The Burmese Army is forcing owners of brick kilns to sell bricks to soldiers at a heavily discounted price.

Currently the price for one brick is over 50 kyat, but brick kiln owners alleged that the soldiers pay only 30 kyat per brick.

Three weeks ago, in Mudon Township, brick kiln owners were approached by the State Peace and Development (SPDC) troops and informed that they need 40 million bricks, for more battalions. They demanded it at the special price.

Many balked at the offer, as their profits would diminish and, for some, their bricks had already been ordered by another buyer. Nevertheless, sources told IMNA that they heard reports that the Burmese soldiers were insistent, only willing to pay the discounted price and not even considering paying the factory owners’ cost price.

“They forced us to sell the bricks at lower prices. I do not want to sell my bricks for that price, because I am going to lose my profits. But I dare not refuse them, I have to sell my bricks to them,” one owner told IMNA.

According to another source, the soldiers settled on only two unpleasant options: “they told the brick owners that if they do not sell all their bricks to them, they must sell half.”

This expectation of special economic treatment secured through force and intimidation extends well beyond this event, and its ill-effects
exacerbate a deep financial crisis and ongoing price fluctuations in Mon State and other parts of Burma.

According to a Kamawet Village, Mudon Township brick kiln owner, he had to sell 100,000 of his 200,000 bricks to the soldiers at the discounted price. Similarly, bricks owners from Thanphyuzayat, Mudon and Lamine also report being ordered to sell at least half of their bricks, ostensibly for new battalions.