In Myanmar, political mood sours as transition talks hit a snag

The mood of goodwill evident in early talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar's military over the country's transition to democratic government has soured, as tensions rise over how to divide up power and deal with the legacy of junta rule.

The apparent stalemate has forced Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) to push back the election by parliament of a new president to March 17, cutting close to the April 1 deadline when the new government is supposed to start its term.

While negotiations have been conducted amid tight secrecy, lawmakers say divisions emerged after the military put forward its list of demands to the incoming government last month.

The appointment of ex-general Shwe Mann, now a key Suu Kyi ally, to a powerful advisory panel has also stoked mistrust, some say, because his insider knowledge could enable Myanmar's new rulers to delve into the actions of the outgoing government. (Courtesy of Reuters)

The Thai journalist whose reporting on the Rohingya refugee crisis shocked the world

Journalist Thapanee Ietsrichai, 38, has found herself in hot water many times. She was accused of lese majeste towards the King of Cambodia and branded a traitor to Thailand for reporting on the Rohingya immigration crisis. But last month, Amnesty International Thailand vindicated her tireless work when it named her the winner of the 2015 Media Awards’ digital television category. BK caught up with her to talk about investigative journalism in Thailand, and the criticism she receives from home.

After all the criticism, how does it feel to have won this award?

I don’t care. I don’t care that I’ve gone from traitor to superwoman journalist. I just hope this award can make people in this city understand the humanitarian issues that surround them; there are so many people living in misery whose fate is unknown. (Courtesy of BK Magazine Online)

Myanmar seeks to assure others of commitment to reform at US-ASEAN summit

The US-ASEAN Summit will take place on American soil for the first time next week, with Myanmar planning to call on participating leaders for their continued support for the new government.

The summit would have been the last international event for the Union Solidarity and Development Party's (USDP) Thein Sein as President before stepping down at the end of next month.

However, he cancelled at the last minute giving no reason, sending Vice President Nyan Htun instead. Myanmar's Foreign Affairs, National Planning and Information Ministers will be accompanying him. (Courtesy of Channel NewsAsia)

Myanmar's outgoing president cancels visit to U.S.-ASEAN summit next week

Myanmar's outgoing President Thein Sein has at the last minute canceled plans to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit in California next week, his office said late on Thursday, giving no reasons for the decision.

While no official delegation from the Myanmar side had been announced before, experts expected the trip to be Thein Sein's last chance to highlight his reformist legacy in front of President Barack Obama and Southeast Asian leaders.

Thein Sein's Union Solidarity and Development Party was crushed by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy in a November election, kicking off a lengthy transition process that will end on April 1 when the new government's term begins. (Courtesy of Reuters)