The Burma/Myanmar Thread

[buksida]

Myanmar ends media censorship
Myanmar has abolished censorship of its media, the information ministry announced on Monday, in the latest in a series of sweeping reforms by the country’s nominally civilian government.

“Censorship for all local publications is lifted from August 20, 2012,” according to a statement on the ministry’s website.

Pre-publication censorship — applied in the past to everything from newspapers to song lyrics and even fairy tales — was one of the hallmarks of military rule which ended last year.

Media reforms have already brought a lighter touch from the once ubiquitous censors, with less controversial publications freed from scrutiny last year.

Political and religious journals were the last to be allowed to go to press without pre-approval from the censors starting from Monday.

Since taking office last year, President Thein Sein, a former general, has overseen dramatic changes such as the release of hundreds of political prisoners and the election of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to parliament.

http://burmaboard.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=613

[PeteC]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/travel/ ... 88774.html

Thailand's western neighbour is now the hottest destination for a holiday. A few things to know before setting off

After decades of international boycotts and sanctions, the April elections in Myanmar brought not just hopes of democracy and investment but also a surge in travellers once reluctant to journey to this amazing land.


GO NOW!

If you want to see Myanmar at its best, don't put off your trip, Yes, it is the rainy season but you really don't want to wait until the international tourists start turning out in their droves, checking in at the same hotels and guesthouses as you and causing accommodation prices to skyrocket. And if you've already planned a year-end trip, book your hotel now! The country needs more time to build up its tourism infrastructure to cope with the fast-growing demand.


VISA FIRST!

Another reason why tourist arrivals are up has to do with the hassle-free visa processes. The Myanmar Embassy on Bangkok's North Sathorn Road offers a smooth, same-day visa service. Simply deliver your visa application with two photos and Bt1,260 to the counter between 9am to noon and you can collect your passport between 3.30 and 4.30pm. If you are not on a rush, a next-day visa is Bt1,000, two days Bt810. A tourist visa is good for a 28-day stay.

Since June, a visa-on-arrival for business purposes is available for 27 nationalities including the 10 Asean members plus India, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, France, Germany, UK and US. The fee is US$50 for a 70-day stay. A tourist visa for Asean members only is possible for a US$40 fee. Business visitors should check out www.MyanmarVisa.com.


FLYING HIGH

When Yangon Mingaladon Airport was first built in 1947, it was regarded the best in Southeast Asia. In the 1960s, it was the aviation hub of the region and frequented by major airlines like Pan-Am, KLM, Air France and BOAC (now British airways).

After years of decay, Yangon International Airport has a sparkling new terminal and welcomes flights from all over Asia. Airlines include Myanmar Airways, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, SilkAir and Jetstar Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and various Chinese companies. Korean Air, ANA and Qatar Airways are starting services soon and AirAsia is launching a Bangkok to Mandalay flight in October.


CASH-ONLY ECONOMY

The economic sanctions are gradually being lifted but there are still no ATMs and traveller cheques and credit cards are not generally accepted even in Yangon. The US dollars is widely used and often preferred to the kyat and while black-market exchange rates were the norm two years ago, today everyone can access the standard exchange rate at official exchange counters at airports and banks. Exchange counters at Yangon Airport close at 3.30pm so travellers arriving on afternoon flights should head to the exchange booths at Bogyoke Market or downtown Yangon. Most hotels or guesthouses in the city also offer exchange services though the rate is slightly lower.

Myanmarese don't like creased or dirty dollars bills and even the slightest tear, mark, fold or dirt can lead to a bill being refused or a poor exchange rate. When buying the US bills before you trip, tell the bank you need flawless dollar bills only. The staff at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport's exchange booths know the situation and will prepare pristine bills in a long envelope for you to avoid creases.


TRAVEL WELL

November to February promises to be another busy tourist so visitors need to book in accommodation well in advance through leading websites. Be prepared to pay at least double what it says in the latest guidebook, even for a backpacker place at the bottom end of the market.

The easiest way to get around a big city like Yangon is by taxi. Most taxis are old cars and have neither meters nor air conditioning. Prices are negotiable, usually between 1,000-2,000 kyat a trip for travelling within the city centre, and about $7-10 from the airport to the city centre.

There are no McDonalds or Starbucks but you can feast on mohinga (rice noodle) in fish soup everywhere on the street or at Indian thali and biryani restaurants. Venture into Yangon's Chinatown at night and you'll find the grilled fish hard to resist.

First timers usually visit Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake while repeat travellers prefer to go off the beaten track and explore Mrauk-U or the islands in the south.

Whatever destination you choose, Myanmar guarantees an awesome experience!




Celebration of culture


Away from the politics of Nay Pyi Taw, the Myanmarese are joyous, light-hearted and fun-loving folks. Like the rest of us, they love a good time and celebrates their festivals with families and friends. Here's what you can enjoy and when.


NAT FESTIVAL

August, Mandalay

The Nat is a spirit, a demanding spirit. In Taung Pyone, a small village 20km north of Mandalay, the locals celebrate August with the Nat Festival. Spiritual as it is entertaining, the festival brings mediums and visitors to the Nat pavilions. Flowers, cash and alcohol are offered in order to appease the spirits while the mediums take turns to amuse them with folk music and dances.


PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA FESTIVAL

October, Inle Lake

Inle Lake, in Shan State is famous for leg-rowed boats, and the Shan row them in the highest of spirits during Phaung Daw Festival. The annual rite sees a colourful procession of leg-rowed boats tugging the golden barges of Buddha images. Leg-rowed boat races are held throughout the festival.


THE THADINGYUT (FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS)

October, throughout Myanmar

Marking the end of the Buddhist Lent, the Festival of Lights is celebrated across Myanmar. Pagodas, houses, public buildings, parks, and monuments are all illuminated with jars of candles


KYAIKHTIYO PAGODA FESTIVAL

November, Mon State

Perched over the cliff rock of Mt Kyaikhiyo is the boulder of Golden Pagoda - a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site. The rock seems to defy gravity, as it perpetually appears to be on the verge of rolling down the hill. Legend has it that it held by strand of hair of the Buddha. In late November, devotees offer 9,999 candles and flowers to celebrate the pagoda. Folk dances, music and puppets add colour and rhythm.


MT POPA NAT SPIRIT FESTIVAL

December, Bagan

Like mother hen guarding her children, Popa Taungkalat monastery sits atop of 1518-metre volcano peak overlooking the farmland around Irrawaddy River, southeast of Bagan. This is the home of Nats, and thousands of folks appease the demanding ghosts with entertainment.


NAGA NEW YEAR'S FESTIVAL

January, Sagaing Division

Tribal dances and exotic dresses draw intrepid travellers to the high ranges in Myanmar's Northwest for Naga New Year's Festival. For three days, the Naga gather around Kham-Ti districts. Fierce warriors in their bright and exotic dress, they perform tribal sports and dances, as rice wine and roasted meat accompany the beating of drums.


ANANDA PAGODA FESTIVAL

January, Bagan

Pagoda and bullock-carts are a signature of Bagan and the Ananda Pagoda Festival offers spectacular scenes of bullock-carts loaded with offerings rolling through the fields. Traditional performances and jokers take turns to entertain.

[buksida]

Unfortunately its not that easy (or cheap) to get there, I'm trying to book a trip for October and have found the following:

1) Over half of the travel agents I contacted don't even respond.

2) The discount flight prices are bullshit, Air Asia advertises the trip to Mandalay for 1500 baht, they don't tell you about the airport tax, fuel surcharges, passenger service fees etc which quadruple this price.

3) Reasonably priced accommodation in Myanmar is all booked up leaving only the most expensive places remaining.

4) You have to spend 2 days in Bangers waiting for your visa as the visa on arrival isn't operating yet.

[PeteC]

A good story and photos here. Pete

"As seen through the lens of an insider
In his latest book, photojournalist Thierry Falise showcases the fruits of 25 years spent in some of the country's remotest corners, a world commonly shut off to those outside ...."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/investi ... an-insider

[migrant]

Very Good! Thanks!!

