Myawaddy: Tak Governor inspects the 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge after Myawaddy residents protested against Thailand, threatening to close border trade between Thailand and Myanmar 1 and 2 and ban Thai products after cutting off electricity, internet, and stopping oil deliveries. Today, at 11:00 AM, Mr. Chucheep Phongchai, Governor of Tak Province, accompanied by Mr. Sanya Phetses, District Chief of Mae Sot, visited the 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. The bridge, located at Ban Rim Moei, Tambon Tha Sai Luat, Amphoe Mae Sot, Tak Province, was the focal point after residents of Myawaddy, Myanmar, gathered to protest against Thailand. This demonstration was in response to the alleged pressure exerted on the Thai call center gang by cutting off electricity, suspending oil deliveries, and disrupting internet signals.
According to Thai News Agency, despite the ongoing protest, people from Myawaddy continued to cross into Thailand. The Tak governor instructed officials at the border checkpoint to enforce stringent inspections of individuals and vehicles traversing the Mae Sot border checkpoint. This measure aimed to prevent the smuggling of oil across the border.
The protest in Myawaddy Township attracted approximately 30 participants, who demanded an end to Thailand's measures. These measures included cutting off electricity, suspending oil deliveries, and severing internet connections. The protestors threatened to close the Thai-Myanmar border trade bridges 1 and 2, shut down illegal ports in the border area, and ban the use of Thai products. The rally was led by Mr. U Thu Reing Min Tun, aged 44, and Mr. U Kyaw Kyaw, aged 45, who marched peacefully to express their grievances. The protestors initially gathered at Swe Mya Sandy Public Park in Village 4, Myawaddy Township, before proceeding towards the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 1.
Simultaneously, at the border of Phop Phra District, a combined force of police, military, and administrative officers set up checkpoints. During their patrol, they intercepted a gray Toyota Vigo pickup truck with license plate number BB 4064 Tak, which was carrying 20 blue 30-liter tanks filled with diesel, totaling 600 liters. The driver, Mr. Chinna, along with Ms. Po-ae-je, was found in the vehicle. Ms. Po-ae-je admitted to purchasing 600 liters of diesel in Mae Sot District for 19,728 baht, intending to sell it in Myanmar. The officers confiscated the diesel tanks for further inspection and legal proceedings.