MAE SAI/TACHILEIK, Thailand – Cross-border movement of people and goods at the Mae Sai – Tachileik checkpoint remains normal, despite Thailand’s suspension of electricity supply and fuel exports to Myanmar. In response, Myanmar has switched to electricity from Laos, while local residents continue to cross into Thailand to refuel their vehicles.
The Thai government recently ordered the suspension of electricity supply and fuel exports to Myanmar at five key locations starting February 5, as part of efforts to disrupt transnational crime networks, particularly call center scam operations. However, on February 6, activities at the permanent border crossing on the First Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge over the Sai River continued as usual, with people from both countries traveling back and forth. Tourists also continued crossing into Tachileik, Myanmar, as normal.
Meanwhile, in Tachileik, residents have been using electricity from Laos since the night of February 5. Myanmar authorities are in the process of installing a full system, which is expected to be completed within the week.
Fuel exports from Thailand remain suspended. Normally, fuel is transported via the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge over the Sai River. Due to the suspension, gas stations in Tachileik have seen a surge in demand, with residents refueling their vehicles and stockpiling fuel in containers.
Additionally, many vehicles have been crossing into Mae Sai to refuel at Thai gas stations, as long queues persist at fuel stations in Tachileik. Thai gas stations continue to operate normally but have restricted fuel sales in containers to prevent unauthorized transport across the border.
According to reports, the Thai government and the National Security Council (NSC) have ordered the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to cut power supply at five locations: two in Mae Sai, one at the Three Pagodas Pass – Phaya Tong Su in Mon State, one at the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot – Myawaddy, and another at Ban Huai Muang – Myawaddy. Additionally, the Customs Department has halted fuel exports, which typically amount to approximately 400 million baht per month at the Mae Sai border checkpoint.
