• Burmese
Thursday, July 10, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The Irrawaddy
25 °c
Yangon
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
No Result
View All Result
The Irrawaddy
No Result
View All Result
Home Opinion

Tell Me…Tell Me…Little Lines

Myint Thin by Myint Thin
February 14, 2013
in Uncategorized
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0 0
A A
Burma and Bhutan: A Tale of Two Top-down Democracies
2.9k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

When Vietnam and Laos opened their countries back in the mid-1980s, their governments permitted a limited numbers of foreign correspondents to come into their countries to report on specific issues. These journalists, mainly from the well-established Western media such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, had to pay a hefty price to follow what was happening inside the two countries. Those who came from China, the former Soviet Union and Cuba did not have to pay a dime.

In Vietnam, for instance, a week of news reporting at that time would require at least US $2,000, which  included accommodation and transportation. The most important expense would be the minder or interpreter assigned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who would cost a few hundred dollars a day. Depending on the knowledge and overall capacity of journalists, the interpreters were the first filters of information to be given.

Quite often, casual talks between them produced a lead story of intrigues inside the society that was
closed for so long. Sometimes, these topics or catch words were mentioned deliberately to grab the attention of journalists. Sometimes journalist picked up, sometimes they did not. There were cases when the minders were the subject of reports themselves. These were part and parcel of the  communications strategy of communist countries that permitted certain views and information out to Western policymakers and the public. In retrospect, many reports about Vietnam and Laos were raised through the minders’ perspective. In turn, they were briefed by authorities of party lines. However, from time to time, personal views were included to render credibility to their opinions.

RelatedPosts

Burma and Bhutan: A Tale of Two Top-down Democracies

Burma’s AEC Performance

February 27, 2013
2.8k
Burma and Bhutan: A Tale of Two Top-down Democracies

Burma’s Media Scene is Booming

February 21, 2013
3k

The Prospects for Burma’s Economic Development

February 6, 2013
5.6k
U Myint Thin is a Burmese pseudonym for a veteran Thai journalist residing in Rangoon. His regular column, Across Irrawaddy, appears every Wednesday.
Myint Thin is a Burmese pseudonym for a veteran Thai journalist residing in Rangoon. His regular column, Across Irrawaddy, appears every Wednesday.

At that time, it was difficult for foreign correspondents to write on domestic issues, especially those related to political development inside the country and the power politics of the Vietnamese Communist Party. Strict access to rural areas and senior officials made it extremely difficult to write independent reports. There were no social media or bloggers for new clues. So the minders were the gateway to the foreign correspondents’ initial perception of their countries.

In the case of Burma, it is entirely different, especially since the country adopted dramatic reforms two years ago. Previously, Burma was similar to Vietnam and Laos: there was press censorship and freedom of expression was severely restricted. Each year, its ranking in the international free media indexes was among the world’s lowest, along with North Korea.

Over the past two years, however, there have been huge fundamental changes in Burma’s media system and culture. First of all, Burma chose to open up the most sensitive political area dealing with the freedom of media. All new Asean countries have avoided this path for fear it would expose their governments to the outside world, especially the ruling elites. In turn, it could weaken their grip on power. Secondly, journalists and scholars have better access to senior officials for their views and assessments. The officials of Naypyidaw are no longer walking away from journalists. These days they talk back and give relevant information. Indeed, they are very assertive and ready to dispute the media reports if they deem them inaccurate and slanderous.

Foreign correspondents do not need official minders or interpreters when they are inside the country, and they can easily approach officials. Indeed, the government has hired foreign experts to train dozens of spokespersons on the best ways to handle the media and send relevant messages out.

The authorities in Naypyidaw have been wise to allow free press as part of the reform package to publicize the government’s efforts to develop the backward country. Without good publicity, it would be difficult for the ordinary Burmese to understand and appreciate what the government is doing. This step is important because it would translate into strong public support or lack of support. Obviously, the desire to reach ordinary Burmese people is why the government decided to get rid of news censorship as its highest priority.

The second priority is reaching a foreign audience, which comes later. Interestingly, it was the reporting of foreign correspondents that helped to improve Burma’s image and international standing within such a short time. Without the free media atmosphere including relaxation of visa rules for journalists from abroad, Burma would not dominate news headlines globally as it does today. Foreign reporting on Burma  is a mix of both negative and positive—as it should be. After reports about the current reforms, news about the reconciliation process between the government and minorities has grabbed the biggest headlines.

Today, foreign journalists and outside visitors can have an easy access to government officials, opposition leaders, activists, media and monks inside Burma. They have reported their views and increased overall knowledge of this nation—once the world’s most isolated country.

