Karen Rebels Maintain Closure of Key Thai-Myanmar Highway
The Karen National Union continues to block access to the Asian Highway leading to Myawaddy, citing security concerns about a potential junta advancement. This closure disrupts regional trade, as alternative routes are in poor condition and involve numerous toll checkpoints. Ongoing negotiations to reopen the route have failed, with recent skirmishes reported in the area as of late September.
The Karen National Union (KNU), a major rebel group in Myanmar, continues to block the Asian Highway leading to the strategic border town of Myawaddy, adjacent to Mae Sot in Thailand's Tak province.
This closure has been in effect since December of the previous year, following an attack by the KNU on Kawkareik in Karen State.
Despite pressure from both Myanmar's military junta and the Thai government to reopen the route—viewed as essential for reducing consumer goods prices—the KNU fears that reopening would enable junta forces to strengthen their presence on the border.
The Asian Highway, crucial for linking Myawaddy to Tamu on the Myanmar-India border, is central to economic activity in the region.
Negotiations held in late September among various Karen ethnic groups, including those allied with the junta, failed to yield a compromise.
KNU Brigade 6 firmly rejected calls from leaders such as warlord Saw Chit Thu to lift the blockade, citing security concerns.
Ongoing clashes have been reported, with local civilians and transport companies forced to navigate poor alternative roads with numerous militia-run checkpoints.
This closure has been in effect since December of the previous year, following an attack by the KNU on Kawkareik in Karen State.
Despite pressure from both Myanmar's military junta and the Thai government to reopen the route—viewed as essential for reducing consumer goods prices—the KNU fears that reopening would enable junta forces to strengthen their presence on the border.
The Asian Highway, crucial for linking Myawaddy to Tamu on the Myanmar-India border, is central to economic activity in the region.
Negotiations held in late September among various Karen ethnic groups, including those allied with the junta, failed to yield a compromise.
KNU Brigade 6 firmly rejected calls from leaders such as warlord Saw Chit Thu to lift the blockade, citing security concerns.
Ongoing clashes have been reported, with local civilians and transport companies forced to navigate poor alternative roads with numerous militia-run checkpoints.
