Migrant workers in Thailand face passport problems
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Many Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand are facing increasing pressure as a result of their home government's requirement that they replace their temporary passports with standard ones, according to the Myanmar Workers Rights Network (MWRN).
The workers are stuck in the passport application process, since they do not have the necessary documents to apply for a standard passport.
A worker needs a national registration card, a household list and other identity documents in order to apply for a passport. The workers do not have these documents because they are from rural areas of Myanmar, the MWRN said.
On September 5 last year, Myanmar and Thai governments agreed to allow Myanmar migrant workers who have stayed in Thailand for more than four years to extend their visas once they have applied for temporary passports.
Now that the workers are required to apply for standard passports again, problems are arising for their insurance, bank accounts and other documents connected to their existing temporary passports, said the MWRN.
This means that the passport application process can only go smoothly if the migrant worker hires a broker. Currently, brokers charge Bt5,500 to Bt8,500 for each application, although the total cost should not exceed Bt1,050, the MWRN added.
Dawei eyes eco-tourism
Tourism firms in Dawei township are aiming to develop as viable eco-tourism businesses in order to protect the ecology of their region.
Since 2012, Dawei has become a tourist destination while also experiencing an influx of business tourists who come to study a deep-sea port project in the town.
“Many tourists [to Dawei] are on business. We are headed for eco-tourism here because other businesses may damage the ecology. By doing eco-tourism, our tourists will reach new places and the environment is also protected,” said Htein Lin from the Dawei Tourism Company.
“I ask the tourists why they visit Dawei. They say Dawei is different from other places. It has green forests and mountains. It is spacious and uncrowded. The weather is not like that of Switzerland and Holland,” he added.
In Dawei, besides the deep-sea port project site, tourists usually go to Maungmakan Beach, ancient pagodas and other historical places.
Poll on charter change
The People’s Network for Constitutional Reform will conduct public opinion polls on the amendment of Sections 436 and 59 of the 2008 Constitution from next month, the network said.
The PNCR was formed with 34 political and civic organisations with the intent of making reform efforts known to the public. The new network will be made up of more than 250 organisations.
The network conducted public opinion in 12 townships across Myanmar in November and December and released a statement demanding that the Union Assembly completely amend Section 436 and Section 59 (f).
President’s office ups budget
The President’s Office has requested a total budget of 35.6 billion kyats (Bt1.17 billion), which is 3.7 billion kyats higher than last year.
The executive plans to use 15.3 billion kyats in normal expenditures, up from 11.5 billion kyats for the 2013-14 fiscal year. This will go primarily to salaries as well as a 4-billion-kyat capital reserve for peace negotiations with ethnic armed groups.
“The main requirement for the development of the country is internal peace and national consolidation,” said Aung Thein Lin, chairman of the Scrutinising Committee for Reform and Development.
Tax evasion on the rise
MP Khin Maung Yee says that tax evasion may become more frequent due to a significant tax increase in the Myanmar Stamp Act, which is being amended by the government.
According to the increase, the government will officially set a 7-per-cent duty on real estate sales.
“It was previously only 2 per cent in other regions, except for Yangon and Mandalay. Later, in the 1990s, it was increased to 5 per cent. After that, the duty in Yangon and Mandalay rose to 7 per cent.
“We discussed the possible consequences of the increase, and more tax evasions may be the result,” said Khin Maung Yee.
