-Burma
border. The Chinese foreign ministry issued a statement that called on the SPDC to “properly handle
domestic problems and maintain stability in the China-Burma border region.” The statement also
urged the SPDC “to protect the security and legal rights of Chinese citizens in Burma.”114

ECONOMY

Thai trade supports SPDC

Thailand topped Burma’s foreign trade partner line-up, followed by Singapore, China, India, Hong
Kong, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. According to the latest SPDC figures Thailand’s
bilateral trade reached US$3.05 billion in the fiscal year 2008-09. Burma’s exports to Thailand
amounted to US$2.65 billion, while imports stood at US$398.28 million, giving the SPDC a trade
surplus of US$2.25 billion.115

Burma’s gas balloons

Rising gas prices and increasing demand caused the value of Burma's gas exports to soar.116 According
to SPDC statistics in the fiscal year 2008-09, Burma produced 6.89 million barrels of crude oil and
11.381 billion cubic-meters of gas. Given Burma’s regional standing as a major supplier of natural gas
in the Asia-Pacific, the SPDC’s foreign exchange reserves are likely to top US$5 billion by the end of
the year.117

Korean deals

On 25 August, an international gas consortium led by South Korea's Daewoo International announced
plans to invest US$5.6 billion in a 30-year natural gas supply deal with China's top state oil and gas
firm, China National Petroleum. The consortium will provide natural gas from the Shwe fields in
Burma’s offshore A-1 and A-3 blocks starting from 2013.118

According to recent statistics, Burma and South Korea enhanced bilateral cooperation in a number of
key sectors during 2008-9.119 Burma-South Korea bilateral trade more then doubled in the fiscal year of
2008-09 compared with the previous year, totaling US$252 million. 120

OTHER BURMA NEWS IN AUGUST

1 SPDC Army recruits six Rakhine youth from the Indo-Burma border area in Chin State.
1 SPDC police arrest two men on motorcycles on the road from Mae Sai, Thailand, to Tachilek, Shan State,
and seize 200,000 amphetamine tablets.
2 Australia’s Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says that Australia shares the international community's
concerns over the SPDC's nuclear aspirations amid claims that North Korea is helping the junta with an
atomic weapons program.
3 Karen environmental activist Ka Hsaw Wa is awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
3 US State Department expresses concern over news reports that North Korea may be helping the SPDC to
achieve its nuclear ambitions.
3 An 18-year-old Rakhine woman in Paletwa Township, Chin State commits suicide after becoming
pregnant and abandoned by an SPDC Army Sgt.
4 SPDC FM Maj Gen Nyan Win and Sri Lankan FM Rohitha Bogollagama agree to increase cooperation on
counter terrorism and to boost bilateral investment and trade.
5 SPDC officials in Myitkyina, Kachin State, notify representatives of over 60 villages that they must
relocate in order to make way for a new dam project.

114
FT (30 Aug 09) China rebukes Burma after border fighting
115
Xinhua (04 Aug 09) Myanmar-Thailand bilateral trade hits over 3 bln USD in 2008-09
116
WSJ (06 Aug 09) Burma Isn't Broke
117
Xinhua (18 Aug 09) Myanmar to Export Offshore Nat. Gas to Thailand in 2013; WSJ (06 Aug 09) Burma Isn't Broke
118
Reuters (25 Aug 09) Daewoo in $5.6 bln Myanmar gas export deal to China
119
Xinhua (23 Aug 09) Myanmar, S Korea strive for enhancing bilateral co-op in multi-sectors
120
Xinhua (23 Aug 09) Myanmar, S Korea strive for enhancing bilateral co-op in multi-sectors

