Myanmar hopeful over Thai tourism deal

Tourism authorities in Myanmar say they are optimistic that a new agreement with Thailand will give the country a tourism boost – especially during the green season.

Thailand and Myanmar share a 1,800km border and international tourists will now be able cross between the two countries via three checkpoints (Mai Sai-Tachileik, Mae Sot-Myawaddy and Ranong-Kawthaung) by applying for an e-visa prior to travel.

There are also more than 25 daily flights between the two countries, connecting Bangkok and Chiang Mai with destinations like Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.

And May Myat Mon Win (pictured), vice chairman of the Myanmar Tourism Federation, said she was very hopeful that the new arrangement would lead to a rise in cross-border tourism, especially in the off-peak “green” season.

“Myanmar has always been very quiet during the green season as tourists, who want to end their holiday at a beach, had difficulties finding a sunny seaside in Myanmar,” she said.

“Together with Thailand, we want to encourage tourists to visit all the cultural sights in Myanmar, also from June till September, and enjoy the last part of their holiday at the beach in Koh Samui and other islands where it’s the dry season in this period and the weather is sunny.

“We hope this MoU will help getting more tourists visiting Myanmar during the green season,” she added.
Potential itineraries for the two destinations could include overland trips from Yangon to the ancient city of Sukhothai, or Phuket to the Mergui Archipelago.