More than 44,000 tourists entered the Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda in Kyaik Hto Township, Mon State, between October and November, according to the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
In October, 3,3057 domestic tourists and 185 foreign tourists visited and during November, there were 11,362 domestic tourists and 193 foreign tourists.
“Compared to previous years, the number of tourists in December is still low. …but they do still come in every day,” said a member of the Board of Trustees. He added that tourist arrivals are higher on Saturdays and Sundays.
According to government reports, the tourism business of Kyaik Htee Yoe Pilgrimage in Kyaik Hto Township, Mon State, is an important income source for the Military Council’s Ministry of Religion.
The Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda’s opening ceremony is held every year from the full moon of Thitingot to the full moon of Kason, and about 3 million pilgrims visit each year during the festival period.
However, due to the shooting at the mountain bus station and security inspections taking place across the country, the number of tourists is decreasing, ‌ reported one ticket seller at Kim Moon Camp. The shooting, which happened on October 12th, occurred near the mountain vehicle gate in Kim Moon Camp, killing 3 female pilgrims and injuring at least 10 pilgrims.
“After the shooting, people were afraid to visit. Also, now that the roads are closed in Nyaung Khar Shay, I think that’s why they don’t come,” he said.
In northern Mon State, Thathon, Belin, Kyaik Hto Townships, there is constant fighting between KNU Brigade (1) joint forces and the State Administrative Council (SAC). There are people who have fled the area and who are now homeless.
