YANGON/BAGAN, Myanmar (eTN) – Experts have long predicted that Myanmar (ex Burma) would one day open up and turn into Southeast Asia’s hottest destinations. The prediction failed to materialize for many years due to the country’s political image. But since the transfer of power from the military to the first civil government, following elections in November 2010, positive signs have multiplied about a real will to open the country to the rest of the world.
The State Peace Development Council (SPDC), which ruled the country for over two decades, was officially dissolved. In February 2011, a civil government took over with ex-General Thein Sein sworn in as President of the renamed “Republic of the Union of Myanmar,” along with the two Vice Presidents. The secretive Senior General Than Shwe (78 years old) also stepped aside and is now officially retired.