Myanmar detains Aeon unit exec for high rice prices

BANGKOK/YANGON -- The detention of a Japanese executive and several others accused of selling rice at inflated prices in Myanmar underscores the military regime's efforts to contain the surging price of food and fend off public backlash over the country's economic struggles.

Hiroshi Kasamatsu, who works for Japanese retailer Aeon's local venture, Aeon Orange, was detained in Yangon on Sunday for interrogation. A Myanmar lawyer who saw him reported that he appeared to be in good health.