Maungdaw, Arakan State: 300 Rohingya prisoners were released from Buthidaung Prison as a result of the Presidential Amnesty on May 19, according to a released prisoner from Maungdaw. (more…)

Leaders of the two main Shan military factions at the weekend met on the Thai-Burma border and affirmed a new-found unity under one Shan State Army. (more…)

After Australian journalist Ross Dunkley made a preliminary statement to the Kamayut Court Township Court on Tuesday regarding his case of criminal assault and immigration violations, the court scheduled another hearing for May 30 because attorneys for the state and the defence were absent. (more…)

The Yangon Region Government last week backflipped on its pledge to hold a weekly press briefing with the media, telling reporters on May 17 that the next meeting had been “postponed” indefinitely. (more…)

The governor of Thailand’s Tak Province has warned nongovernmental organizations based in Mae Sot not to get involved with Burmese opposition groups operating along the Thai-Burmese border. (more…)

One of Myanmar’s best-connected businessmen is set to enter the media industry and has already begun head-hunting top journalists and economists for what sources say will be a business-focused weekly. (more…)

Chiang Mai – The Burma Centre Delhi has called on the Indian prime minister to support the Burmese people’s struggle for democracy and respect for human rights, and engage with the Burmese government and opposition to promote reconciliation. (more…)

Myanmar’s new civilian president, Thein Sein, arrives in China on Thursday for a three-day state visit.

Here are five facts about the complex relationship between China and Myanmar: (more…)

Bangladesh army chief Gen Abdul Mubeen met with Lt-Gen Soe Win, the commander-in-chief of Burma’s army, in Naypyidaw. It was the second high-level meeting between top military officials of the two countries in two months, but there were no reports that they resolved the decades-long maritime boundary dispute in the natural gas rich Bay of Bengal. (more…)

Restoring Burma’s democratic political system is the new destiny of Burma’s citizens. Different approaches, strategies, and principles will have to be used based on the concepts of those involved on the ground. The aspiration for unity can be fostered in grassroots practice when a commitment is made to uphold the principle of human rights and equality. The concept of federalism must come before democracy in Burma, as we have seen in recent political events. (more…)

Rather than expecting greater freedom for the media in Burma, the media should prepare to face new challenges from the newly installed government led by President Thein Sein. (more…)

This is the final day of my mission to Thailand which began on 16 May 2011. I visited Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Bangkok this time in my efforts to gather information about the situation inside Myanmar where I have not been able to visit. This information is important for preparation of my next report to the UN General Assembly later this year. I met with various stakeholders including civil society and community based organizations, experts, UN officials, and diplomats. I also met with the Foreign Minister of Thailand and Myanmar’s Ambassador to Thailand. I spoke with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by telephone. (more…)

A group of Burmese political prisoners has staged a hunger strike to demand better living conditions.

A lawyer told the BBC’s Burmese Service that 22 prisoners started a protest on Saturday at Insein jail, in Rangoon. (more…)

Chiang Mai – Burma’s political opposition can expect little support from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and India and must now depend on its own efforts to win democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi has told a German TV panel. (more…)

The general secretary of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Htay Oo, told reporters earlier in May that Snr-Gen Than Shwe is retired, but that the current regime never sidelined him. (more…)

Fresh military tensions are mounting between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin State and Northern Shan State at four different areas following Gen Xu Caihou, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, visited Burma last week. (more…)

Five farmers facing prosecution by military owned Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings (UMEH) and Htoo Trading Company were given lengthy prison terms by a court in Upper Minhla township last Thursday. (more…)

Deutsche Presse-Agentur: Myanmar president plans first state visit to China

Myanmar President Thein Sein is to travel to China this week, his first state visit since taking office on March 30, state media reported Monday. (more…)

Mae La Camp, Thailand – At first sight the bamboo huts nestled at the foot of soaring limestone cliffs in the jungle could be mistaken for an eco-tourism haven — except for the barbed wire and armed guards. (more…)

Chiang Mai – Twelve local journalists were allowed to  attend Burma’s first ever ‘Forum on Poverty’ which was attended by President Thein Sein in Naypyitaw this weekend. (more…)