Nation Thailand
Myanmar reopens Myawaddy checkpoint, lifting Thai trade hopes
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Thailand-Myanmar border trade is showing signs of improvement after Myanmar reopened the Myawaddy checkpoint, creating an opportunity for Thai businesses to revive exports of consumer goods, construction materials, electrical appliances, vehicles and
Key facts
- However, the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has urged exporters to closely monitor Myanmar’s import control measures, particularly the import licence system and Export Earning Matching, as these rules could affect purchasing power and
- DFT director-general Arada Fuangtong explained that Myanmar resumed operations at the Myawaddy checkpoint, opposite the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot district of Tak province, on May 28, 2026
- The checkpoint had been unilaterally closed by Myanmar since August 18, 2025.
- These factors will be crucial in determining the direction of Thailand-Myanmar border trade in the second half of 2026.
- DFT data show that Thailand-Myanmar border trade through Mae Sot Customs Checkpoint declined in January-April 2026 compared with the same period of the previous year, because of the border situation and Myanmar’s import control measures.
- The reopening of the Myawaddy checkpoint is expected to support a recovery in trade during the second half of 2026, particularly for food, beverages, medicines, consumer goods, construction materials, fuel and industrial products that are
Summary
However, the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has urged exporters to closely monitor Myanmar’s import control measures, particularly the import licence system and Export Earning Matching, as these rules could affect purchasing power and trade flows in the second half of 2026.
Myanmar’s Myawaddy reopening raises hopes for Thai exports