DKBA ordered to release monopolizing bamboo-shoot trade

Mrot Chair, IMNA

June 17, 2005

Burmese army set up free trading for bamboo-shoot with Thailand yesterday, replacing pro-Rangoon Karen group's monopoly at Three Pagoda Pass.

Lt.Col Soe Htat, the commander of IB 38, called the regional commanders of Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) yesterday morning at 9:00 am after receiving complaints from the traders that the DKBA is monopolizing bamboo-shoot trade. Armed pro-Rangoon DKBA control the bamboo-shoot trade and barred other traders from buying the shoots.

"Every one has rights for free trading of bamboo shoot. Should not monopolize it," Lt. Col. Soe Htat said in a speech giving to DKBA members, shoot traders and town resident, according one who was at the meeting.

DKBA announced they will release all the restriction after the meeting.

"One of DKBA sergeant came to my house and told me, (that they are) sorry for barring of buying shoot and I can buy shoots right now," Ma Myit Aye, a shoot trader who complained to Burmese Army, said.

On June 15 at the beginning of bamboo shoot season, armed DKBA only permit Ma Maw, who paid them 8000 baht to buy bamboo shoots from locals, banning other traders.

"We are happy of the order. If more traders buy the shoots, we will get higher price and more benefit to us," a daily shoot finder said.

Bamboo-shoot trading is a business of raining season in Three Pagoda Pass area and most of the shoots are exporting to Thailand.

Current shoot price at Three Pagoda Pass on Burmese side is 2.1 Bath per Kg and 4 Baht per Kg in Thai side where as 12 Baht per Kg of already cooked shoot in the shop. At least 30 cars of shoot per day exported to Thailand in last year and one car could carry 3 tons of shoots.

 -----------------------------------------------------------

For further information please contact to [email protected] ,

www.monnews.com, www.monnews-imna.com

Tel: 66 (0) 1 3659140,

66 (0) 9 2072825,

66 (0) 1 180 9605

Please visit Burma News International Web-site: www.bnionline.net, in which IMNA is a member.