In parts of the world, there are people who show off by destroying their wealth in ceremonies called potlatches. But in Myanmar, burning cash and broadcasting it has landed one couple in trouble with the authorities.
Husband and wife luxury brand sellers, are under investigation for using a lighter to burn a MMK5,000 note (US$4) live on Facebook in a video quickly shared throughout Myanmar.
An officer at the Thingangyun City Police Station confirmed they were looking into the incident.
“They say they are doing it for some ritual to sell more,” he said without giving his name. It was suggested by their astrologist, according to the husband.”
In the video, Mya Phue Thwe, in a leopard-print camisole, watches as her shirtless husband in sunglasses struggles to ignite the lighter before torching the banknote over a bowl. Their original post was deleted later reuploaded to another page.
According to the police, the couple from Thingangyun Township’s Lay Daung Kan Ward will be prosecuted under finance law.
If convicted, they face up to two years in jail.
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