English
Thai authorities are dismissed rumour about the Ranong border gate closure
The news that Ranong border gate stopped trade activities with Myanmar is not true and trade still goes on as normally as usual, according to a statement released by Thai authorities.
Thailand had extended only Covid-19 restrictions but would continue trade with Myanmar, Thai news websites also reported.
Before that, some media outlets in Myanmar reported that Ranong border gate had closed since October 4.
The Ranong Province commissioner called a meeting after Myanmar workers arrived by boats and violated the discipline banning access to fish warehouses when they were checked by the Ranong port inspection team.
“The news surfaced that all boats coming to Ranong were banned on October 4. Some Myanmar workers coming by boat violated one discipline imposed for Covid-19 and carried the goods from a warehouse to their boats. So the colonel of the inspection team reported to the commissioner. Then, a meeting was called. As there is a widespread Covid-19 outbreak in Myanmar, Thai health and security authorities proposed to suspend trade for 14 days. But the entrepreneurs defended that the suspension would affect bilateral trade including Ranong’s economy which is already declining. So, Myanmar workers should not only be allowed to enter the warehouses. Kawthound-Ranong border gate will remain open if Myanmar workers are to wear masks and follow the restrictions,” said Aung Kyi Myint from AKM tour agency.
Thailand’s Ranong has to rely on Myanmar’s marine products. Bilateral trade activities are carried out only through maritime routes.
Source: https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/thai-authorities-dismiss-rumour-about-ranong-border-gate-closure