The Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge was officially reopened at 7.30 am by Thachileik governor U Min Nai and deputy governor Somwang Boonrayong of Chiang Rai.
Until peace is established on the Thachileik side, the checkpoint will operate on a trial basis from 6.30am to 6.30pm rather than 6.30am to 9pm as in the past.
The border town with Myanmar is well-known for being a point of entry for drugs from the Golden Triangle, including methamphetamine, into Thailand.
After three years, Chiang Rai’s Mai Sai checkpoint with Myanmar reopens.
On March 23, 2020, the border checkpoint was shut down because to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Officials from Tachileik and Chiang Rai cooperated over the phone during the reopening due to security concerns.
The move, according to Somwang, would increase border trade, and Thai nationals without passports can get border passes from the Mae Sai district office.
After three years, Chiang Rai’s Mai Sai checkpoint with Myanmar reopens.
Thai nationals wishing to go to Tachileik must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination and a negative test.
According to Somwang, Myanmar citizens do not require proof of immunization to enter Thai territory.
Thais must carry photocopies of their vaccination certificate with them, according to Mae Sai district chief Narongpol Kid-arn, because Tachileik officials do not recognize digital vaccination certificates from the MohPrompt app.
After three years, Chiang Rai’s Mai Sai checkpoint with Myanmar reopens.
The district commander anticipates that for at least the upcoming month, the Myanmar border authorities would demand proof of immunization.
