In Myanmar, posting an image of Buddha wearing headphones can land you with a multi-year jail sentence. Yet during the Buddhist New Moon festival in Taunggyi, a technicolor extravaganza of hot air balloons affixed with a Buddha's visage set aflame with torches and fireworks, police and monks watch the celebrations just like me and other onlookers.
To parrot the most often-heard response from many local human rights leaders, religion in this country "is complicated." The country's 2008 Constitution recognizes Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Animism as religions in Myanmar and promises to protect each of these religions. Moreover, it forbids "any act which is intended or is likely to provoke feelings of hatred, enmity or discord between racial or religious communities or sects." But the State also "recognizes the special position of Buddhism as the faith professed by the great majority of the citizens of the State." And herein lies the challenge. (Courtesy of Huffington Post)
December 11, 2015
Police Attempt to Cripple Rohingya Livelihood in Pauktaw
Pauktaw, Arakan state (Rohingya Vision) – A newly posted Burmese Police officer has been attempting to cripple the livelihoods of the marginalized, isolated and poor Rohingya community in Pauktaw Township since his transfer to the place, according to the local reports.
The Lieutenant police officer named U Tun Thar has been posted in ‘Anna Raing (Anauk Ywe)’ station nearby the camps of internally displaced people (IDP) reportedly by the district police.
Since the violence began against the Rohingya in June 2012, the locals as well as IDPs in ‘Anna Raing’ have been surviving only by fishing in the river and sea and humanitarian help occasionally. However, as the new police officer arrived, he has started to beat the Rohingya fishermen and been listing down all the boat-owners in order to extort money from them.
“When we come out with boats, he abuses and beats us. He is preventing us from going out for fishing. He’s oppressing us a lot. (Courtesy of Rohingya Vision TV)
The Lieutenant police officer named U Tun Thar has been posted in ‘Anna Raing (Anauk Ywe)’ station nearby the camps of internally displaced people (IDP) reportedly by the district police.
Since the violence began against the Rohingya in June 2012, the locals as well as IDPs in ‘Anna Raing’ have been surviving only by fishing in the river and sea and humanitarian help occasionally. However, as the new police officer arrived, he has started to beat the Rohingya fishermen and been listing down all the boat-owners in order to extort money from them.
“When we come out with boats, he abuses and beats us. He is preventing us from going out for fishing. He’s oppressing us a lot. (Courtesy of Rohingya Vision TV)
New initiative to protect women and girls against violence in Myanmar
Today, in connection with International Human Rights Day, Sweden is launching a new initiative to safeguard the rights of women and girls in Myanmar. The project will be conducted jointly with Finland and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and will encompass SEK 100 million over a three-year period. Sweden’s contribution will amount to SEK 20 million.
The 'Women and Girls First' project will be implemented in cooperation with local and international partners and focus on the most vulnerable women and girls in the remote and conflict-affected provinces of Rakhine, Kachin and northern Shan. The aim of the initiative is to prevent and respond to the violence committed against women and girls in Myanmar, and to improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The initiative covers preventive measures in the areas of reproductive health and emergency medical care, as well as care, support and treatment for women subjected to violence and rape. Another aim is to increase women's and girls' knowledge about their rights, and also to mobilise men and boys in gender equality work. Improved health for women and children, with a special focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, is also one of three focus areas in Sweden's bilateral cooperation strategy for the country. (Courtesy of government.se)
The 'Women and Girls First' project will be implemented in cooperation with local and international partners and focus on the most vulnerable women and girls in the remote and conflict-affected provinces of Rakhine, Kachin and northern Shan. The aim of the initiative is to prevent and respond to the violence committed against women and girls in Myanmar, and to improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The initiative covers preventive measures in the areas of reproductive health and emergency medical care, as well as care, support and treatment for women subjected to violence and rape. Another aim is to increase women's and girls' knowledge about their rights, and also to mobilise men and boys in gender equality work. Improved health for women and children, with a special focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, is also one of three focus areas in Sweden's bilateral cooperation strategy for the country. (Courtesy of government.se)
Aung San Suu Kyi Meets With Myanmar’s Parliamentary Speakers
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with parliamentary speakers Shwe Mann and Khin Aung Myint Thursday in preparation for a new legislature made up predominantly of lawmakers from her National League for Democracy (NLD) party, following its sweep of general elections last month.
