Thai AirAsia is also in talks with the Cambodian government about adding Siem Reap - the gateway to the nearby Angkor Wat temple complex - to its Cambodian roster. It already operates flights to the capital, Phnom Penh.

The airline now operates flights from Bangkok to Hanoi, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Penang, Phnom Penh, Rangoon, Singapore and Xiamen.

An official from the airline industry said that AirAsia is one of a few airlines approved by the Burmese government to fly into the country. In return, Burma's Air Bagan has obtained rights to operate flights from Rangoon to Bangkok, which are expected to begin in October.

Air Bagan will be the first private Burmese airline to operate outside the country and will also operate flights to Kunming in China.

Burma received about 600,000 international tourists last year, which represents a 60-per-cent increase over the past five years.

To promote the Rangoon route, AirAsia is offering a special rate of Bt999 per

flight - excluding fuel surcharge, administration fees and insurance - for tickets booked in advance before Tuesday. The airline has set aside 5,000 tickets for the promotion.

Meanwhile, Kandawgyi Palace Hotel in Rangoon has introduced a special package for Thais. The hotel has teamed-up with AirAsia to offer a three-day, two-night package for Bt4,900 per person.

The price includes two nights' accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, breakfast, airport transfer, welcome dinner with traditional show, one Thai set dinner and a 50-per-cent discount for the Oriental Spa at the hotel.

There are also two optional tours: the Rangoon city tour at Bt2,200 per person and the Bago excursion at Bt2,900.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation