Border trade screeches to a halt after Myanmar military takeover

[webfact]

Border trade screeches to a halt after Myanmar military takeover

By The Nation

 

 

Tension has been brewing at the Thailand-Myanmar border since the military took over Myanmar’s elected government on Monday morning and put senior leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, under arrest.

 

Myanmar posted three military units in Tachilek, a border town close to Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, and also blocked several important checkpoints. Under new regulations, the general public in Myanmar is prohibited from travelling.

 

 

Thailand shares a 2,400-kilometre border with the neighbouring country.

 

All communication systems in the country have been blocked, except for Tachilek, where people normally use signals from Bangkok.

 

 

As of 9.30am on Monday, trucks were blocked from crossing the bridge over from Tachilek to Mae Sai, while military units in Thailand’s border towns have been instructed to be prepared for any problem that may arise.

 

Though life in Tachilek reportedly continued as normal, it is feared that the border closure will result in the loss of Bt1 billion per month, affecting businesses on both sides of the border and some 200 truck drivers.

 

Meanwhile, Pakaimas Vierra, vice-chairperson of the Chiang Rai Chamber of Commerce, believes border trade will not be affected in the long term, because both countries rely on it. However, she said, the authorities need to wait for the Myanmar military’s next step.

 

Separately, border trade via Tak’s Mae Sot district has been valued at Bt80 billion per year.

 

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402104

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2021-02-01

 

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[RichardColeman]

Well, if it's good enough for next door................

[Thailand]

The trendy thing to do.

 

And if business is being affected to that extent access will soon be open again.

[RickG16]

Does anyone know the intentions of the military at this stage? Or why they have a problem?

[tingtongfarang]

18 minutes ago, RickG16 said:

Does anyone know the intentions of the military at this stage? Or why they have a problem?

Rape and pillage whats left of the economy

[fangless]

It might stop the spread of covid from next door or it could make it much worse if lots of Burmese decide to become refugees in Thailand.

[billd766]

3 hours ago, RickG16 said:

Does anyone know the intentions of the military at this stage? Or why they have a problem?

From the BBC News website this morning.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55882489

 

Myanmar's military has seized power after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders.

Troops are patrolling streets in major cities and communications are limited. The top army commander is now in charge and a one-year state of emergency has been declared, army TV announced.

The move follows a landslide win by Ms Suu Kyi's party in an election which the army claims was marred by fraud.

She urged her supporters to "not accept this" and "protest against the coup".

[Bangyai]

4 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Well, if it's good enough for next door................

 

Yup. Keeping up with the neighbours.

 

Pretty sure Prayuth won't be throwing and rocks over the fence.

[Tropicalevo]

I find it strange that the USA is outraged by a coup in Myanmar, but happy to accept one in Thailand.

[pomchop]

54 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

I find it strange that the USA is outraged by a coup in Myanmar, but happy to accept one in Thailand.

but an attempted coup in USA is just fine according to trump boot lickers

[billd766]

12 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

I find it strange that the USA is outraged by a coup in Myanmar, but happy to accept one in Thailand.

The one in Myanmar was yesterday, the one in Thailand was nearly 7 years ago, and a different POTUS is in charge now.

[Rotweiler]

Check your dates.  The current President was vice-President then.

[billd766]

4 hours ago, Rotweiler said:

Check your dates.  The current President was vice-President then.

And the VP only has power if the POTUS is incapacitated. He can suggest to the POTUS, he can talk to the Senators and Congressmen, he can talk to the party, but in reality he cannot DO anything unless the POTUS is incapacitated.