TAK, Thailand – A continued closure of a vital border crossing by Myanmar is severely disrupting trade with Thailand’s Tak province, stranding hundreds of trucks.
The Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge border crossing is the primary channel for large-scale cargo and truck traffic. While the Thai side remains open in Mae Sot, Myawaddy officials in Myanmar have kept their side of the checkpoint closed for three consecutive days. This has prevented hundreds of Thai cargo trucks from crossing, creating a massive backlog that has overflowed the checkpoint’s parking lot.
The shutdown has created a shortage of essential goods, including food and fuel, in Myawaddy, causing prices to soar. In response, many Myanmar citizens are crossing the First Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in smaller vehicles to purchase supplies and fill up on gas in Mae Sot.
The closure reportedly stems from an order by Myanmar’s military government in Naypyidaw. The government is attempting to reorganize border trade and centralize revenue, which has benefited various ethnic armed groups. Observers are closely monitoring the situation, as a prolonged shutdown could have a severe impact on bilateral trade. (TNA)
