Burma 2008 Crime & Safety Report

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=82712

Overall Crime and Safety Situation


Many criminal acts go unreported and/or uninvestigated in Burma, making it very difficult to assess the crime level. Police precincts routinely under-report incidents in their areas of coverage to demonstrate they are effective at curbing crime. U.S. Embassy Rangoon considers the Government of Burma (GOB) crime statistics unreliable at best. Statistics for areas outside of Rangoon are generally not available. Travelers should be aware the potential for crime against foreigners may be increased in some regions outside of Rangoon. Overland travel outside of major cities may present a problem for foreigners if they are not accompanied by Burmese speaking companions. The GOB established a Tourist Police Unit in 2006, but it is as ineffective as other branches of the police, and rampant corruption prevents any serious investigations.

Crime Threats

The most frequently reported crimes among diplomats are non-violent confrontations characterized as crimes of opportunity, like pick pocketing and theft of unaccompanied objects. Property crimes are on the rise, such as theft from unoccupied vehicles and home burglaries, but true statistics are difficult to obtain. Most reports are from other diplomatic missions and word-of-mouth reports that are less reliable. There was one reported burglary involving a member of the U.S. mission this year. A UN official based in Rangoon was attacked from behind and her money and personal belongings were taken. Criminal activity in general appears to be on the rise due to the worsening economic situation within Burma. In February 2008, down the street from the embassy, five people were shot and killed in what is being described as either a home invasion or inheritance conflict. It is very rare that weapons are used in crimes in Rangoon due to the regime’s controls and likely response by the GOB.


Road Safety

Roadways and vehicles are old and not maintained, which leads to many vehicle accidents causing major injuries. The transportation system is not well maintained and most trains and buses are frequently out of service due to mechanical problems. Taxis are the best method of transportation, but many are also unsafe due to the age and poor maintenance of the vehicle. Traffic laws are rarely enforced, and drunk drivers are generally not prosecuted. Pedestrians are a major road hazard and individuals driving must always be alert for adults, children, and animals running into the road. Pedestrians often walk in traffic without looking and believe they always have the right-of-way. Potholes and flooding during the rainy season are a constant problem. Drivers often do not use their headlights at night and traffic lights at major intersections are regularly out of service.


Political Violence

In September 2007, large anti-GOB demonstrations erupted throughout the country, followed by a violent response by the GOB. One Japanese journalist was shot and killed while covering a protest downtown. The protests began after fuel prices doubled, and developed into large, peaceful, pro-democracy marches. Although there have been no major protests since October, the government has not addressed the root cause of the grievances and the embassy believes demonstrations could re-occur at any time. The GOB continues to arrest individuals involved in the democracy movement. Ethnic groups that populate border areas of Burma have been engaged in a long-standing armed struggle with the GOB, although many insurgent groups have entered into ceasefire arrangements with the regime in the past decade. The Regional Security Officer advises all visitors to avoid large crowds and political demonstrations, since the reaction of the government could turn violent at any moment.


Historical Perspective

Pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988 resulted in a violent response by the GOB, which promised a multi-party election to end the protests. In 1990, the GOB held elections, which the main democratic opposition party won by a landslide. The GOB refused to honor the election results and instead further tightened its grip on power. Key demands of Burma’s ethnic nationalities have also gone unanswered.


Regional Terrorism and Organized Crime

All anti-GOB groups are considered terrorist organizations by the government, including peaceful political organizations. Several armed groups in border regions use criminal activities, including narcotics production and sales, gem smuggling, and timber trafficking to support their struggles against the regime.


Civil Unrest

All demonstrations by pro-democracy groups have been peaceful, but the GOB’s responses have often been violent. Such responses, coupled with poor economic conditions, could spark large-scale civil unrest in the future as well.


Post-Specific Concerns

Earthquakes and Floods

During the early part of the rainy season, street flooding is pervasive in Burmese cities due to clogged drainage systems. Low-lying villages are also often flooded, causing food shortages in some areas. Individuals visiting Burma during the rainy season should be careful when traveling on roads and in villages close to lakes, major rivers, and the ocean. Major earthquake fault lines cross Burma, so the chance of earthquakes is always present.

Industrial Accidents and Transportation

None of Burma’s domestic airlines are approved by the FAA and their safety records are not open to the public. In February 2008, an Air Bagan flight overran a runway, causing minor injuries to several passengers. Other forms of transportation inside the country, such as trains and inter-city buses, are old and under-maintained. Passengers should only ride them at their own risk. U.S. Embassy Rangoon recommends that American travelers not use Myanmar Airlines or Bagan Airways, due to safety and poor supervision concerns. There have been no reports of industrial accidents at this time.

Drugs and Narcoterrorism

Several of the ethnic groups in the border region are heavily involved in drug trafficking. Burma’s production of opium is second only to Afghanistan. Methamphetamines are quickly becoming another major narcotic produced in Burma. The ethnic groups use the funding from illegal activities to support their armed conflict with the GOB.


Police Response

Despite the creation of a Tourist Police Unit, the host country’s law enforcement services are generally ill-disciplined, poorly equipped, and poorly trained. In addition, corruption is pervasive and some police collaborate with criminals, or carry out crimes themselves under protection of their official status. Most criminal acts go unreported and/or not investigated. Response time can be extremely long, if any response occurs at all. Police often blame lack of transportation for their slow response.

Police will often signal both foreign and domestic motorists to stop to collect a “donation.” When in doubt, always comply with police instructions, identify yourself as an American, and ask to speak to a consular officer. In most instances, police do not speak English and will not pursue a bribe if language seems to be a barrier.

In Rangoon, the central police emergency number is 199. The fire emergency number is 191 or 192.


Medical Emergencies

Medical services in Rangoon are far below even the most basic Western standards. Although the embassy does not officially endorse specific medical service providers, two international-level services with limited local facilities are the SOS (AEA) International Clinic and the Pacific Kembangan Medical Center. In the event of a medical emergency, American citizens should ask to be taken to a hospital, such as Yangon General Hospital, and request that the embassy and/or the SOS Clinic be notified.

SOS is located at the Inya Lake Hotel.
T: 667-871 or 667-879

Pacific Kembangan is located on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road.
T: 542-979 or 548-022

Air ambulance services are available for arrangement through SOS.


How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

The most common crime reported in Burma is theft of unattended items. If an individual takes the simple precaution of not leaving possessions unattended, he or she should not fall victim to this crime. Visitors should obey all laws and follow any instructions given to them by local authorities.

The border regions of Burma are areas of armed conflict and major organized crime, and should be avoided if possible.


Contact Information

American citizens can contact the embassy in case of an emergency, 24 hours a day, using the embassy’s main number: 95-1-536-509, ext 4014.

The following list provides important extensions in case of an emergency:

RSO: x4333
Medical unit: x4480
Consular: x4240
Pol/Econ: x4224
Post 1: x4014


OSAC Country Council

Burma does not have an OSAC Country Council at this time.




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