Thailand’s Nok Air has launched daily flights between the Thai border town of Mae Sot and Moulmein in Burma’s Mon state.

Following the launch the number of businessmen and tourists travelling to Burma has risen.

However, several passengers have remarked that although the flight has made travelling more convenient, difficulties with visas still persist.

“It would be more convenient for everyone if we could get visas easily. It’s no problem if you have a multi-entry visa, but some travellers don’t understand the process, “ said Kyaw Hein, a Burmese businessman.

He went on to say that he thought the new flight would bring many improvements.

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The Mae Sot to Moulmein flight takes just 25 minutes, a far cry from the bumpy six-hour journey it would normally take overland.

The new route has paved the way for Thai entrepreneurs eyeing up trade and investment opportunities to access the region more easily.

“It’s good for Thai citizens,” said Kyaw Hein, “Now they can travel to Moulmein quickly and cheaply – the tickets cost even less than the petrol would.”

Tour operators hope the new route will boost tourism, especially Thai pilgrims travelling to see Mon State’s famous Golden Rock Pagoda.

A Nok Air service from Mae Sot to Rangoon is due to start running from 1 October.