IS IT BURMA OR MYANMAR ?
Depending on where you get your news you'll certainly be aware of the continuing struggle for democracy in Thailand's neighbour. Bangkok is only a couple of hours by road from the border but is significantly further from the capital, Rangoon (or Yangon).
The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 and was known as Burma until 1989 when the ruling military junta renamed the country the 'Union of Myanmar'. That change of name was recognised by the United Nations, but not by either the U.S. or U.K. Governments.
In recent news coverage I've seen both names referred to, often by the same news organisations on the same day. Generally speaking those in the West will use Burma while those in this part of the world use Myanmar.
Quoted on the BBC News website Mark Farmener of Burma Campaign UK, said: "Often you can tell where someone's sympathies lie if they use Burma or Myanmar. Myanmar is a kind of indicator of countries that are soft on the regime."
3 comments:
I used to get confused as to whether I should use Burmese or Myanmese until my father told me that Burmese/Burma is the 'old' name and Myanmese/Myanmar is the 'new' name.
I must say Mark Farmener has an interesting observation.
I agree - it's an interesting thought. Before coming to Thailand I always used Burma but now I pretty much seem to use Myanmar most of the time. Am I being brainwashed ?
So they drive on the wrong side of the road also.....
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