Traders transporting goods from Thailand into Mawlamyine via the Thai-Myanmar border at Payathonzu township are reportedly required to pay over 10,000 baht to the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). Only truck drivers affiliated with the DKBA are permitted to carry out these transactions.
The official border trade route at Payathonzu remains closed, with the DKBA overseeing the collection of taxes. It has been reported that the military junta and the DKBA have reached an agreement, allowing goods to be transported to Mawlamyine under the junta’s authorization.
“Depending on the type of goods, the fee ranges from over 10,000 to 20,000 baht, which must be paid to the DKBA. There are other checkpoints that also require payments. The military junta provides authorization, and the collected fees are shared among them.” said a trader involved in transporting goods between Mawlamyine and Payathonzu.
In addition to paying taxes to the DKBA at the border checkpoint, traders also need to pay taxes in baht at other checkpoints managed by the Border Guard Force (BGF) and Kyonhtaw People’s Defense Force (PDF).
The Independent Mon News Agency attempted to contact DKBA officials regarding the increased tax demands, but no response was received.
Meanwhile, Myanmar authorities have recently opened the Payathonzu and Shan-Kone checkpoints for easier travel for civilians, including students studying in Thailand and factory workers. However, goods-laden trucks are still being forced to take unofficial routes, paying fees to continue their operations.
