Traders in Mawlamyine say they are importing Thai goods through a pre-cleared transport system while the military junta continues strict inspections under its 100-day import control plan.
According to a trader in Mawlamyine, inspections have been tightened at the Thanlwin Bridge checkpoint, Nyaungkharshey, and the Attaran Bridge (Sapall Ngull) checkpoint. As a result, large-scale traders are reportedly paying people with connections to military junta authorities to secure direct passage for imported goods.
“They arrange everything in advance by phone. A vehicle travels ahead of the cargo truck to clear the route before it passes through the checkpoints. Small traders cannot afford the fees for this system. When you add the cost of goods, transportation expenses, and route-clearance fees, it is ultimately consumers who bear the burden,” the trader said.
Consumers said that although Mon State still allows limited imports of Thai products compared with other regions and states, prices have increased by about 10 percent from the previous month, depending on the type of product.
Observers said the military junta’s restrictions are intended to reduce the outflow of U.S. dollars and prioritize exports while limiting imports. However, demands for payments by inspection teams and continued smuggling activities have left consumers facing higher costs.
A cargo truck driver said, “Now that the former security inspection teams are no longer operating, agents can arrange passage by paying money. We should probably be grateful that goods can still be imported through payments. Otherwise, businesses would face serious difficulties. It would be better if import licenses were issued more openly. The government wants to conserve foreign currency, so instead of allowing imports worth about US$10 million through export earnings, only around US$7 million is being approved.”
The State Transport Regulatory Committee has also issued a warning prohibiting passenger buses in Mon State from transporting Thai goods.
On May 1, the Ministry of Finance and Taxation under the new government announced increased taxes on 150 categories of imported and exported goods.
Despite the restrictions, traders can still import goods on a small scale through the Payathonzu route and transport lines operating through Myawaddy in Mon and Karen states. As a result, there have been no major product shortages or excessive price increases so far.
According to local sources, checkpoints operated by militia groups, police, and military personnel collecting unofficial fees along the Kyaikto-Bilin section of the highway have decreased since June 10, a traveler regularly using the Yangon route said.
