Drivers report an increase in checkpoints along the forested Danong Road, which runs from Three Pagoda Pass to Mudon near the Thailand-Myanmar border. Armed groups have established more checkpoints than before.
Currently, there are a total of 15 checkpoints, including those operated by the military junta, the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), the Karen National Union (KNU), and joint revolutionary forces. This marks an increase of three checkpoints compared to last year, according to a driver who frequently travels the Three Pagoda Pass-Mudon route.
“There are 15 checkpoints in total along this road. Three additional checkpoints have been added, mainly run by Karen forces. The Thanbyuzayat route is currently closed due to ongoing clashes,” he said.
Another driver mentioned that not only have the number of checkpoints increased along the Three Pagoda Pass-Mudon road, but the checkpoint fees also vary according to the number of passengers and are collected arbitrarily.
“There are too many checkpoints now. The entire road is full of them. All the drivers are complaining about the constant payments. The fees depend on the number of passengers; sometimes they ask for 50,000 kyats, sometimes 10,000 kyats. The fees are lower when going down but higher when going up,” he added.
Due to insecurity and numerous checkpoints, drivers have reduced travel on the Three Pagoda Pass-Thanbyuzayat and Three Pagoda Pass-Kyainseikgyi routes, preferring to use the forested Danong Road to Mudon instead.