[buksida]

Five Reasons To Think Twice Before Visiting Myanmar
From global travelers to world leaders, it seems everyone's talking about Myanmar these days. Since the country's government relaxed travel restrictions for foreign visitors last year, Myanmar has hovered near the top of numerous tourism industry lists of "top places to visit."

U.S. President Barack Obama just dropped by.

Yet, despite its growing reputation as the world's next great travel spot, Myanmar simply doesn't deliver -- at least not yet. If you're considering a visit, here are five things to consider before booking your ticket:

- It's Overrated: There. Someone finally said it. Myanmar is overrated. Sure, there are some impressive sites to see: Bagan's temples, Inle Lake's landscapes, the world's largest reclining Buddha. But the country simply does not live up to the acclaim bestowed upon it by countless travel writers who have anointed it the place to be. True, Myanmar's people are some of the friendliest, most sincere in the world. Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda will impress. And a couple of the aforementioned places are must-sees. But unless expectations are tempered and the cities of Mandalay and Yangon get complete makeovers, travelers may well leave disappointed.

- It's Overpriced: Myanmar is by no means expensive. Yet despite the nascence of the tourism industry, the recent influx of visitors has allowed hotel and tour operators to charge a premium for mediocre products and services, meaning travelers won't get much for all the crisp, unfolded U.S. dollars they're required to spend. And another thing -- for people looking to splurge on, say, the $400 hot air balloon ride over Bagan, they better make sure they brought enough cash, otherwise, the lack of ATMs combined with the elevated prices is going to severely prohibit their travel experience.

- The Food Literally Stinks: For a country bordered by the culinary giants of Thailand, China, and India, you might think Myanmar would serve up some of the best cuisine on the planet. You'd be wrong. The country's most widely-known food -- a putrid-smelling paste made from dead fish buried and fermented underground for a week -- should temper the hopes of visitors looking for quality cuisine there. Great restaurants are almost as rare as ATMs, even in major tourism areas.

- It's Already Been Discovered: The chance to be among the "first" travelers to visit Myanmar has long since passed, as noted by the tour buses, backpacks, and fanny packs seen at most tourist spots. Even the further-afield places like Pyin Oo Lwin and Kyaiktiyo have seen their fair share of visitors. And what about those locales still off the tourist map? They remain that way because the government either doesn't allow foreigners to visit or it requires more money and time-consuming permits than most people will be willing to spend to get there.

- Myanmar or Burma?: Is the country's name "Burma" or "Myanmar?" Practically speaking, it doesn't matter. What is critical for travelers to remember is what the name change signifies -- that the country's totalitarian government can and will do whatever it likes, no matter what its people say. Want to change the country's name? Done. Want to re-locate the nation's capital to from Yangon and build a $4 billion city atop a rice paddy while much of the population subsists on a few dollars per day? They already did that too. Visitors must keep in mind that a growing source of the regime's treasury comes directly from the dollars they spend. Hopefully things may change, as reforms continue to be implemented, but it's one more thing to keep in mind.

At the end of the day, the country is an impressive destination, as my wife and I learned recently during a 28-day visit. It's also one that can no doubt deliver an unforgettable and rewarding travel experience, as long as travelers do their research and temper expectations before arrival.

Source: Burma Board

[Dannie Boy]

Having read Buksida's report on Vietnam, it would look to win hands down if looking to venture somewhere close to Thailand

[buksida]

At the moment yes, all of these countries are at different stages in tourism development, I'd rate them as follows:

1) Thailand - 40 years+ of tourism, doesn't care anymore, only wants the well heeled two weekers.
2) Malaysia - 30 odd years of tourism, well established infrastructure, some religious tensions.
3) Cambodia/Laos/Philippines - 20 years+ of tourism, still a lot of work to do, these would be the places to settle now.
4) Vietnam/Indonesia - Less than 20 years of mainstream tourism, making big efforts to climb the ladder.
5) Burma - Just opened, a very long way to go.

[Scotian2012]

Business will still be cautious in Burma for a number of reasons:

1. There is no real judicial system or investment law (well, any law) so if you have a business dispute as an external company, you are screwed.

