Despite tightened security measures imposed by the military council around major sites in Mon State during the election period, tourism and visitor numbers have increased compared to previous years, according to tourism operators and local residents.
This December, tourist arrivals at prominent destinations across the state have risen noticeably. In particular, the number of pilgrims visiting the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) has reached between 35,000 and 50,000 people per day, sources said.
“The number of pilgrims this year has increased significantly compared to last year. Last year, only about 700,000 pilgrims visited throughout the entire year. This year, from early October to December—just three months—the number has already exceeded 700,000. Daily arrivals range from over 30,000 to around 50,000,” a responsible official from the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Board of Trustees told IMNA.
As Mon State has experienced fewer armed clashes than other regions and states, the military council has designated it as a key area for its administrative operations and has been prioritizing tourism development, sources said.
However, local residents report that travelers are facing difficulties due to strict inspections at town entry and exit checkpoints, forced searches, excessive monetary demands, and rigorous guest registration checks.
As a result, a Mon youth urged young people to exercise caution when traveling.
“It’s the travel season now; so many people are going on trips. But young people, in particular, need to be careful for their own safety. If things go wrong, they could be detained on the road. It’s better not to travel, and if you do, you should make advance preparations to ensure your safety,” the youth said.
Amid ongoing resistance to the military council’s planned election, revolutionary forces have also warned the public, through IMNA, to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay away from areas experiencing armed conflict.
“With the election approaching, our resistance side is also conducting operations. We want to urge people not to travel to areas where conflicts may occur or where revolutionary forces might operate,” said an official from the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF).
Tourism in Mon State had declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup, but visitor numbers have rebounded significantly this year.
