Myanmar’s military regime is continuing to tighten restrictions on imports from Thailand, months after closing the key Myawaddy border bridge in Karen State.
Sources in the transport industry report that the junta has effectively blocked key trade routes from Myawaddy since its Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee imposed a ban on 35 types of goods, including medicines and consumer products, in August.
This has severely disrupted the flow of goods destined for Yangon, particularly through two important checkpoints: Thamanya in Karen State and Nyaung Khar Shey in Bago Region.
“We’re just waiting for the roads to reopen. Thai imports can’t get past Thamanya or Nyaung Khar Shey. Anyone trying to get through risks arrest and having their goods confiscated,” said one truck driver.
Traders are growing increasingly concerned about the impact of the ongoing delays on their businesses.
“My goods still can’t enter Hpa-an. Nothing. . .
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