2. Burma is run by 12 families. If you wanted to say open a hotel, you'd need to do it as a joint venture. For large hotel chains that means getting into bed with people with dirty money that will not pass your anti money laundering checks -- More opportunity here for Asian investors that don't need to answer to Western regulatory standards on AML (yet)

3. There is a strong possibility that the generals will allow the investment flow for a few years and then revert to their prior status

I reckon there'll be opportunity for Thailand to act as a bit of a gateway into the new economy. Also likely to see an uplift in economy of bordering areas to Burma.

I'll be making a first trip to Tachilek on Burma side this weekend.

[buksida]

KBank opens Myanmar representative office
Kasikornbank (KBank) followed some of its rivals in opening a representative office in Yangon yesterday, as leading Thai businesses plan to invest in the newly open country.

The Kasikorn Research Center predicts Myanmar's gross domestic product at 6.3% in 2013, with export growth of 11% including natural gas, textiles, and teak.

Attending the opening were large Thai corporations all hoping to do business there: PTT, the national energy flagship, and instant noodle manufacturer Thai President Foods.

PTT has been operating a natural gas field in Myanmar for 17 years, but Suradej Bulakul, chief finance officer, said with the market opening the number of motorists will jump, leading it to open pumps there with a budget of 100 million baht.

Thai President Foods, the maker of Mama instant noodles, will build its second Myanmar factory, this time in Mandalay, said vice-chairman Pipat Paniangvait. The new plant will have a production capacity of 60,000 parcels of Mama cups a day, and is scheduled to start operating this year.

It has been in Myanmar for nine years through joint venture with local companies, and the company's first plant produces 30,000 parcels a day in Yangon and 20,000 parcels of scrap instant noodles a day.

Real estate opportunities drew Supalai, said director Prasas Tangmatitham, as the firm plans to set up a company there to build up offices for rent in Yangon, with a focus on residential later. Supalai allotted a budget of 2 billion baht to also enter other neighbouring countries.

Both Supalai and renewable energy firm SPCG came to Myanmar through KBank's business matching programme.

Somkiat Sirirchatchai, senior executive vice-president of KBank, said Thailand is the second-largest trading partner in Myanmar behind China, and many Thai products are well known in Myanmar.

The bank plans to partner with local banks in Asean and East Asia to create networks in the region. This year KBank plans to network with Brunei, the Philippines, and Malaysia, resulting in coverage in all Asean+3 countries.

Its Yangon office will provide information and consulting services, in-depth marketing assistance, legal explanations, and business networks.

Source: BurmaBoard

[dozer]

I was there last month and noticed that there are more places accepting VISA/MasterCard. I still carry a fist full of Dollars, but hopefully that will change soon.

[dozer]

SPORTS
In Myanmar, Sports Choices Raise Concerns
By THOMAS FULLER
Published: January 28, 2013
BANGKOK - It has been promoted as a showcase for the new Myanmar, a regional sporting event in December that will celebrate the country's embrace of democracy and the end of a hermetic and oppressive era.

But the Southeast Asian Games, which will be held in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, and other sites throughout the country, is causing acrimony long before a single athlete has competed.

Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which all intend to participate in what are known as the SEA Games, have sent separate letters to Myanmar protesting the way the event is being organized, according to Gen. Yuthasak Sasiprapha, the president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand.

"These games are supposed to bring unity, but they are causing divisions instead," General Yuthasak told the Thai news media last week.

The main complaint is that Myanmar, formerly Burma, has stacked the competition with obscure sports that Myanmar's athletes have a good chance of winning.

Charoen Wattanasin, the vice president of the Thai National Olympic Committee, said in an interview that the SEA Game regulations allowed for 8 traditional sports but that Myanmar had put 14 on the roster.

"Nine out of the 14 are martial arts," he said, struggling to describe them. "They are - well, I can't even remember their names."

One is called chinlone, a traditional Burmese game that mixes dancelike acrobatic movements with what might be described as soccer juggling skills. There is no opposing team, and competitors are scored in a manner similar to those in gymnastics.