Also present at the meeting in the capital Naypyidaw were parliament’s two vice-house speakers, NLD lawmaker Win Myint, the chairmen of Myanmar’s regional and state parliaments, Deputy Minister of Communication Thaung Tin, Deputy Minister of Construction Soe Tint and the chief-directors of the office of parliament.
Following the meeting, lower house speaker Shwe Mann told reporters that he had discussed the transition of power with Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of the incoming NLD-majority parliament which will sit after the current legislative session ends in late January.
“Today’s discussion focused on the incoming parliament as well as implementing the conclusions reached by the two of us during our Nov. 19 meeting,” he said.
During the Nov. 19 meeting—the third between the two following the NLD’s landslide victory at the Nov. 8 polls—Shwe Mann and Aung San Suu Kyi had agreed to implement the election result according to the will of the people and to work towards reconciliation in the new parliament.
They also agreed to collaborate on both parliamentary and non-parliamentary issues, and to ensure that the new legislature operates according to law. (Courtesy of RFA)
Also present at the meeting in the capital Naypyidaw were parliament’s two vice-house speakers, NLD lawmaker Win Myint, the chairmen of Myanmar’s regional and state parliaments, Deputy Minister of Communication Thaung Tin, Deputy Minister of Construction Soe Tint and the chief-directors of the office of parliament.
Following the meeting, lower house speaker Shwe Mann told reporters that he had discussed the transition of power with Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of the incoming NLD-majority parliament which will sit after the current legislative session ends in late January.
“Today’s discussion focused on the incoming parliament as well as implementing the conclusions reached by the two of us during our Nov. 19 meeting,” he said.
During the Nov. 19 meeting—the third between the two following the NLD’s landslide victory at the Nov. 8 polls—Shwe Mann and Aung San Suu Kyi had agreed to implement the election result according to the will of the people and to work towards reconciliation in the new parliament.
They also agreed to collaborate on both parliamentary and non-parliamentary issues, and to ensure that the new legislature operates according to law. (Courtesy of RFA)
Three more jailed for 'squatting'
Two men and a woman, all aged over 50, were given one-month prison sentences by Nay Pyi Taw municipal court judge Mi Mi Than on December 9. They were living in an area for more than 40 years which was deemed government land and charged under the Municipal Act.
Daw Hli, Hla Myint and Kan Hla were jailed for living in their homes in Kyonpin village in Dakhina Township, Nay Pyi Taw. They were previously charged under Section 26 of the Municipal Act and served two months in jail.
Soe Hlaing, son of Daw Hli, was also charged with Section 27.
“I was told my sentence will be given tomorrow,” said Soe Hlaing.
“They have been living there for generations. They have lived there for more than 40 years. I told this to the court as a witness. Daw Hli was born there. I don’t know how the court made its decision. The rules are their rules. The victims got nothing in compensation and are sentenced to prison,” said Hla Saung, Tharyarkone village administrator. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Daw Hli, Hla Myint and Kan Hla were jailed for living in their homes in Kyonpin village in Dakhina Township, Nay Pyi Taw. They were previously charged under Section 26 of the Municipal Act and served two months in jail.
Soe Hlaing, son of Daw Hli, was also charged with Section 27.
“I was told my sentence will be given tomorrow,” said Soe Hlaing.
“They have been living there for generations. They have lived there for more than 40 years. I told this to the court as a witness. Daw Hli was born there. I don’t know how the court made its decision. The rules are their rules. The victims got nothing in compensation and are sentenced to prison,” said Hla Saung, Tharyarkone village administrator. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
No cut for additional budget requests
The Union Parliament today approved additional budget requests of Ks2.54 trillion described in the Union Budget Bill for the 2015-16 fiscal year.
