Troubles in Burma lead to travel advisories

With recent protests against the controlling military junta in Myanmar (Burma) and the violence that has ensued, some countries are now issuing travel advisories against entering the country. Countries like Great Britain and Australia have issued warnings on their foreign affairs’ departmental websites.

Even before the protests, and even before the travel advisories, travel to Burma was an issue not to be taken lightly. Imprisoned democratic leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi, imprisoned during this recent round of protests after 4 years of house arrest has always said tourists should stay away to avoid supporting the government, while others claimed nothing would change by keeping the place isolated.

Everyone will have their own opinions on the subject, but a good start for making you own decision came form reporter Debi Dunn, who, looking back on her own travels to Burma, was recently was quoted as saying, “The tremendous courage of the Burmese people is now front-page news. I can’t help thinking about the monk I met on my first day in Burma. He was sitting outside Shwedegon Pagoda, the holiest temple in Yangon. He, unlike most everyone else I met, was unafraid to openly criticize the government.

He implored me to spread the word about the plight of the Burmese. “We need international pressure,” he said. “We can’t do anything to oppose the government inside the country because we don’t want to go to jail. When you go home, maybe you can tell your friends that we need help.”