Reopening of Mae Sot border checkpoint postponed
The Thailand-Myanmar border checkpoint at Mae Sot district in the northern Tak province remained closed on Thursday, scuttling an earlier plan for reopening after over two years of closure.
The reopening is now expected by May 15, as Myanmar’s local authorities in the Myawaddy town — across the border from Tak — were busy working with relevant agencies in preparation for resumption of immigration services on their side of the border checkpoint, according to informed sources in the Thai security circles.
The border checkpoint, located at the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge over the Moei River, has been closed since March 23, 2020, following an outbreak of Covid-19.
Thai and Myanmar authorities recently agreed to reopen the border checkpoint on Thursday for Myanmar nationals to enter Thailand without quarantine if they had got at least two shots of Covid-19 vaccine.
However, many residents waiting for increased business following reopening of the checkpoint voiced disappointment after learning that it remained shuttered.
Local business owners said that they have been waiting for the checkpoint to reopen, as that would bring more customers and income to the local economy.