However, there is a drawback, as one can easily notice that there are small groups of movers and shakers in Rangoon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw who literally dominate the reports on Burma by foreign correspondents and scholars. These key thinkers include President Thein Sein, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, 88 Generation leader Ko Ko Kyi and Kyaw Yin Hlaing of Myanmar Egress, to name but a few. What is lacking are the views of ordinary people, emerging civil society groups and ethnic minority groups.

Burma is willing to open up and face the free media because the government, including military leaders, because benefits from this. It is remains to be seen how all of this will play out in the near future.

Your Thoughts …
Tags: Across Irrawaddy
Myint Thin

Myint Thin

Similar Picks:

Burma Struggles to Ditch Its Military Masters
Asia

Burma and Bhutan: A Tale of Two Top-down Democracies

by Myint Thin
January 24, 2013
329

Both countries pedal their own models of democracy from above. Will they prosper?

Read moreDetails
Burma and Bhutan: A Tale of Two Top-down Democracies
Opinion

Japan and the Peace Process in Burma

by Myint Thin
January 2, 2013
3.8k

The Nippon Foundation is taking the lead in providing international support for Burma's peace and reconciliation process.

Read moreDetails
Opinion

The Prospects for Burma’s Economic Development

by Myint Thin
February 6, 2013
5.6k

Burma's may face many economic challenges, but it has the advantage of being able to benefit from regional frameworks and...

Read moreDetails
Burma and Bhutan: A Tale of Two Top-down Democracies
Opinion

Why is Suu Kyi Absent from Asean?

by Myint Thin
January 30, 2013
3.8k

Burma's iconic pro-democracy leader needs to turn her attention to Burma's regional neighborhood and start playing a more prominent role...

Read moreDetails
Burma’s Asean Agenda
Opinion

Burma’s Asean Agenda

by Myint Thin
December 12, 2012
4.3k

As Burma opens up after decades of isolation, its leaders say they are ready to assume a more active role...

Read moreDetails
World Buddhist Leaders Pen Letter to Burma
Opinion

Exciting Times for Burmese Media

by Myint Thin
December 5, 2012
2.2k

Southeast Asia’s most exciting media market is in Burma with newspapers and journals popping up every day to demonstrate a...

Read moreDetails
Load More
Next Post
US to Back NKorea Human Rights Probe

US to Back NKorea Human Rights Probe

Malaysia in Borneo Standoff with Armed Intruders

Malaysia in Borneo Standoff with Armed Intruders

No Result
View All Result

Recommended

37 Years and Counting: Why Has Myanmar’s Democracy Struggle Taken So Long?

37 Years and Counting: Why Has Myanmar’s Democracy Struggle Taken So Long?

7 days ago
1.3k
China’s Surveillance State Watches Everyone, Everywhere

China’s Surveillance State Watches Everyone, Everywhere

2 days ago
666

Most Read

  • Chin Resistance Tensions Boil Over as CNA Seizes Rival’s Myanmar HQ

    Chin Resistance Tensions Boil Over as CNA Seizes Rival’s Myanmar HQ

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta Starves Last Rakhine Strongholds as AA Closes In

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trump’s Tariffs to Hit Myanmar’s Garment Manufacturers Hard

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • China’s Surveillance State Watches Everyone, Everywhere

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta Trains Staff on Electronic Voting Machines Across the Country

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get The Irrawaddy’s latest news, analyses and opinion pieces on Myanmar in your inbox.

Subscribe here for daily updates.

Contents

  • News
  • Politics
  • War Against the Junta
  • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
  • Conflicts In Numbers
  • Junta Crony
  • Ethnic Issues
  • Asia
  • World
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Election 2020
  • Elections in History
  • Cartoons
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Guest Column
  • Analysis
  • Letters
  • In Person
  • Interview
  • Profile
  • Dateline
  • Specials
  • Myanmar Diary
  • Women & Gender
  • Places in History
  • On This Day
  • From the Archive
  • Myanmar & COVID-19
  • Intelligence
  • Myanmar-China Watch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Fashion & Design
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Photo Essay
  • Donation

About The Irrawaddy

Founded in 1993 by a group of Myanmar journalists living in exile in Thailand, The Irrawaddy is a leading source of reliable news, information, and analysis on Burma/Myanmar and the Southeast Asian region. From its inception, The Irrawaddy has been an independent news media group, unaffiliated with any political party, organization or government. We believe that media must be free and independent and we strive to preserve press freedom.

  • Copyright
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Burmese

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Business Roundup
  • Books
  • Donation

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.