Many New Mandala readers will want to learn more about the renewed call to boycott Lonely Planet. This protest is a response to the famous publisher’s continued efforts to print a guide to Burma. More details from the boycott organisers are available here. The Lonely Planet case for the guidebook is made in this (now dated) material from BurmaNet News.

Update 28 February 2008: A Media & Communications Manager from Lonely Planet has got in contact with me and asked that I draw readers’ attention to the current Lonely Planet statement on responsible travel to Burma. It is well worth a read. In part, the publisher writes:

Make no mistake: our decision to publish is not a show of support for the current regime and we fully support the restoration of democracy in Burma. We do not, however, believe you create new freedoms by stifling information or banning books.