-
Recently Browsing 0 members
- No registered users viewing this page.
-
Topics
-
-
Popular Contributors
-
Latest posts...
-
0
Myanmar Junta to Sell Seized Goods Amid Deepening Cash Crisis
CJ Myanmar’s military regime is turning to seized contraband to plug a widening hole in its public finances, announcing plans to auction off thousands of confiscated goods as it grapples with a growing budget deficit. Deputy junta chief Soe Win this week urged officials to preserve the condition of seized items—mostly unlicensed vehicles, motorbikes, and imported machinery—so they can be resold swiftly to raise revenue. Since 2022, the junta claims to have seized goods worth over 575 billion kyats across 22,000 incidents. “We must take rapid legal steps so these goods can be sold to support the national budget,” said Soe Win, who also chairs the regime’s Illegal Trade Eradication Committee. Smuggling has surged as official border trade grinds to a halt in conflict-hit areas. Traders say the system is rife with extortion, where high taxes and opaque checkpoint fees make legal trade nearly impossible. “Even after paying taxes, junta checkpoints may seize our goods and demand bribes,” one Thai-Myanmar border trader told The Irrawaddy. “If you can’t pay, they’ll just take everything.” Sources say auctions will focus on unclaimed vehicles and cargo, with proceeds funnelled directly into junta coffers. In Hpa-an and Kawthaung, authorities reportedly conduct regular seizures to meet internal quotas, sometimes confiscating hundreds of trucks or goods worth up to 1 billion kyats per month. Meanwhile, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is also tapping wealthy allies. At a second fundraising ceremony in Naypyitaw this week, cronies including tycoon Maung Weik and aviation mogul Aung Aung Zaw handed over nearly US$34 million in "donations" for earthquake relief—despite mounting evidence that junta airstrikes continue unabated in rebel-held areas. More than 3,700 people died in the March 28 quake, with survivors in Mandalay and Sagaing still sheltering in school buildings. Many are now being told to leave as schools reopen, even though debris from the disaster remains uncleared. As the junta scrambles for funds through auctions and elite donations, its grip on both the economy and the public continues to falter. -2025-05-31 -
17
Report New Covid-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Gains Ground in Thailand
I eat covid for breakfast. -
15
200k for tourist visa and every night hotel booking requirement
Might have to do with "how Thais travel". Their overseas trips usually are "all in" including coach, programmes, meals and accommodation - some by convenience, some by their inability to get things sorted while on vacation, some by lack of language skills and some by lack of common sense. This mindset seems to be reflected onto everybody? I don't know but why not share this with the prime minister lady, she apparently is trying to pull out all stops to get tourists back to Thailand and yes, most longer-term tourists travel around according to their liking, mood etc. and that cannot be engraved in a 60-days accommodation proof - but they will find out sooner or later. The financial proof is another thing; it might be at the higher end of the scale but as an all-in expenses of travels, admissions, food, accommodation etc. a day in Thailand is no longer a "cheap affordable deal". -
5
Report NHRC Probes Alleged Preferential Treatment of Stark Exec in Custody
This man is a thief and a con man. Using the billions he stole from investors to have cushy accomodation in prison Thaksin style. The Thai prison system is rife with corruption. -
2
-
17
Report New Covid-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Gains Ground in Thailand
My thoughts exactly. It was really surprising/disappointing to me to see how easily many Thai people came to believe that every foreigner has covid, and that they have some sort of special more dangerous variant. It really doesn't paint a very positive picture about them. One of the things that seemed striking about the earthquake, was that you were able to talk to Thai people about an important and worrying event without it feeling like there was any kind of "us and them" going on.
-
-
Popular in The Pub
-
-
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now