I must be out of the loop, 'cause I didn't know that Myanmar (AKA Burma) has moved its capital from Rangoon (AKA Yangon) to Pyinmana, 400 km to the north. Apparently the move - which happened last November - took everyone by surpirse. Civil cervants were given one day notice, and then abruptly bused with their belongings to the new capital.
Apparently the move to the new capital may be linked to a re-establishment of the monarchy, with Than Shwe, the top military general, as the new king. The location also has strategic advantages, however, as it has better access to the country's borders with India, China and Thailand - where ethnic rebel groups often take refuge. It also isolates the civil servants from the public discontent evident in the streets of Rangoon. In 1988 government workers joined students and monks to call for democracy. To make the move sweeter to them, the government has announced a ten-fold increase in government salaries. Inflation is expected and an acute economic crisis is likely.
Myanmar has also intensified its isolationist practices, including persecution and interference of international and non-governmental organizations. The ICRC has been impeded from visiting prisons and the ILO office received a number of death threats. Activists who lodge a complaint about forced labor with the ILO have been prosecuted for their actions.
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