Border gates reopen after one-week closure due to fighting in south of Myawady

Thai authorities reopened crossing gates along the Thaungyin (Moei) River on November 6, allowing cross-border travel to resume after suspending passage on October 30 over concerns that artillery shells fired amid fighting south of Myawady in the Myanmar-Thai border area had landed and exploded on Thai territory.

Following the outbreak of fighting south of Myawady, Thai authorities had closed several river crossing points, including Min Let Pan, Ingyin Myaing, Mae Thaw Thalay and Maw Li Chai, from October 30 to November 5.

Local residents said the crossing gates are the main routes used for cross-border trade and by travellers and students commuting to Thailand. They welcomed the resumption of crossings, saying it would ease difficulties for local communities.

However, travel has been permitted only as far as Ingyin Myaing, south of Myawady, while access to Min Let Pan, Phalu, Thay Baw Bo, Sone Si Myaing and Waw Lay Myaing remains suspended due to the ongoing military conflict. Residents in these areas continue to rely on Thailand for food and other daily necessities.

Due to the fighting south of Myawady, residents of Min Let Pan, Phalu, Yathegu, Htee Mae Waw Khee and Lay Kay Kaw remain displaced, with many still depending on donations from well-wishers for food and other basic necessities.