Exporters and businesses along the Thai-Myanmar border are in crisis after Myanmar suddenly closed the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge on August 18, 2025. This bridge is the main route for large goods trade, worth about 130 billion baht. The closure was ordered by Myanmar’s central government to control trade revenue, which has long benefited local armed groups. The First Bridge remains open but only for pedestrians and small trade. Thai businesses are struggling, and the Tak Chamber of Commerce is calling for urgent talks with Myanmar. New Thai rules from August 20 will require two days’ notice for goods, adding delays. Export value has dropped sharply, while imports, mainly antimony ore, have surged. Official trade is also hurt by high levels of unapproved trading routes. Around 69% of imports and 62% of exports happen through unofficial channels. This disruption is damaging local economies and could paralyze the cross-border trade system if not resolved.
Pray for immediate peace talks between Thailand and Myanmar to reopen the bridge, which is the main route for large goods trade between the two countries. Pray for the wise counsel for the authorities involved in the negotiations (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 24:6).
Pray for the success of the peace talks and the immediate reopening of the bridge for trade; Pray for economic stability in Thailand. Pray for improved cross-border relations and trade between Thailand and Myanmar (The Holy Bible, Matthew 5:9).
News Source: The Straits Times
Image Source: Canva
