ID :
168307
Tue, 03/15/2011 - 10:40
Auther :

Thai exports tumble at the border with Myanmar

MAE SOT, March 15 (TNA) - Trading at Mae Sot in Thailand’s northeastern Tak Province, which borders with Myanmar, has been facing growing shortfalls after the Myanmar government barred all Thai shipments from entering its port.

Pongtep Buasap, who heads Mae Sot Customs Department, gave the update Tuesday morning, saying that the embargo on Thai products has even become more drastic than the time when Myanmar sealed off its permanent border crossing last year. He said that the few temporary trade passes set up at the time were able to generate at least 30-40 million baht for Thai exports daily, compared to a current 10 million.

Pongtep said he personally believes the blockade to be a protest against stern procedures from the Thai government aimed at deterring the smuggling of brown sugar and palm oil.

Meanwhile, local Myanmar people were seen crowding at a Thai port at Mei River in Mae Sot’s Ta Sai Luad District, as they were permitted to enter the Thai side to stock up on food and other necessities, to prepare for possible shortages in Myawaddy Province. (TNA)

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