The Military Junta has been cracking down on Thai goods stored in warehouses and sold in markets across Mon State, seizing them with military vehicles, according to local sources.
This intensified enforcement follows an order from Vice Senior General Soe Win, who directed authorities to target unauthorized foreign goods and inspect markets for unlicensed imports. The recent crackdown in Mon State has been particularly focused on Thai products.
A local near Mawlamyine market said, “They [the military] are confiscating Thai goods. It’s unclear what they are doing, but previously, they allowed the import of these goods, even organizing it themselves. Now, they seize everything once it reaches the market.”
Due to the heightened crackdown, businesses are relocating goods and paying bribes to the Military Junta to continue operations. “We have to pay them to keep our business running,” the local source added.
With Thai products becoming harder to obtain, prices are expected to surge, creating a potential shortage in Mon State, where many rely on these goods. “Living costs were already high, and now it’s becoming even harder. The military tightens control on traders, but in reality, it’s the consumers who suffer,” said a Mawlamyine resident. “Businesses will raise prices to cover their losses, which will drive up prices further.”
Despite the raids in markets and warehouses, traders importing Thai goods via border routes, such as the Payathonzu and Myawaddy crossings, reported that they have been able to continue operations by paying bribes at military checkpoints.
“If we pay checkpoint fees, we can still transport the goods. Some people even pay soldiers or police to enter towns. But if they say no, we don’t enter,” said a trader involved in the imports.
Traders believe that the Junta’s recent seizures are an attempt to extract more bribes rather than to enforce import regulations. Thai goods continue to flow into Mon State via border routes like the Payathonzu and Myawaddy roads, sources say.
