"Since its opening to the public last month, regime officials have posted photos to the statue’s Facebook page, “Smiling Buddha”, looking to create the false impression that there is no shortage of pilgrims flocking to see it. It fails to mention the fact that most of the visitors were government staff on the regime’s sponsored tours, treated to the daily allowance and free lunch."

Myanmar Junta Buses In Govt Staff as Pilgrims Shun ‘Dictator’s Pagoda’(The Irrawaddy)
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-buses-in-govt-staff-as-pilgrims-shun-dictators-pagoda.html