Myanmar is going to introduce e-visa system as a pilot project in February to facilitate foreign travellers' visits and promote tourism in the country.
Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, which will introduce online electronic visa system, has started installing internet lines at the information departments of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Immigration and Population, Xinhua reported citing the Yangon Times.
The move will facilitate world visitors in those countries where there is no Myanmar embassy. Some airlines arranged visa-on-arrival for visitors from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Ahead of the country's general election in November, 2010, Myanmar regranted the visa-on-arrival service of its kind, which was halted in September during the same year. In 2011, the number of tourists arrival at Myanmar's Yangon International Airport reached a total of 359,359.
Also, Myanmar is implementing a plan to extend and upgrade the Yangon International Airport into an international aiport that is capable of handling 3.8 million passengers a year and providing full service needed to attain an international airport's standard.
There are six domestic airlines in Myanmar including the state-owned, Myanmar Airways, and five private-run, Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways, Air Bagan, Asian Wings and Kanbawza. There is also another Myanmar international airline, the Myanmar Airways International (MAI), flying solely some foreign destinations.
Besides the MAI, which flies internationally as Myanmar's national flag carrier, there are 13 foreign airlines flying Yangon comprising Air China, China Southern Airline, China Eastern Airlines, Thai Airways International, Indian Airlines, Air Asia, Taiwan region's China airlines, Silk Air, Malaysian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Jetstar Asia, Thai Air Asia and Vietnam Airlines.
Source: Economic Times
Official Website: www.myanmarevisa.com
Thought: Great news from our neighbours, a step in the right direction.
Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
Yes indeed, looks like Burma may benefit from the impending tightening of rules that is surely coming under the new Thaksin administration, same thing happened last time they were in power.
I found this on the UN Dispatch site about the recent bombings and tourism in Thailand and it hints at the same thing you have mentioned above Buksida with people within Thailand starting to question it's relaxed attitude to international visitors.
The comments by the Foreign Minister in the second paragraph are just crazy and there are a few truth words spoken about Thailand being a safe haven for all types of criminals.
Thailand Bombing Vs Thai Tourism Industry
Thailand is circling the wagons after a recent terrorist bomb scare in the heart of Bangkok—and some Thais are questioning if their nation’s relatively laissez-faire approach towards international visitors is the right one.
The swift police response hasn’t been mirrored by the Thai government, however, which appears to be focusing much more on damage-control than it is on solving the problem, or acknowledging serious gaps in Thailand’s security network exist. Many have piled on Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who said in a Feb 14 press statement that the attacks “were not acts of terrorism” and the bombers were merely assembling weapons for use in other countries – although he proceeded to request terrorists refrain from using Bangkok as a staging ground for any future violence.
Thailand’s leaders have correctly figured out that they are facing a serious image problem, and its economic race-to-the-top may be on the line. Thailand is well-known as a convenient place for international criminals—from gun-runners to pedophiles—to hide from authorities, thanks to relatively porous borders and a long-standing tolerance for international visitors in the mood for a holiday, X-rated or otherwise. This lawlessness is an unwelcome side-note to Thailand’s dedicated efforts to market itself as a family-friendly and safe destination for international travelers and businesspeople—and this latest bombing could blow a hole in what has been a pretty successful PR campaign.
The past two years have proved difficult for Thailand’s international reputation, in the wake of violent 2010 Red Shirt protests and catastrophic flooding last year. The last thing Thailand wants or needs is a growing international sense that Bangkok is a possible terrorist proxy war zone. Further, the attacks are going to be bad for business—and Thailand’s multi-million dollar trade in both rice and sun-drenched holidays with Iran will take a serious hit if the two nations sever ties over this incident. Thailand’s decision to proceed slowly and avoid condemning Iran’s government along with three of its less illustrious nationals is a wise one.
But foremost in the minds of business-minded Thais is the attack’s possible effect on tourism, an industry which has played a major role in sending this developing nation on the fast-track to wealth, and accounts for 6 percent of Thailand’s annual GDP. Travel alerts have been issued by 10 nations, including the US and Britain, and the attacks have made international headlines. Embarrassingly, the Iranians partook in Thailand’s tourism scene themselves, allegedly partying on the beach in Pattaya with sex workers before coming to Bangkok to assemble their weapons.
