Border closure hit Thai-Myanmar trade

Border closure hit Thai-Myanmar trade

THAILAND: Traders on both sides of the Thai-Myanmar border say
they have grown angry and restless over last week's sudden border
closures which are costing over a million dollars a day in lost
business.

Last Tuesday, Myanmar's military junta sealed the border at
three key crossings -- Tachilek-Mae Sai, Myawaddy-Mae Sot and Kaw
Thaung-Ranong -- without informing Thailand, catching several
traders and villagers off guard and effectively bringing commerce
to a halt.

"Many people especially in Myanmar are suffering shortages of
food, medicine and petrol as well as many other basic needs,"
said a businessman in Mae Sot, Thailand, who asked not to be
identified.

Sources in the border towns also said dozens of Myanmar
nationals were stranded in Thailand following the border
closures. Tourists have also been forbidden from crossing. --AFP