Stories about Myanmar (Burma) from April, 2012
Overhyped Elections in Myanmar?
The world rejoiced after Myanmar election officials announced the victory of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi in the recent by-elections in the country. But according to some netizens and political observers, the euphoria over the opposition victory must be tempered by the fact that the junta-backed party is still the dominant force in the local politics.
Business Prospects in Myanmar
Aim Sinpeng writes about the booming business prospects in Myanmar. Foreign investments have risen especially after the government has pledged to implement some key political and economic reforms
Myanmar: Sex Tourism Industry
Fifty Viss writes about Myanmar's sex tourism industry. The author also reviews past proposals on how to regulate prostitution
Myanmar: Transparency in Development Aid
Community Based Organizations issued a statement urging international donors to ensure that development aid would target Myanmar's marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Myanmar: Suspended Dam Project May Reopen Again
The Democratic Voice of Burma reports about a leaked government document which suggests the reopening of a suspended dam project in Myanmar. The dam construction was suspended after it was actively opposed by local communities.
Myanmar: Continuing Press Freedom Violations
The International Freedom of Expression Exchange lists five concerns that highlight the continuing press freedom violations in Myanmar
Netizens’ reactions to China Election Monitors to Myanmar
Joe from ChinaSMACK translated netizens’ reactions to Chinese government's election monitor tour to Myanmar. Many comments mocked at the hypocrisy of China monitoring a foreign election when China itself has no direct elections.
Myanmar: Reflections on Election Results
Myanmar voters celebrated in the streets while netizens on Facebook are expressing their elation over the by-election results which saw an unprecedented landslide victory for the opposition.The world rejoiced over the victory of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi but for many young voters in Myanmar, another reason for celebration is the election victory of one of the country's hip-hop music pioneers.
Myanmar: Construction Resumes in Suspended Dam Project
Weekly Eleven reported that construction of the controversial Myit Sone Dam in Kachin State in Myanmar which was suspended last year by the government has been resumed.
Myanmar: New Currency Exchange Rate
The Central Bank of Myanmar set the new currency exchange rate of 818 Kyats per 1 US Dollar, as part of the move to implement a new floating currency exchange system. Previously, the official rate was 6.4 Ks. per 1 US Dollar.
Myanmar: Monitoring the Elections Through Facebook
Myanmar Facebook users are overwhelmed with various news and rumors regarding the election which is coincidentally being held on April Fools' Day. Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the popular candidates in this year's elections.