The government asked for Ks1 trillion for revenue expenditure, Ks784 billion for capital expenditure, Ks91 billion for debt, Ks588 billion for capital and Ks71 billion for regions and states.
Khaing Maung Yi, a Lower House MP for Ahlon Township, said: "Parliament could not scrutinise budgetary matters at the beginning of Parliament [in 2011] as there was no time. Since 2012, it came under close scrutiny. But the budget for the 2015-16 financial year has been unsystematic.
"Why do only a few MPs want to discuss it? This topic is only at the discussion stage as it will be carried forward to the next government. It is obvious that there is too little time to scrutinise in detail. Parliament usually assigned duties to committees to check the budget requested by each department. There is no discussion between the ministries and committees over it. They have turned a blind eye to it."
MP Khin San Hlaing from Pale said: "Government needs to carry out budget cuts in some cases. We said that in Parliament. But we have to follow Parliament's decision. Unfinished work should be completed. This money should be spent on essential works effectively. " (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The government asked for Ks1 trillion for revenue expenditure, Ks784 billion for capital expenditure, Ks91 billion for debt, Ks588 billion for capital and Ks71 billion for regions and states.
Khaing Maung Yi, a Lower House MP for Ahlon Township, said: "Parliament could not scrutinise budgetary matters at the beginning of Parliament [in 2011] as there was no time. Since 2012, it came under close scrutiny. But the budget for the 2015-16 financial year has been unsystematic.
"Why do only a few MPs want to discuss it? This topic is only at the discussion stage as it will be carried forward to the next government. It is obvious that there is too little time to scrutinise in detail. Parliament usually assigned duties to committees to check the budget requested by each department. There is no discussion between the ministries and committees over it. They have turned a blind eye to it."
MP Khin San Hlaing from Pale said: "Government needs to carry out budget cuts in some cases. We said that in Parliament. But we have to follow Parliament's decision. Unfinished work should be completed. This money should be spent on essential works effectively. " (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Will Myanmar's New Government Deliver on Human Rights Commitments?
In the days following Myanmar's historic election it was fast apparent that Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League of Democracy (NLD), had taken a landslide victory. Throngs of crimson supporters waving flags adorned with the fighting peacock, a symbol associated with decades of struggle against military rule, waited in anticipation outside NLD headquarters as early results were announced. The euphoria was tangible, and it was clear that the people had voted for change and for democracy.
Still, the transition to "democracy" can be read as partial at best. The Lady's reach has been carefully demarcated by Myanmar's generals, who have ensured their power will not be compromised. The constitution allows the military 25% of seats in parliament, giving them an effective veto over all constitution amendments. The military will still maintain control over key bureaucracies, including Home Affairs, Border Affairs, and Defense. The constitution also provides that any person who has children who hold other citizenships (as is the case with Suu Kyi) will be barred from presidency. The Lady, in response, has publically reiterated that she will be "above" the president. A rose by any other name.
Now that the peacock has taken an overwhelming victory, what will come next? Crucially, will the NLD and their allies be able to effectively remedy a long legacy of human rights abuses? (Courtesy of Huffington Post)
Still, the transition to "democracy" can be read as partial at best. The Lady's reach has been carefully demarcated by Myanmar's generals, who have ensured their power will not be compromised. The constitution allows the military 25% of seats in parliament, giving them an effective veto over all constitution amendments. The military will still maintain control over key bureaucracies, including Home Affairs, Border Affairs, and Defense. The constitution also provides that any person who has children who hold other citizenships (as is the case with Suu Kyi) will be barred from presidency. The Lady, in response, has publically reiterated that she will be "above" the president. A rose by any other name.
Now that the peacock has taken an overwhelming victory, what will come next? Crucially, will the NLD and their allies be able to effectively remedy a long legacy of human rights abuses? (Courtesy of Huffington Post)
Human rights defender Su Su Nway detained on old charges
On December 9 2015, Su Su Nway appeared at a local court in Pyin Oo Lwin, facing a charge for a protest against land grabs she organised in 2014.
