Myanmar military’s border bridge shutdown cuts off supplies to civilians, anti-junta groups

The Myanmar military regime closed an important bridge for border trade between Thailand and Myanmar on Monday as part of a blockade possibly intended to deprive armed anti-regime forces of revenue and essential supplies. 

According to residents of Myawaddy Township on the Myanmar side of the border, the military personnel manning the checkpoint have blocked all traffic over the bridge since Monday morning, making certain construction materials, foods, and other goods imported from Thailand scarce or unavailable.  

“The Myanmar side announced a temporary closure this morning,” a Myawaddy resident said on Monday.

While the announcement said the shutdown would be temporary, it offered no expected reopening date, he said, adding that a long-term closure would drive up prices and create economic hardship. 

“If the closure lasts a long time, goods become scarce, and prices rise, we’ll face difficulties,” he said. “Even if we. . .