Thai-Myanmar Border Trade And Transport At Tak-Myawaddy At A Standstill

Thai-Myanmar border trade and transport at Tak-Myawaddy at a standstill

TAK; -- Thailand-Myanmar cross border goods transportation at the Tak-Myawaddy border checkpoint remains suspended for the second day since its July 12 action as Myanmar officials stand firm on their closures of the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and more than 20 ports along the Moei River in apparent protest of Thai river bank protection construction.

Only citizens of the two countries were allowed to cross the border by foot.

When the border opened Tuesday morning, locals from neighbouring Myanmar crossed the border at Mae Sod to buy and sell as usual but in haste as they feared that Myanmar authorities might close the border crossing momentarily and they could be stranded in Thai soil.

On Monday, Myanmar officials shut the border at the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge crossing the Moei River and at over 20 cross-border trading ports on the Moei River. Vehicles carrying goods were not allowed from crossing the border but foot traffic could cross the border normally.

According to a report, Myanmar authorities concerned claimed that Thailand's construction of river bank protection along the Moei River in Mae Sod district affected the Myanmar side, eroding embankments as the construction diverted the direction of some currents.

Responding to the situation, Mae Sod district chief Kittisak Tomornsak explained that the construction project was planned under a contract between the local Public Works and Town and Country Planning office and a private contractor without formal acknowledgement by Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC).

He said other agencies could not intervene as it was a project between the Public Works and Town and Country Planning office and a private contractor.

However, district officials concerned will help coordinate and create better understanding between Thai and Myanmar authorities. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-07-13