CHIANG RAI / GOLDEN TRIANGLE – An unexpected surge in oil exports through the Golden Triangle and Mekong River has been observed since Thailand suspended fuel shipments to Myanmar. Reports indicate that nearly 100 fuel tankers have been parked along the Mekong River, near the Golden Triangle, waiting to transport fuel. The volume of fuel exports through the river to Laos has risen by over 50%, with shipments totaling more than 4 million liters in just five days, after Thailand implemented a ban on oil exports to Myanmar starting on February 5.
Historically, Thai ports along the Golden Triangle region have been involved in regular trade activities with Myanmar, including significant exports to Thakhek and Myawaddy areas. For years, the Thai ports, such as the one at Ban Pong in the Mae Sot District of Tak Province, had been used as a transit point for goods bound for Myanmar, including fuel. However, with the Thai government halting shipments to Myanmar, reports indicate that fuel exports from the Golden Triangle region now appear to be redirected primarily towards Laos.
From February 10 to 15, a dramatic increase in the amount of fuel being exported via the Golden Triangle was documented. Private port operators in Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, reported at least 90 fuel tanker shipments to Laos, a significant increase in volume, with more than 4 million liters of oil being exported, compared to typical export levels before the ban.
It remains unclear whether the fuel exported to Laos, particularly from ports like Ban Mom and Muang Ton Phung in the Bokeo Province of Laos, will eventually find its way across the Mekong River into Myanmar, which has raised suspicions of possible indirect routes being used to bypass the export ban.
The Customs Department of Chiang Saen reported that during the previous fiscal year 2023-2024, Thai exports through the Chiang Saen checkpoint totaled a value of 10,162.72 million Baht, including cars, cement, and large amounts of fuel, with gasoline worth 713.74 million Baht and diesel worth 709.09 million Baht.
While the Golden Triangle region’s trade route appears to have shifted focus towards Laos, it is worth noting that the special economic zone on the Myanmar side of the Mekong River has not reported any significant impact from ongoing cross-border crime operations targeting criminal gangs, such as the notorious call center scams that have plagued both Thailand and Myanmar. Despite these efforts, the situation surrounding fuel exports continues to raise concerns about possible circumvention of the trade restrictions.
