Regular trade resumes at Sinkhorn checkpoint in Prachuap Khiri Khan

As fighting in neighbouring Myanmar eases, provincial authorities seek to revive economic activity

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN – Thai authorities have lifted temporary trade restrictions at the Singkhorn border checkpoint, fully restoring cross-border trade with Myanmar in a bid to revitalise the local economy following an easing of recent clashes.

Prachuap Khiri Khan governor Sitthichai Sawatsan signed the order revoking earlier restrictions after conditions in Mudong village in Myanmar stabilised, with fighting between the army and rebel forces now ceased.

The decision also followed requests from the provincial chamber of commerce and local traders to review earlier measures that limited cargo handling to a disputed “no man’s land” at the checkpoint. Activity was permitted only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8am to noon — a system that had disrupted logistics and deviated from normal trading practices.

Under the new guidelines, trading, imports and exports are permitted during normal operating hours of 6am to 6pm daily at the Singkhorn special border crossing.

Operators are required to submit written notification of goods and vehicle details to provincial authorities at least one day in advance to facilitate traffic management and cargo handling arrangements.

All import and export activities must strictly comply with customs laws and regulations set by the National Security Council, said the governor.

The order took effect retroactively from Friday, he added.

Mr Sitthichai said the easing of restrictions is expected to boost investor confidence, encourage cross-border trade and deliver broader economic benefits to the province, including higher occupancy for hotels, increased business for restaurants and more employment opportunities along the supply chain.

The provincial administrative chief has been appointed incident commander to oversee operations at the checkpoint and to address any issues that may arise.

The governor said the reopening of the Singkhorn checkpoint is seen as a key signal of recovery for the Thai-Myanmar border economy and a step towards rebuilding confidence among businesses in the area.

The Sinkhorn checkpoint has experienced multiple closures and restrictions since early 2020, frequently operating with limited hours or closing entirely due to security, pandemic and political issues.