The Kawkareik–Myawaddy section of the Asia Highway, a key trade route connecting Thailand and Myanmar, is expected to reopen soon, according to local drivers who frequently travel along the route.
In mid-September, the military junta launched a large-scale offensive to reclaim control of the highway, which had been held by resistance joint forces. On September 16, the junta announced that it had regained full control of the road.
Following the operation, junta authorities began repairing damaged bridges and sections of the highway. A driver who frequently uses the route said repairs are nearly finished and that the road is expected to reopen on October 17.
“The road will reopen on the 17th. The bridges and road repairs are almost complete. Vehicles should be able to pass smoothly again. For now, we’re using the Htok Kaw Koe road, and it’s been calm lately with no fighting,” the driver said.
Most drivers have been using the Htok Kaw Koe and older alternative routes instead of the Asia Highway. However, these routes are rough, time-consuming, and require multiple gate fees. Another driver said the situation has caused major difficulties for transport operators.
“Everyone’s glad to hear the Asia Highway will reopen—it means faster and safer travel for both drivers and passengers. The detour roads are awful. During the rainy season, they turn to mud, and in summer, the dust is so thick you can’t even see the car ahead. Nobody wants to travel like that,” he said.
A resistance fighter based in Kawkareik confirmed that the military junta has deployed troops along most sections of the Asia Highway and that fighting in the area has largely subsided, making the reopening likely.
“It looks like they’ll reopen the highway soon. They’re still preparing and reinforcing their positions. Fighting has decreased—just minor skirmishes now. But even if it reopens, clashes could break out again anytime,” the fighter warned.
Since the military junta retook control of the Asia Highway, it has continued major offensives toward Lay Kay Kaw in southern Myawaddy Township in an effort to secure full control of the area. Resistance sources reported that artillery and missile attacks from the junta’s Light Infantry Battalion 275, based in Myawaddy, remain ongoing.
