Thai-Burma Tachilek border stays open


CHIANG RAI - It was business as usual at the Chiang Rai-Tachilek border crossing Friday and Thai authorities confirmed that the border checkpoint in this province remained open despite the Burma regime's violent crackdown on popular protests against military rule.

Col. Sompong Chaengchamras, chairman of the Thai-Burma Township Border Committee (TBC) said the Burma TBC assured that the Tachilek border crossing, at the Thai-Burma town well-known for its low-cost market. will remain open.

Both Burmese and Thai nationals needed to cross the border for trade while tourists travelling in the northern provinces of Thailand also intended to visit the bustling Tachilek market in Burma.

Burmese authorities stressed that tourists remained safe in Burma's Tachilek province, and that the violence being shown elsewhere had not affected the border area.

Meanwhile, some Burma nationals were seen crossing the border to buy necessities in Thailand's Mae Sai district as usual, while tourists travelled from Thailand into Tachilek.

Persons and vehicles must pass tight inspection at the Chiang Rai-Tachilek bordercrossing before entering Burma.

Security forces swept through Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon), Burma's main city on Thursday, killing nine people including a Japanese journalist, and arresting hundreds more in a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests. (TNA)