Myanmar has dropped tennis and table tennis from the games, even though both have been played in all SEA Games since the competition began in 1959. Gymnastics is out, as is badminton, Thai and Philippine officials said.

The Singaporeans are lamenting the loss of water polo, in which they do well, and the Philippine Olympic Committee has threatened to send a threadbare delegation if the roster is not changed. Malaysia and Indonesia, which have strong badminton traditions, are urging that the sport be reinstated.

The Nation, a Thai daily newspaper, reported Sunday that Myanmar had also dropped beach volleyball because "the sport's outfits were not suitable for Myanmar culture."

Myanmar circulated the roster of events to representatives of participating countries last week and for now is defending its selection.

"Every host country has the authority to decide which competitions should be included and excluded," U Htay Aung, a director in Myanmar's ministry of sports, said in an interview on Sunday.

Mr. Htay Aung said he recalled previous games in which Myanmar's requests "were ignored."

"There are always complaints at these games," he said. "Myanmar will make the final decision."

Myanmar will hear from the 11 countries competing in the games at meetings in Naypyidaw on Monday and Tuesday to discuss preparations.

"If they continue to push through this proposal, it's worthless to hold the games," Mr. Charoen, the Thai official, said.

Myanmar's ability to organize the games smoothly will be closely watched by officials in the region, because in some ways it will be a test run for a much more ambitious project. Next year, Myanmar will hold the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a responsibility that involves playing host to countless regional meetings and dealing with thousands of visiting diplomats and journalists.

It is a challenging task for a government that is only now breaking from its inward-looking, military past and its history of antagonistic relations with the outside world.

Myanmar appears eager to reassure its neighbors that it is ready to host the games. U Naw Tawng, a Burmese official quoted on Myanmar's official SEA Games Web site, predicted that the games would be better than those held in 2011 in Indonesia.

Myanmar has played host to the games twice - in 1961 and 1969 - but this is the first time the games are to be held there since the brutal suppression of the democracy movement, including a bloody crackdown in 1988.

The country is in the middle of a wrenching transition from military rule to democracy led by President Thein Sein, who heads the country's first civilian government in five decades.

Poypiti Amatatham contributed reporting from Bangkok, and Wai Moe from Yangon, Myanmar.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/01/28/sp ... ames28.xml.

[Nereus]

The Nation, a Thai daily newspaper, reported Sunday that Myanmar had also dropped beach volleyball because "the sport's outfits were not suitable for Myanmar culture."

I would have to agree with that statement. Basically naked self centered females cavorting around on the beach have no place in ANY culture, or sporting event!

[dozer]

About 10 years ago the Thailand Games were being held in Ratchaburi and I just happened to be there on business. I stopped at a 7Eleven to get a cold drink and I noticed that there was a Beach Volleyball tournament nearby, so I strolled over to have a look.

I was ushered in and made most welcome, given a seat right at the front and had a enjoyable 10/15 minutes and departed between games.

That night my wife called me, a little irate, seemingly I had made the TV news, the sole Farang sitting at the front at the Beach Volleyball and I managed to get on the front page of most of the daily's.

[buksida]

Visa-on-arrival now available for 48 countries

Visa-on-arrival is now available for citizens of 48 countries after the government expanded the visa scheme for 22 more countries last week.

Business visa, entry visa, and transit visa have been available at the Yangon International Airport since last June and at the Mandalay International Airport since last November.

Than Win, the officer-in-charge of the Mandalay International Airport said most of the European countries were among the 22 additional countries, including Belgium, Finland, Austria, and Israel.

According to him, the visas-on-arrival program will allow better business opportunities in the country and have more foreign investment.

After visa-on-arrivals were granted to the additional 22 countries on February 1, the Mandalay International Airport has received 70 visitors within five days.

Visas on arrival are only granted to travelers with the necessary documents, including a letter of invitation from their sponsoring company. A 70-day business via costs US$50, a 28-day entry visa for meetings, workshops or events is $40, and a 24-hour transit visa is $20.

Source: Burma Board