Chaos in Myanmar border towns as power and fuel cuts take effect

Myanmar suspended services at the Tachileik border checkpoint, opposite Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district today, due to a lack of electricity, following Thailand’s cut in supplies on Wednesday to disrupt scam operations across the border.

The suspension affected Myanmar nationals intending to travel to Thailand using passports. People from both countries can, however, still cross through the checkpoint.

Earlier reports suggested that Myanmar had closed the checkpoint in protest against Bangkok’s decision to cut fuel, electricity and internet supplies.

It was later revealed, however, that the closure was actually due to a lack of power at the checkpoint’s office.

Electricity and internet to four other Myanmar border towns were also cut on Wednesday.

The impact of the cuts was not immediately evident in Myawaddy yesterday, as reports indicated that people had stocked up on fuel and acquired generators and solar panels in advance.

Today, however, the effects became more apparent in Myawaddy, opposite Tak’s Mae Sot district, and in Tachileik, opposite Chiang Rai province, as fuel shortages worsened.

Photo: Tachilek town//Photo by Know Shan State

Petrol stations in Tak’s Mae Sot border district have seen an increasing number of customers from Myawaddy, mainly due to Thai authorities setting up border checkpoints to screen vehicles and prevent petrol tankers from entering Myanmar.

Visitors to Myawaddy and Tachilek saw long queues of vehicles at filling stations, mostly motorcycles. Reports also indicate that prices have risen, with each motorcyclist only being allowed to buy one litre of fuel.

The electricity generators require fuel as well, and will eventually run dry.