“There was a real concern that they (the soldiers) were becoming contaminated by the masses in Yangon and being made soft by the increased standard of living in Yangon: the restaurants, the consumer goods,” says Larry Jagan, a Thai-based expert who specializes in Myanmar. “So this was a way, really, of isolating and insulating the military so they would remain loyal.” Others see it as an attempt by junta leader Senior Gen Than Shwe to leave his mark on history by creating a brand-new capital just like the Burmese kings of old.

Some believe the military moved much further inland to thwart any US plan to invade by sea and topple the government. Washington is a fierce critic of the junta and maintains political and economic sanctions against it.

The military says Naypyitaw was chosen for its central — abeit entirely remote — location.

“The capital city, which is the administrative hub, is required to be placed with easy access to each and every part of the nation,” explained Information Minister Brig. Gen. Kyaw Hsan.