The Irrawaddy
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Today's Newsletter
Junta's Eyes Focused on Election
By WAI MOE
Burma's top generals have issued instructions to set aside border guard force negotiations and focus on ensuring that the USDP obtains a landslide victory in the upcoming election.
Burmese Bikini Model Criticized
By NAYEE LIN LATT
Criticism has spread on the Internet whether the sexy swimsuit photographs of Honey Oo are culturally appropriate.
Regime-friendly Party Actively Campaigns
By BA KAUNG
A convoy of cars and motorbikes flying their political flags started their regime-friendly campaign in Rangoon, Mandalay and other cities last week.
Thai PM Green Lights Crackdown on Illegal Migrants
By SAW YAN NAING
Thailand's Prime Minister has ordered the establishment of a "special center to suppress, arrest and prosecute" illegal alien workers.
Dozens Die in Monsoon Flooding in Arakan State
By KO HTWE
At least 28 people die in landslides and flash floods in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships in northern Arakan State.
Amnesty Calls for Refugee Rights in Malaysia
By SAW YAN NAING
Amnesty International calls on the Malaysian government to provide better rights to the country's refugees?most of whom are Burmese.
Business
Tax Credits and Mud Masks to Boost Thai Tourism
By ALEX ALPER / AP WRITER
Thais will do just about anything these days to revive a once-golden tourism industry battered by bloody political protests.
Regional
Mobile Journalism on the Rise in Asia
By KARA SANTOS / IPS WRITER
What do the protests in Burma, bombings in Jakarta, the recent earthquake in Haiti and the massive devastation left by typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines have in common?
TV Union Gives NKorea Free World Cup Footage
By EILEEN NG / AP WRITER
Asia's broadcasting union says it is providing North Korea with free live coverage of World Cup matches so that its citizens could enjoy the sport and get a feel for life outside their isolated communist nation.
Opinion
COMMENTARY
Burmese Whistle Blowers Need Safe Passage
By AUNG ZAW
More should be done to assist would-be defectors willing to risk their lives to reveal the Burmese junta's secrets.
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430-223 64