Interview

Many workers brought to criminal hubs in Southeast Asia have no idea what they’re getting themselves into, but some are seeking a payday despite the risks. Frontier spoke to two workers – one in online gambling the other in online scams – about their daily lives, working conditions and what brought them to Shwe Kokko.

Consider being a Frontier Member.

Support independent journalism in Myanmar. Become a Frontier member today
His Excellency Mr. Hong Liang, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, presented his credentials to President U Thein Sein on July 29, 2015. Ambassador Hong was deputy director general for the Department of Asian Affairs, under China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before becoming ambassador. He has also served in Malaysia and Australia. On March 4, he hosted a question and answer session at his residence in Yangon.
U Henry Van Thio, 58, was nominated last week as the Amyotha Hluttaw’s candidate for the vice-presidency. The National League for Democracy member was elected in November to Chin State-3 constituency in what is also known as the House of Nationalities. Almost completely unknown, even among politicians in his home state, the ethnic Chin Christian lawmaker was an army officer and employee of the Ministry of Industry before joining the NLD. He spoke to Frontier’s Mratt Kyaw Thu in Nay Pyi Taw on March 10.
American Robert Carmack and Australian Morrison Polkinghorne, co-authors of The Burma Cookbook, named the world’s Best Asian Cookbook of 2015 at the Best in the World Gourmand awards last year, first visited Yangon in 2000 after winning several nights at The Strand Hotel at a charity auction.

Latest Issue

Stories in this issue
Myanmar enters 2021 with more friends than foes
The early delivery of vaccines is one of the many boons of the country’s geopolitics, but to really take advantage, Myanmar must bury the legacy of its isolationist past.
Will the Kayin BGF go quietly?
The Kayin State Border Guard Force has come under intense pressure from the Tatmadaw over its extensive, controversial business interests and there’s concern the ultimatum could trigger fresh hostilities in one of the country’s most war-torn areas.

Support our independent journalism and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content and analysis

Stay on top of Myanmar current affairs with our Daily Briefing and Media Monitor newsletters.

Sign up for our Frontier Fridays newsletter. It’s a free weekly round-up featuring the most important events shaping Myanmar