Myawaddy, January (11)
The Myawaddy-Mae Sot No. 1 Friendship Bridge, which was closed for almost 3 years due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the military coup, will reopen on January 12, Thai officials in Mae Sot reported.
The No. 1 Friendship Bridge connecting the Thai-Myanmar border town of Mae Sot and Myawaddy has been closed since 2020. Although Thailand planned to reopen the bridge later, the bridge has not yet been reopened due to the political situation in Myanmar.
Thailand has repeatedly postponed the opening of the bridge due to the bomb explosions at the border gate in Myawaddy town and the intense fighting situation on the Asian Highway.
The No. 1 Friendship Bridge will reopen on January 12 at 9:30 am, according to Thailand officials from Mae Sot, Tak Province.
On January 6, officials from the Tak Province held a meeting, and after several meetings between officials from Myanmar and Thailand, Thailand set the date for the reopening of the bridge.
Furthermore, Thai-Myanmar Border Pass (BP) cards have been issued at the Myawaddy immigration office since January 9, and Myawaddy residents can apply for them with personal identification.
Residents say that if the Myawaddy-Mae Sot No. 1 Friendship Bridge is reopened, properly registered vehicles will be allowed to travel from Myawaddy to Mae Sot.
A bomb exploded on the Myawaddy side of Mae Sot No. 1 Friendship Bridge on the night of April 23, and another exploded on the night of October 15, damaging a checkpoint, nearby houses, and some vehicles.
News-Than Lwin Times
Thanlwintimes