"For most of the 20th century, the Myeik (formerly Mergui) Archipelago in Myanmar?s far south was rarely visited by foreigners. The few transport services available were unreliable and modern amenities like hotels and restaurants were almost non-existent. There were occasional naval patrols but security was poor and the safety of travelers could not be guaranteed. After General Ne Win?s coup d?etat in 1962, official restrictions on travel to the region were imposed, prompting the name "the forbidden islands". Over the past 20 years, the situation has changed, but the future of this remote and little-known part of Myanmar remains uncertain..."