Thai border trade slows down due to conflict, protest

BANGKOK, September 28 (TNA) - Thailand’s eastern border provinces Tak and Si Sa Ket faces staggering trade due to ongoing ethnic conflict and a regulation protest. Cambodians are protesting against Thailand’s strict control on cross-border documents at the Chong Sangam pass in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket to pressure Thai authorities to relax the measure. They stopped crossing the border there to buy products at the Muang Mai Chong Sangam market, causing a drop in local business. In Tak province, the border pass on the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge opened for traffic but was quite deserted because locals were concerned about security situations there. Myanmar government soldiers and Karen troops had been battling 6-10 kilometers from the border with Mae Sot district of Tak. The clash followed a Myanmar government order prohibiting Karen soldiers from carrying weapons in Myawaddy. The clash had discouraged locals from crossing the border to markets in Mae Sot. (TNA)