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