News Briefs (February 2006)

Kachin communities around the world will also be marking the anniversary, with celebrations planned in London, Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The KIO signed a ceasefire agreement with Rangoon in 1994, and is one of the 17 groups participating in the government’s constitution-drafting National Convention.

Burmese Third Most Restricted Travelers in the World

Burmese enjoy the third least degree of freedom of all the countries of the world when traveling internationally, according to research conducted by Zurich-based firm Henley and Partners AG. Yesterday’s report found that Burmese passport-holders can only travel to 15 countries worldwide without the need for a visa, the same as war-torn Iraq and Somalia. Only Iran (14) and Afghanistan (12) came lower in the survey. Travelers from Denmark, Finland and the US were deemed to be the most free, given that they can visit 130 countries without the need for a visa. The Swiss company suggested the rankings reflect the standing of respective countries on the global stage.

Thai Culture Minister Resigns

Thai Culture Minister Uraiwan Tienthong announced her resignation in a press conference at the Ministry this morning. “The reason for this action is to maintain political ethics,” she said, adding that she felt uncomfortable remaining in the position. Uraiwan denied that her resignation was related to her reported political conflicts with Wang Nam Yen group and the Thai Rak Thai party, and refused to any questions about the controversial sale of Shin Corp shares by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s family to Singapore-based Temasek. Rumors have circulated about Uraiwan’s resignation because of tensions between her husband Sanoh Tienthong, chief advisor for the Thai Rak Thai party, and Thaksin. Uraiwan has served as culture minister since March 2005.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Americans Urged to Avoid Anti-Government Rally in Bangkok

The US Embassy on Thursday advised its citizens to steer clear of a large protest against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra planned to take place in the Thai capital this weekend. Up to 100,000 people are expected at the protest Saturday and there are concerns that pro-government groups might attempt to mix with the crowd, which could lead to violence, the Embassy said in a statement, citing Thai Royal Police.

Sondhi Limthongkul, one of Thaksin’s fiercest critics, organized the protest. A media tycoon and one-time supporter of the prime minister, Sondhi has led a vigorous campaign against him, accusing Thaksin’s government of widespread corruption and abuse of power. Sondhi, who has held several large anti-Thaksin rallies in a Bangkok park, has called on supporters to gather Saturday at the statue of King Rama V, which is near Government House, the prime minister’s office compound.