Su Su Nway is a labour and land rights defender and chairperson of Myanmar's Farmers Union. In 2005 she filed a complaint against the government's long-standing practice of forced labour, which led to the successful prosecution of several government representatives. Subsequently, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison on charges of 'using abusive language against the authorities'. Following her release from prison in June 2006, she took an active part in the protests against the government in August 2007 and was sentenced to another 8 years in Hkamti prison. Since her release under amnesty in October 2011, Su Su Nway has been involved in the defence of labour rights.
On December 9 Su Su Nway appeared in court in Pyin Oo Lwin facing a charge under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law for a protest she organised a year ago in Pyin Oo Lwin against land grabs by business companies, who also tortured local farmers who originally owned the land. She was arrested on 6 December while on her way to attend a workshop on issues facing local farmers. Su Su Nway had returned to Pyin Oo Lwin numerous times in the past year but the police never took action to detain her. (Courtesy of Front Line Defenders)
Su Su Nway is a labour and land rights defender and chairperson of Myanmar's Farmers Union. In 2005 she filed a complaint against the government's long-standing practice of forced labour, which led to the successful prosecution of several government representatives. Subsequently, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison on charges of 'using abusive language against the authorities'. Following her release from prison in June 2006, she took an active part in the protests against the government in August 2007 and was sentenced to another 8 years in Hkamti prison. Since her release under amnesty in October 2011, Su Su Nway has been involved in the defence of labour rights.
On December 9 Su Su Nway appeared in court in Pyin Oo Lwin facing a charge under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law for a protest she organised a year ago in Pyin Oo Lwin against land grabs by business companies, who also tortured local farmers who originally owned the land. She was arrested on 6 December while on her way to attend a workshop on issues facing local farmers. Su Su Nway had returned to Pyin Oo Lwin numerous times in the past year but the police never took action to detain her. (Courtesy of Front Line Defenders)
Media questions overpass projects
The media is questioning the integrity of the spree of overpass projects in Yangon.
The regional government has built seven overpasses in three to four years.
Four of them are in Hledan, Bayintnaung, Shwegondine and Myaenigon, and the remaining three are still under construction in Tamwe, Kokkai and the 8th Mile Junction.
The region spent over Ks136 billion (US$104 million) on the projects but they failed to ease congestion.
Kyaw Soe, the Yangon minister for the forestry and energy, replied that he guaranteed the integrity of the projects.
“I believe the overpasses can ease the traffic jams. If they were not there, the congestion would only be worse than now since Yangon has more than 500,000 vehicles. So I can guarantee the integrity of the projects,” the regional minister responded.
He continued that the Yangon parliament has also approved the proposals of the projects submitted by the regional government.
The Crown Advanced Company sets to finalise the 8th Mile Junction overpass by March 2016.
The Capital Development is due to finish the Kokkai overpass by February 12, 2016.
The Shewtaung Group takes 10 months for part one of the Tamwe overpass and six months for part two.
The FMI Company over-invoiced for the Bayintnaung overpass and had to repay the region Ks403 million.
The Shwetaung Group also over-invoiced the expenses of the Hledan overpass and had to repay Ks93.4 billion. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The regional government has built seven overpasses in three to four years.
Four of them are in Hledan, Bayintnaung, Shwegondine and Myaenigon, and the remaining three are still under construction in Tamwe, Kokkai and the 8th Mile Junction.
The region spent over Ks136 billion (US$104 million) on the projects but they failed to ease congestion.
Kyaw Soe, the Yangon minister for the forestry and energy, replied that he guaranteed the integrity of the projects.
“I believe the overpasses can ease the traffic jams. If they were not there, the congestion would only be worse than now since Yangon has more than 500,000 vehicles. So I can guarantee the integrity of the projects,” the regional minister responded.
He continued that the Yangon parliament has also approved the proposals of the projects submitted by the regional government.
The Crown Advanced Company sets to finalise the 8th Mile Junction overpass by March 2016.
The Capital Development is due to finish the Kokkai overpass by February 12, 2016.
The Shewtaung Group takes 10 months for part one of the Tamwe overpass and six months for part two.
