Private-sector reforms have accelerated in Burma, but not without a heavy dose of cronyism, as the military junta strengthens control over major assets and the business elite before ceding power to a nominally civilian government. (more…)

Thabeikkyin, Myanmar – The first election in 20 years is only weeks away, but for many people in isolated Myanmar, a chronic lack of information — and meaningful choice — has dulled enthusiasm for the vote. (more…)

Myanmar’s democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has advised her now defunct political party to sue the ruling junta for forcing its dissolution, opposition sources said Sunday. (more…)

New Delhi (Mizzima) – The Committee Representing the People’s Parliament in Burma announced today it would boycott the junta’s planned elections on November 7. (more…)

Family members have been refused permission to see the bodies of the two young men who were shot dead on Saturday by Burmese soldiers in Pegu, according to the victims’ relatives. (more…)

Latest reports from the Thai-Burma border say all junta personnel from every department in Shan State East’s Mongton and Monghsat townships where the United Wa State Army (UWSA)’s 171st  Military Region is based, opposite Thailand’s Chiangmai, were informed by the regional commander to pack all their materials to be ready for evacuation from Sunday onward. (more…)

Ranong and Phuket – When teenage Myanmese prostitute Mo encountered police in Thailand, she was entitled to expect arrest and deportation. But she claims that what she got instead was a job working in a seedy bar, owned by a local police officer. From the age of about 14, she sold sex in the bar in the border town of Ranong, for 350 baht (HK$86) a time. Of that, 125 baht went to the pimp policeman. Mo says 100 baht went to immigration officers. (more…)

BEIJING — China on Tuesday hailed Myanmar as a “friendly neighbour” and warned the world not to meddle in its upcoming election, as the head of the country’s military junta arrived for a state visit. (more…)

Mahachai, Thailand – Oo’s troubles with the local Thai police began with a request common across Asia — he asked them to remove their shoes before entering his room. (more…)

Beijing, China — When a military dictator comes calling, Beijing doesn’t like to give too many details away.

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The European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma (EPCB) today welcomed a statement of support by the Republic of Hungary for a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. (more…)

The International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO) will organize a special commemoration of the 3rd Anniversary of Saffron Revolution, will pray for Burma and monks from different parts of the country will be present. Please join with monks stand for peace, freedom and justice. (more…)