Mae sot: Myanmar has postponed the permanent reopening of the Myawaddy border crossing due to ongoing intense fighting, leaving the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, closed indefinitely. Myawaddy officials have requested a delay in reopening as heavy fighting persists, keeping only the Asian Highway AH-1 Pha An-Myawaddy route operational.

According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at the Mae Sot Permanent Border Crossing No. 2 was bustling with numerous cargo trucks waiting to complete paperwork to cross into Myanmar. This came after days of speculation that Myanmar authorities would reopen the border crossing today, following a closure of over seven months to address internal issues in Myawaddy Province and reorganize the administrative system at the Myawaddy Permanent Border Crossing No. 2. However, the indefinite closure of the Mae Sot Permanent Border Crossing No. 2 was confirmed, leaving the Asian Highway AH-1 Pha An-Myawaddy route as the sole open passage.

Mr. Yodpol Wichyakul, the Mae Sot Customs Chief, reported receiving confirmation from the Myawaddy Customs checkpoint that the road and bridge connecting to Asian Highway AH-1 have been repaired and are open for travel today. Despite this, the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge remains closed due to ongoing conflicts in several regions.

Concerning the fighting in Karen State, Myawaddy District, fierce clashes continued this morning. Security forces in Mae Sot District have responded by deploying armed officers to reinforce high-risk areas along the border of Tak Province, where the conflict is ongoing.