The FMI Company over-invoiced for the Bayintnaung overpass and had to repay the region Ks403 million.
The Shwetaung Group also over-invoiced the expenses of the Hledan overpass and had to repay Ks93.4 billion. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Border security stepped up over Isis fears
Taninthayi Region, which has a forest border with Thailand, had increased security to yellow, according to Police Colonel Kyi Lin, after the Thai authorities claimed 10 Isis members were in the country.
Taninthayi Region and Thailand share a 600-mile border. Security was increased at the border gates at Hteekhee, Mawtaung and Kawtaung, on border islands and in big cities like Dawei, Myeik and Kawtaung.
Kyi Lin said: “We got information from Thailand, via Facebook and the newspapers. The security was increased on December 1. We inspected travellers on the border bridges. Travellers need to understand conditions and bring the necessary documents. We request the people to inform us if they see strangers in the area.” (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Taninthayi Region and Thailand share a 600-mile border. Security was increased at the border gates at Hteekhee, Mawtaung and Kawtaung, on border islands and in big cities like Dawei, Myeik and Kawtaung.
Kyi Lin said: “We got information from Thailand, via Facebook and the newspapers. The security was increased on December 1. We inspected travellers on the border bridges. Travellers need to understand conditions and bring the necessary documents. We request the people to inform us if they see strangers in the area.” (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Little to cheer in Myanmar's halfway peace accord
Civilians continue to die in military assaults even as attention turns to talks next month aimed at a broader ceasefire
Myanmar's parliament on Tuesday approved the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord that had been signed by the government and eight armed ethnic groups in October. On the surface it was cause for celebration, but any optimism has to be tempered by the refusal of other groups to agree to peace terms. In fact the military continues its bloody campaign of suppression against the Shan and Kachin in the northeast.
Since 2011 the fighting there has taken a terrible toll on civilians. More than 110,000 have fled their homes in the face of advancing government troops who have little regard to rules of engagement, let alone humanitarian principles.
The rebel outfits that are holding out for better terms before signing any agreement include the Kachin Independence Army, the Shan State Army and the United Wa State Army, all defending a wealth of natural resources in their respective regions. It is the promise of lucrative mining that explains why these militias are demanding autonomy and why the government is loath to accede.
The government commenced peace talks with 16 armed ethnic groups in late 2013 and after two years they reached agreement in principle on a 17-page document outlining the terms of peace and reconciliation. What was lacking was consensus between the two sides as to whether the ceasefire should cover other rebel groups that were not part of the negotiations. In the end, eight of the 16 would-be signatories walked away from the deal, irrevocably tarnishing the legacy of outgoing President Thein Sein. (Courtesy of The Nation)
Myanmar's parliament on Tuesday approved the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord that had been signed by the government and eight armed ethnic groups in October. On the surface it was cause for celebration, but any optimism has to be tempered by the refusal of other groups to agree to peace terms. In fact the military continues its bloody campaign of suppression against the Shan and Kachin in the northeast.
Since 2011 the fighting there has taken a terrible toll on civilians. More than 110,000 have fled their homes in the face of advancing government troops who have little regard to rules of engagement, let alone humanitarian principles.
The rebel outfits that are holding out for better terms before signing any agreement include the Kachin Independence Army, the Shan State Army and the United Wa State Army, all defending a wealth of natural resources in their respective regions. It is the promise of lucrative mining that explains why these militias are demanding autonomy and why the government is loath to accede.
The government commenced peace talks with 16 armed ethnic groups in late 2013 and after two years they reached agreement in principle on a 17-page document outlining the terms of peace and reconciliation. What was lacking was consensus between the two sides as to whether the ceasefire should cover other rebel groups that were not part of the negotiations. In the end, eight of the 16 would-be signatories walked away from the deal, irrevocably tarnishing the legacy of outgoing President Thein Sein. (Courtesy of The Nation)
UEC receives four complaints
Chief director Thaung Hlaing of the Union Election Commission (UEC) has reported that four major complaints have been received over the November 8 election.
“There are two from Kachin State and two from Shan State. The investigative board and groups have been formed,” said Thaung Hlaing.
