Traders report that Myanmar temporarily closed the international Myawaddy–Mae Sot Friendship Bridge No. (2) on August 18th.
Since August 5, cargo trucks from Thailand have not been allowed to cross into Myanmar through the Friendship Bridge No. (2). According to a trader, more than 500 trucks loaded with goods destined for Myanmar have been stranded on the Thai-side parking compound near the bridge.
“In the past, Thai goods couldn’t enter Myanmar, but people could still cross the bridge. However, this morning (August 18), the bridge itself was temporarily shut down,” the trader explained.
Traders said rice, onions, vegetables, and meat from Myanmar were still being transported across the Thaungyin River into Thailand.
A Myawaddy-based trader added that Thai goods were not being accepted via the Friendship Bridge No. (2) or through river transport.
“Since this morning, the Myanmar–Thai Friendship Bridge No. (2) has been temporarily closed, which means goods heading into Myanmar can’t get through. Some shipments are still being carried across the Thaungyin River, but Thai goods are no longer being allowed in. That’s the situation right now,” the trader continued.
According to sources close to the Southeastern Military Command, the crackdown stems from alleged illicit trade across the Thai–Myanmar border, where officials had been taking bribes to allow smuggled goods through. In July, about 15 officials—including Brigadier General Zaw Min Aung, Deputy Commander of the Southeastern Military Command, the head of Karen State Customs, Commanders from the Border Guard Force (BGF) which operate under the military, Officers from the Anti-Narcotics Police, Special Branch Police, and Customs staff—were directly dispatched from Nay Pyi Taw to arrest and investigate those involved.
In connection with these events, about 200 trucks carrying goods from Thailand into Myanmar through various channels have reportedly been seized.
Clashes continue between junta troops and resistance joint forces as the military council tries to reopen and secure the Myawaddy–Kawkareik Asian Highway. According to traders’ assessments, the aim appears to be to regain control of that route to restart formal Myanmar–Thai border trade.
