Tax-for-passports ruse

The cash-starved military regime has demanded that Myanmar expats submit tax clearance certificates when renewing their passports at Myanmar embassies.
Myanmar expats, who already pay income tax to governments of the countries where they are working, were told to pay 2 percent tax on their monthly incomes to the regime as of October.
The junta-controlled Myanmar embassy in Singapore announced on December 11 that it would not accept renewal applications unless applicants have paid the income tax. The Bangkok embassy issued the same message to expats in Thailand on December 13.
There are at least two million documented Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Their basic monthly income is 7,500 baht, meaning each will have to pay 150 baht per month – ensuring the junta will receive 300 million baht from expats in Thailand alone.
Regime rages against Timor president after defection call

The regime’s newspapers were filled with tirades against José Ramos-Horta after he urged junta troops to defect, and its backers staged a rally denouncing him in Yangon. Read more:
Military sending jailed deserters back to front line

Prison sources say around 200 jailed troops have been released on condition they serve in the armed forces for the rest of their sentences. Read more:
Lies on Operation 1027 exposed

Regime spokesman Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun continues to concoct lies to cover up humiliating defeats as the resistance offensive expands. Read more:
Min Aung Hlaing exploits injured soldiers and IDPs

Regime propaganda goes into overdrive after pistol-toting Min Aung Hlaing visits region’s safest town to meet injured soldiers and give cash, food and other aid to internally displaced people. Read more: