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Some of the residents who were forced by the government to settled down in "New Bagan" declare today, that life is better in New Bagan, because they have more water or electricity. But their are also locals affirming the contrary.
Some Pro-Burma associations are still proclaiming that a global tourism boycott would be the best for the burmese population. I don't share this opinion. While we were travelling in Burma, none of the residents asked us to leave their country, and we talked to a lot of locals, most of them poor people. Unfortunately these associations don't make a difference between organized tourist groups - most of them will certainly support the military junta by using their facilities,- and individual tourists.
In an interview conducted by SPIEGEL correspondent Thilo Thielke in 2010, concerning the tourism boycott, Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's opposition leader declared:
"I was informed that the European Union has debated this issue. It has spoken out against group tours where Burmese government facilities are used. It endorses individual trips, however, which could benefit private companies. I haven't had an opportunity to speak with the European Union about this. But it is essential that people see what is actually happening in this country."
If you intend to travel to Burma, try to support the local people while staying in their accomodations, buying their food or using the services they can provide you, also if those facilities don't meet european standards. The simple truth is that if you don't like basic family run Guesthouses; if you can only sleep in a 4 star hotel, you will certainly have to take a government run hotel. In this case you should reconsider your travel plans and go for another destination. There is a lot to see everywhere in the world ;-)
Some Pro-Burma associations are still proclaiming that a global tourism boycott would be the best for the burmese population. I don't share this opinion. While we were travelling in Burma, none of the residents asked us to leave their country, and we talked to a lot of locals, most of them poor people. Unfortunately these associations don't make a difference between organized tourist groups - most of them will certainly support the military junta by using their facilities,- and individual tourists.
In an interview conducted by SPIEGEL correspondent Thilo Thielke in 2010, concerning the tourism boycott, Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's opposition leader declared:
"I was informed that the European Union has debated this issue. It has spoken out against group tours where Burmese government facilities are used. It endorses individual trips, however, which could benefit private companies. I haven't had an opportunity to speak with the European Union about this. But it is essential that people see what is actually happening in this country."
If you intend to travel to Burma, try to support the local people while staying in their accomodations, buying their food or using the services they can provide you, also if those facilities don't meet european standards. The simple truth is that if you don't like basic family run Guesthouses; if you can only sleep in a 4 star hotel, you will certainly have to take a government run hotel. In this case you should reconsider your travel plans and go for another destination. There is a lot to see everywhere in the world ;-)
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