Khti / Thuta Kyaw (NSS) – Feb 15

Travelers from Kyaukphyu Township, Thandwe Township, and Taninthayi Region currently require a recommendation letter from the relevant authorities of their wards or villages to purchase air tickets to Yangon, according to initial information from the flight ticket office obtained by The NSS.

For online purchases of air tickets to Yangon, it is also necessary to present the recommendation letter at the airport. 

"Recommendation letters are particularly required from Kyaukphyu and Thandwe; however, they are not necessary for travel from Yangon to Rakhine. Additionally, travelers from Sittwe and Ann do not currently require recommendation letters. This information is based on our current knowledge," stated an official from a reputable flight ticket office in Yangon.

As per The NSS's investigation, recommendation letters are necessary for the journey from Myeik to Yangon; however, it is not required to present them for the return trip to Myeik.

"I’m not sure about other township. However, for the journey from Myeik to Yangon, a recommendation letter is necessary for ticket purchase. This requirement is solely for entry into Yangon," clarified a ticket sale official.

According to information provided by an airline in response to inquiries, the restriction regarding the recommendation letter is accurate, and there are directives from officials regarding this requirement.

"There are reports that passengers require recommendation letters at the airport for travel to Yangon. The reason for this restriction is unclear. Some people are concerned that obtaining these letters at the grassroots level could lead to corruption," said Ko Myat Htun Aung, a 30-year-old company employee.