The fact that these three Iranians decided to take their grievances—whatever they were—to the streets of Bangkok seems proof positive that Thailand needs to take steps to make its borders less porous and its reputation less amiable to illegal behavior.
Although the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce claimed the bombs would affect tourism for “no more than two months,” Thailand would do well to question if their nation’s reputation as a relatively family-friendly (sex trade aside) and low-stress tourist and business destination is becoming compromised. Hard immigration measures and a serious re-evaluation of the nation’s intelligence agencies may be in order.
UN Dispatch........ http://www.undispatch.com/thailand-bomb ... m-industry
I found this on the UN Dispatch site about the recent bombings and tourism in Thailand and it hints at the same thing you have mentioned above Buksida with people within Thailand starting to question it's relaxed attitude to international visitors.
The comments by the Foreign Minister in the second paragraph are just crazy and there are a few truth words spoken about Thailand being a safe haven for all types of criminals.
Thailand Bombing Vs Thai Tourism Industry
Thailand is circling the wagons after a recent terrorist bomb scare in the heart of Bangkok—and some Thais are questioning if their nation’s relatively laissez-faire approach towards international visitors is the right one.
The swift police response hasn’t been mirrored by the Thai government, however, which appears to be focusing much more on damage-control than it is on solving the problem, or acknowledging serious gaps in Thailand’s security network exist. Many have piled on Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who said in a Feb 14 press statement that the attacks “were not acts of terrorism” and the bombers were merely assembling weapons for use in other countries – although he proceeded to request terrorists refrain from using Bangkok as a staging ground for any future violence.
Thailand’s leaders have correctly figured out that they are facing a serious image problem, and its economic race-to-the-top may be on the line. Thailand is well-known as a convenient place for international criminals—from gun-runners to pedophiles—to hide from authorities, thanks to relatively porous borders and a long-standing tolerance for international visitors in the mood for a holiday, X-rated or otherwise. This lawlessness is an unwelcome side-note to Thailand’s dedicated efforts to market itself as a family-friendly and safe destination for international travelers and businesspeople—and this latest bombing could blow a hole in what has been a pretty successful PR campaign.
The past two years have proved difficult for Thailand’s international reputation, in the wake of violent 2010 Red Shirt protests and catastrophic flooding last year. The last thing Thailand wants or needs is a growing international sense that Bangkok is a possible terrorist proxy war zone. Further, the attacks are going to be bad for business—and Thailand’s multi-million dollar trade in both rice and sun-drenched holidays with Iran will take a serious hit if the two nations sever ties over this incident. Thailand’s decision to proceed slowly and avoid condemning Iran’s government along with three of its less illustrious nationals is a wise one.
But foremost in the minds of business-minded Thais is the attack’s possible effect on tourism, an industry which has played a major role in sending this developing nation on the fast-track to wealth, and accounts for 6 percent of Thailand’s annual GDP. Travel alerts have been issued by 10 nations, including the US and Britain, and the attacks have made international headlines. Embarrassingly, the Iranians partook in Thailand’s tourism scene themselves, allegedly partying on the beach in Pattaya with sex workers before coming to Bangkok to assemble their weapons.
The fact that these three Iranians decided to take their grievances—whatever they were—to the streets of Bangkok seems proof positive that Thailand needs to take steps to make its borders less porous and its reputation less amiable to illegal behavior.
Although the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce claimed the bombs would affect tourism for “no more than two months,” Thailand would do well to question if their nation’s reputation as a relatively family-friendly (sex trade aside) and low-stress tourist and business destination is becoming compromised. Hard immigration measures and a serious re-evaluation of the nation’s intelligence agencies may be in order.
UN Dispatch........ http://www.undispatch.com/thailand-bomb ... m-industry
Resolve dissolves in alcohol
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
I may be wrong of course, but I firmly believe the Burmese are going to put a very serious dent into Thailand's tourism industry. It might take a few years, but the signs are already there.
As for keep criminals and terrorists out.....................They've already taken the appropriate action by clamping down on single Farang fathers.
As for keep criminals and terrorists out.....................They've already taken the appropriate action by clamping down on single Farang fathers.
Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
Just how open is it going to get ? I am selling up and leaving samui and going to start the house build up in Nakon Nowhere. before I start though I am going to spend 6 months + driving around Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. I hadn't planned Burma into the schedule as I was under the impression you couldn't drive around there. have things changed to the extent where this is now possible ? I would love to factor it into the plan if possible as the history of the country has a lot to do with my country of birth.
I never forget a face but in your case I'll make an exception!
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
I dove the Burma Banks back in the early 90's on a live aboard and it was some of the best and unspoiled dive sites I've ever seen (diving 25 years in probably 30 countries).
My brain is like an Internet browser; 12 tabs are open and 5 of them are not responding, there's a GIF playing in an endless loop,... and where is that annoying music coming from?
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
Ditto, did it in 2005, Kawthong to Great Torres Island - hundreds of uninhabited islands in the Mergui Archipelago, some the size of Phuket, the place has potential of monumental proportions. I hope it opens up before I get too old to enjoy some of it!
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
I don't think change is going to take as long as one might expect. it was only the other day that the US loosened some of the ropes following a few changes within Burma, and then just days later, they again satisfied more international requests by freeing loads of political prisoners. I've also read that the wheels are already in motion for the US and Burma to accommodate each other's ambassadors? Things seem to be moving along quite quickly, and I don't know why, but I just think this time the Burmese are genuinely wanting to be accepted, and no doubt, reap all the billions and billions of dollars that will inevitably come with such acceptance.
I don't want to appear pessimistic regarding Thailand, but as a country, they do seem to be taking two steps backward for each step forward, and it can only continue for so long before they start slipping behind. A great exchange rate and cheap prices were a huge attraction in Thailand in the not too distant past, but that is changing very quickly. The cost of property for example has gone through the roof, and that in a matter of a few years. Even the general cost of living has soared, with many foods doubling in price during the last year to year and a half. Admittedly, this will have more of an influence on expats or those contemplating coming to live here, but at the end of the day, a lot of tourists, and especially the younger crowd, will be drawn to the countries where their money stretches further.
Ah well, only time will tell.
I don't want to appear pessimistic regarding Thailand, but as a country, they do seem to be taking two steps backward for each step forward, and it can only continue for so long before they start slipping behind. A great exchange rate and cheap prices were a huge attraction in Thailand in the not too distant past, but that is changing very quickly. The cost of property for example has gone through the roof, and that in a matter of a few years. Even the general cost of living has soared, with many foods doubling in price during the last year to year and a half. Admittedly, this will have more of an influence on expats or those contemplating coming to live here, but at the end of the day, a lot of tourists, and especially the younger crowd, will be drawn to the countries where their money stretches further.
Ah well, only time will tell.
Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
It would be interesting to learn about visa options for for long-term stay farang retirees in Burma.
A friend is only one click away
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
Just be patient.....................Rome wasn't built in a day. And, never mind retirement visa.......what's the exchange rate like? 
Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
I had a look at the visa options on the website. As far as I could see, all you can get at the moment is 28 days with a 14 day extention. I could be wrong 
Re: Visas: As Thailand tightens, Myanmar opens
i have only been to thailand in southeast asia , but would love to visit some of these other countries in the near future ( maybe even live ) its true thailand is becoming really expensive 
how is cambodia compared to los ( cost of living , saftey , housing etc ) i'm sure there are some beautiful places to visit there & beautiful women
and they are another one who must be getting close to competing with thailand.
as for burma i spoke with a very nice falang lady on the plane home last time whos husband had a bussiness out there , she loved it but said it had hardly any internet or mobile phone coverage .. but i guess that will all come in the near future
how is cambodia compared to los ( cost of living , saftey , housing etc ) i'm sure there are some beautiful places to visit there & beautiful women
and they are another one who must be getting close to competing with thailand.as for burma i spoke with a very nice falang lady on the plane home last time whos husband had a bussiness out there , she loved it but said it had hardly any internet or mobile phone coverage .. but i guess that will all come in the near future