11
 5 UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon chairs a closed-door meeting of the Group of Friends on Burma.
7 Police chief Brig Gen Khin Yi says the regime arrested 15 people for allegedly planning to set off
explosions during Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial and UN Sec Gen Ban Ki-moon’s July visit to Burma.
8 ASEAN Sec-Gen Surin Pitsuwan says that Burma may be forced to abandon its ASEAN membership if it
is found to have a nuclear reactor in the country.
9 Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry releases a statement that calls on the SPDC to improve Burma’s internal
situation in order to stop the influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh.
9 A 25-year-old woman dies while giving birth to triplets in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State.
10 Bangladeshi FM Dipu Moni says hundreds of thousands of persecuted Rohingya who have illegally
crossed the border from Burma are a major cause of social, economic, and environmental damage.
10 A 26-year-old Na Sa Ka private in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, commits suicide.
10 Local youths rape a refugee woman from the Nayapara Burmese refugee camp in Teknaf, Bangladesh.
11 Washington-based Freedom Now files a petition on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s arbitrary detention with the
UN OHCHR in Geneva.
12 NLD rejects the verdict on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and calls for her release.
12 CNF releases a statement condemning the sentencing of opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to 18
months in detention.
13 Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva says that Thailand has no problem with other countries beefing up arms
sanctions against Burma but banning gems would have an adverse affect on Thailand.
13 DKBA troops kill a deserter wanted for the murder of two SPDC Army soldiers from Military Operation
Command 12.
15 WFP helicopter service stops after the SPDC fails to extend required clearances.
15 NLD Central Executive Committee member Win Tin undergoes heart surgery in Rangoon.
17 US President Barack Obama says while he appreciates the decision of the SPDC to release John Yettaw,
the release will have no impact on the US’ review of its Burma policy.
18 Unidentified gunmen kill a Burmese migrant worker and wound three other women in Pattani
Province,Thailand.
19 Pakistan’s Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights condemns the detention of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi and demands that the government sever diplomatic ties with the SPDC.
20 A commentary in three state-run newspapers urges Western countries to lift economic sanctions.
20 SPDC Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation and USDA Sec-Gen Maj Gen Htay Oo, begins an official
visit to Japan.
21 SPDC Censorship Board bans the Rangoon-based weekly journal Phoenix citing violation of censorship
regulations.
21 Indonesia says it will support the SPDC’s nuclear energy program if it is for civilian use.
23 Hundreds of people demonstrate in Tokyo to demand the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,
24 India hands over 175 boat people rescued near the Andaman Islands in January, to the Bangladesh Red
Crescent. The group includes at least 15 Burmese Rohingya.
24 Police seize 721 kilos of heroin, 2,926,000 amphetamine tablets and 10 kilos of crystal methamphetamine
in two separate raids near the Thai-Burma border town of Tachilek, Shan State.
26 The 29th case of swine flu confirmed in Burma.
27 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with her lawyers to finalize the appeal against her sentence.
27 SPDC establishes diplomatic ties with Zimbabwe at the ambassadorial level.
28 NLD members meet with staff members of the US House of Representatives Foreign Relations
Committee in Rangoon.
30 Na Sa Ka from Area 8 in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, arrest two local Rohingya for repairing a
mosque.
31 UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon says that elections in Burma must be free and fair.

REPORTS ON BURMA RELEASED IN AUGUST

“Roots and Resilience”, Shan Sapawa Environmental Organization

http://salweenwatch.org/images/stories/downloads/campaigns/rootsandresilienceenglish.pdf

“Myanmar: Towards the Elections”, International Crisis Group (ICG)

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/getfile.cfm?id=4083&tid=6280&type=pdf&l=1

“Proposal for National Reconciliation”, Movement for Democracy and Rights for Ethnic Nationalities
(MDREN)
http://www.mdren.org/resources/Proposal_for_National_Reconciliation.pdf

12
“Burma/Myanmar - International crimes committed in Burma: the urgent need for a Commission of
Inquiry”, International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH), Altsean-Burma, Burma Lawyers’ Council (BLC)
http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/bu08.pdf

“Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific 2009”, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Key_Indicators/2009/

“Nowhere Else to Go”, Woman and Child Rights Project (WCRP)

http://rehmonnya.org/data/nowhereelsetogo.pdf

“Critical Times: Migrants and the Economy in Chiang Mai and Mae Sot”, MAP Foundation
http://www.mapfoundationcm.org/eng/PDF/eng/Critical%20Times_Final.pdf

13