ALTHOUGH the situation along the Thai-Myanmar border is still tense after anti-junta forces took control of Myawaddy town which just across the river from Thai Mae Sot town those in charge out there did today (Apr. 12) temporarily open the second permanent border checkpoint to allow Thai trucks to return home, Thai Rath newspaper said.
At 8 a.m. this morning Myanmar authorities quickly allowed a large number of Thai trucks stranded in Myawaddy after fighters of Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and their allies had attacked and seized Infantry Battalion 275 Pha Song base the previous day to drive across the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and return home.
Dozens of fully armed soldiers from Rachamanu Special Task Force supported by trucks mounted with machine-guns were stationed at the Mae Sot checkpoint and thoroughly checked all the trucks coming across from Myawaddy to ensure no illegal items were being smuggled in.
One truck driver who was stranded in Myawaddy said he had gone across to deliver some goods at a warehouse. However on the way back the fighting there had led to a large number of soldiers fleeing and taking shelter at the second permanent border checkpoint thus shutting it down.
He was among several truck drivers who were stranded there and had to sleep in the vehicle for a full night. He added that he is very happy to be back in Thailand and no longer wants to drive to Myawaddy to drop off goods because he is uncertain what could erupt out there.
This afternoon Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara will be going to Mae Sot to inspect the both checkpoints with Myawaddy and hold talks with security officials to prepare to deal with any emergency that could arise from the fighting in Myanmar.
CAPTION:
Thai trucks returning to the heavily-guarded second permanent border checkpoint in Mae Sot today, April 12, 2024. Photos: Thai Rath
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