Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Yangon, the economic capital of Myanmar.
Thank you for choosing Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) for your journey. It’s worth noting that MNA is a state-owned airline under the current regime, so by flying with them, you’ve contributed foreign currency that helps keep the junta running for another day. If you chose Myanmar Airways International (MAI) instead, it’s not much different. That airline is allegedly run by a crony who imports lethal weapons and spare parts for the Air Force. Even the pilots on your flight might have previously served in the military’s air campaigns before switching to civil aviation.
In the sky, before you land at Yangon International Airport, you might notice the airbase nearby. That’s Hmawbi Air Force Base, which plays a key role in the regime’s bombing campaigns, especially in Rakhine State and central Myanmar. These airstrikes often target civilian areas, causing massive destruction and loss of life. If you spot any fighter jets parked on the tarmac, include them in your vlog. Let your audience know these machines aren’t just military assets but tools of oppression that claim innocent lives daily.
When you land, you’ll be greeted warmly, and the immigration process should be smooth for you as a foreign traveler. That’s because the regime is desperate for your money and has instructed officials to avoid disturbing tourists. For us citizens, it’s a different story—we often need to slip 5 to 10 USD notes into our passports to avoid further inspections or harassment by military intelligence officials. For the military, it’s just another way to extract money from the people. Imagine entering your own country involves this level of corruption. Please share this with your viewers too.
As we leave the airport, we’ll head into Yangon. The streets and buildings here have seen so much history. Take North Oakalapa, for example, the first township you will pass in entering the city. Back in 2021, during a peaceful protest against the coup, the current regime’s soldiers shot down unarmed demonstrators with live rounds. At least 15 civilians lost their lives that evening, and countless families were left grieving. It was a scene of chaos, with soldiers firing live ammunition into crowds, and some victims were simply bystanders caught in the crossfire. If you visit, document these places to honor their sacrifices. And as we drive down Pyay Road, you’ll see the Yangon Regional Military Command, located on the left of the new flyover on the 8-mile junction. It’s not just a building; it’s where orders for some of the deadliest crackdowns in Yangon originated during the spring revolution. This building symbolizes the regime’s stronghold on the city and its people.
Oh, and that beautiful lake you see? That’s Inya Lake. It’s more than just a scenic spot. During the 1988 uprising, it became a tragic symbol when dozens of university students lost their lives there. There is a bus stop named “White Bridge” in front of the lake, which is unofficially changed to “Red Bridge”, in tribute to students’ blood spilled on that very spot.
Additionally, the other side of the same lake’s shores was once home to a lady who spent years under house arrest simply for advocating democracy. Today, she’s back in prison for the same cause. Capture this lake not just for its beauty, but for its history. Inya Lake is a silent witness to decades of struggle and resilience of the Myanmar people. Make sure you say that in your vlog.
We’re now in the downtown area. Around Sule City Hall, major protests have taken place over the years—from the 1988 uprising to the 2007 Saffron Revolution and the 2021 Spring Revolution. Each demonstration witnessed waves of people rallying for change, despite the risks. On the corner of Sule Pagoda Road, a Japanese journalist was killed during the 2007 protests. It’s a reminder that the military’s violence knows no bounds. We have seen a few of your fellow vloggers teasing with the regime’s soldiers as if they were friendly in the recent videos. Be careful, next time. They may seem nice to you but they all are one order away from pulling a trigger and killing you at any point in time.
It’s a bit noisy downtown, isn’t it? That’s the sound of numerous generators running at the same time. Since the coup, power cuts have become a daily struggle. People rely on noisy generators to keep their lights on. Just a few years ago, during a brief democratic period, we had 24/7 electricity. Those days now feel like a distant memory. Let your viewers hear the hum—it’s the sound of a country crying for a stolen future. People are forced to spend a large portion of their limited incomes on fuel for generators or other power supplies. With the regime failing to provide even the most basic services, people are left to improvise their way of life.
If you’re planning to explore beyond Yangon, you’ll likely use the Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal. Right across from it is a military intelligence headquarters, infamous for torture and abuse. Witness accounts describe it as a living hell, with reports of physical torture, gang rape, and mental abuse by the personnel there. The detainees often face unimaginable horrors, and some do not survive. If you can, share this in your vlog to highlight the regime’s cruelty. And if you visit Hlaing Thaya Township, you’ll see a community that resisted the military with makeshift fortresses during the revolution. They paid a heavy price for their bravery, at least 65 people were killed by the junta’s forces on March 14, 2021. The military suppressed them brutally, turning the area into a warning for anyone thinking of opposing the regime.
Stopping for a meal or drink? Let’s not go for Myanmar Beer. Although it is popular among tourists, we locals have boycotted that beer brand since it’s owned by the military. Let’s not pay the regime to buy bullets to kill us. Do you agree? You might notice how affordable food and drink are in Yangon. But for locals, even a simple meal can be out of reach. With a daily minimum wage of about 6,800 kyats—roughly 1.5 USD—many struggle to get by. Just a few months ago, when the exchange rate skyrocketed, that figure dropped to about 1.13 USD a day. Show your experiences of being a foreign visitor who can easily afford what locals view as luxuries.
At the airport for your departure, you might see young people desperately trying to leave the country. Many face conscription or harassment and often have to pay bribes ranging from 50 to 100 lakhs Myanmar kyats to ensure a smooth departure. It’s sad enough that the youngest and the strongest of our country are forced to leave their homes, and yet they face uncertainty up to the last point of departure due to the constant harassment by the regime’s officials.
And as your plane takes off, you might catch a glimpse of Insein Prison. It’s a place known for the ultimate injustice, where many have suffered simply for opposing the regime. There, prisoners face unimaginable conditions, and some never make it out alive. Please don’t miss the chance to tell your viewers about this symbol of oppression. Insein Prison is more than just a building—it’s a nutshell representation of the regime’s inhumanity in Yangon and Myanmar.
Before you leave, take a moment to reflect on the stories you’ve encountered here. Myanmar is a land of beauty and resilience, but it’s also a place of struggle and injustice. As you share your experiences, don’t just focus on the landscapes and food. Show the world the strength and determination of the people. Let your vlog be a voice for those who endure daily oppression. The people of Myanmar need the world to see the truth—and you have the chance to tell it.
