The firms that invest say their capital helps to improve the lives of ordinary Burmese, ties the military into international systems of oversight, and consequently promotes openness and a respect for human rights.

Sure it's unavoidable that some money will go to the government if you visit Burma, but don't forget that tourism creates jobs for many ordinary Burmese, and by responsible tourism you can ensure that locals benefit from your spending as well.

"The military continued to force ordinary Burmese on a massive scale (including women and children) to 'contribute' their labor, often under harsh working conditions, on construction projects around the country," the report said.

The center also became a meeting place for activists and ordinary Burmese of different ages and backgrounds-again, impossible anywhere else.

Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi dismissed fears that sanctions would hurt ordinary Burmese.

His works often expressed a broad, and even bawdy, sense of humor, much appreciated by ordinary Burmese but sometimes criticized by intellectuals if the subject of his painting was considered too serious for humor.

Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi, a politician virtually by chance in the manner of President Corazon C. Aquino in the Philippines, came to articulate the aspirations of ordinary Burmese.

Once downtown, they were reportedly joined by many ordinary Burmese, including a significant number of Buddhist monks.

The effect of China's investments on ordinary Burmese is harder to judge.

The first priority for the government is now to set the economy right, both with regard to exchange rates to boost trade as well as with regard to employment and wages so as to improve the living standards of ordinary Burmese.