In Shan, victorious candidate Nyi Sein from the Palaung National Party was complained about by Sai Sar Lu from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Another successful candidate from the same party, Aye Maung, and Sai Than Sein from the Shan National League for Democracy face charges from Nyan Lin Oo from the USDP.
In Kachin there is a complaint against successful independent candidate Zahkung Ting Ring by San Wai Khaung Lwan, a candidate from the National League for Democracy (NLD). Independent Yar Wan Zhong also faces charges from NLD candidate Saw New Khon Sai Kham. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
“There are two from Kachin State and two from Shan State. The investigative board and groups have been formed,” said Thaung Hlaing.
In Shan, victorious candidate Nyi Sein from the Palaung National Party was complained about by Sai Sar Lu from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Another successful candidate from the same party, Aye Maung, and Sai Than Sein from the Shan National League for Democracy face charges from Nyan Lin Oo from the USDP.
In Kachin there is a complaint against successful independent candidate Zahkung Ting Ring by San Wai Khaung Lwan, a candidate from the National League for Democracy (NLD). Independent Yar Wan Zhong also faces charges from NLD candidate Saw New Khon Sai Kham. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Misconception about Islam
There are many non-Muslims who have studied some books about Islam; most of them have only read books written by non-Muslims.
It is common to complain among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear that far from being spread by the sword
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert; later Christian crusades came to Spain wiped out the Muslims.
More than 80 per non-Muslims in India. The Muslims ruled India for about thousand years if they wanted. They had the power of converting each and every non- Muslim of India to Islam. In India that 80 per cent of the non-Muslims Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
Indonesia and Malaysia has maximum number of Muslims in the world, may one ask which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East coast of Africa; one may ask again if Islam was spread by war or killing and which Muslim army went to the East coast of Africa? Muslims could not use it to spread Islam because the Quran says in the following verse: Let there be no compulsion in religion truth stand (out) clear from Error (2:256) who ever hurts or non- Muslim will not smell a whiff of paradise ( Prophet Muhammad) P.B.O.H. (Courtesy of Times of Swaziland)
It is common to complain among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear that far from being spread by the sword
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert; later Christian crusades came to Spain wiped out the Muslims.
More than 80 per non-Muslims in India. The Muslims ruled India for about thousand years if they wanted. They had the power of converting each and every non- Muslim of India to Islam. In India that 80 per cent of the non-Muslims Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
Indonesia and Malaysia has maximum number of Muslims in the world, may one ask which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East coast of Africa; one may ask again if Islam was spread by war or killing and which Muslim army went to the East coast of Africa? Muslims could not use it to spread Islam because the Quran says in the following verse: Let there be no compulsion in religion truth stand (out) clear from Error (2:256) who ever hurts or non- Muslim will not smell a whiff of paradise ( Prophet Muhammad) P.B.O.H. (Courtesy of Times of Swaziland)
Police 'wrap up' Rohingya smuggling case
Police in Nakhon Si Thammarat province have wrapped up a Rohingya trafficking case and will forward it to public prosecutors Friday.
Speaking during a news briefing at Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police headquarters Thursday, Pol Lt Gen Thesa Sirivatho, the Provincial Police Region 8 commissioner, said police will submit the case to prosecutors a Pak Phanang Provincial Court Friday in order to arraign a total of 70 offenders.
According to Pol Lt Gen Thesa, 30 out of 70 suspects who were involved in human trafficking rings have been detained so far.
Authorities also confiscated assets worth more than 190 million baht from the suspects. (Courtesy of Bangkok Post News)
Speaking during a news briefing at Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police headquarters Thursday, Pol Lt Gen Thesa Sirivatho, the Provincial Police Region 8 commissioner, said police will submit the case to prosecutors a Pak Phanang Provincial Court Friday in order to arraign a total of 70 offenders.
According to Pol Lt Gen Thesa, 30 out of 70 suspects who were involved in human trafficking rings have been detained so far.
Authorities also confiscated assets worth more than 190 million baht from the suspects. (Courtesy of Bangkok Post News)
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