As Burma prepares for a referendum on the ruling junta’s draft constitution, many Burmese are expressing growing uneasiness over the prospect of a dead-end charter that appears to be carved in stone. Although the regime has yet to disclose the full contents of the constitution, many have already decided to reject it on the grounds that it will be virtually impossible to change once it comes into force. (more…)

Security forces, including policemen, fire fighters and members of the civilian militia Swan-Ah-Shin, were increased in the area around Shwedagon Pagoda on Friday, which marks Taboung, or Full Moon Day, one Buddhism’s most sacred days. (more…)

There is a growing rift within Burma’s military government over the country’s political future and road-map to democracy. A battle is now beginning to emerge between those who are currently in control of most of Burma’s assets and those who see themselves as the country’s true guardians. Several key members of the ruling junta are secretly being investigated for corruption. (more…)

In a major development, for the first time since the September 2007 protests, a monk’s organization has exhorted people both inside and outside Burma to rise against and boycott the Burmese military junta and its seven-point road map including the referendum. The call is being dubbed “a battle cry by the monks”. (more…)

A fire broke out on Lanmadaw street of Lanmadaw township in downtown Rangoon on Friday night. (more…)

High profile activist Htin Kyaw appeared in court yesterday to defend himself against charges brought by the government for his role in demonstrations in August last year. (more…)

Veteran journalist Ludu Sein Win has been informed by the state censor board that his writing can be published again after a brief ban, he told DVB yesterday. (more…)

Major business organizations of Myanmar and Brunei have reached a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on promoting trade ties between the two countries, especially in trading of Myanmar’s gems, jade and jewelry, a leading local weekly, the Myanmar Times, reported Friday. (more…)

Thailand pledged Thursday to help transform Myanmar into a democracy through quiet diplomacy, but said that change has to come from within and Western sanctions against its military-ruled neighbor would fail. (more…)

Labor rights activists and members of the main opposition party in Burma have urged the International Labour Organization (ILO) to take effective action on complaints about forced labor issues which they allege are widely carried out by the military government. (more…)

The recent comments of Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Burma have been the source of much amusement and ridicule, as should be expected given the absurd nature of his comments. Yet, focusing on the absurdity blinds us to reality. (more…)

In a gesture to justify its forthcoming constitutional plans, Burma’s military junta on Friday took pains to explain part of the contents of its draft constitution, which will be put forward for approval in May. (more…)