Trade between Thailand and Myanmar was led by the Mae Sot border, which posted a record THB45.5 billion, far ahead of Kanchanaburi (THB32.4 billion) and Ranong (THB18.2 billion), with smaller volumes recorded at Mae Sai, Mae Hong Son, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Mae Sariang.

Altering the trade route is advised during the recent cordial discussion to reduce congestion amid tight control in Tak Province, ac­cording to the Myanmar Economic At­tache in Bangkok, citing a report of the Bangkok Post.

Myanmar’s Ambassador U Zaw Zaw Soe received a delegation led by Mrs Arada Fuangthong, Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, at the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok on 29 August 2025.

The cordial discussions highlighted both sides’ ex­changes of views on matters related to cross-border trade between the two countries, with a view to promoting econom­ic cooperation and exploring opportunities to further en­hance cross-border trade for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar.

A temporary closure of Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge II, and Myawady-Maes­ot checkpoint from Myanmar’s side on 18 August brought neg­ative impacts on Thailand’s exports, the director-general addressed during the meet­ing. She also requested to ease some import licence rules. My­anmar’s side advised Thai ex­porters who planned to use the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge II in Tak to shift road freight transport to shipping mode (Ranong-Kawthoung ports) or the Maesai-Tachilek border point, Mrs Arada Fuang­tong told the Bangkok Post.

Myanmar representatives accepted Thailand’s propos­al to discuss export earnings regulations with the Myanmar government. Mrs Arada added that Thailand will invite My­anmar’s Union Minister for Commerce to foster dialogue on trade policies and enhance trade collaboration.

According to the Bangkok Post’s report, bilateral trade in the first half of 2025 amounted to 1,051.1 billion baht, indicating a 24.9 per cent drop compared to that of the previous year.

Thailand’s exports fell by 16.3 per cent (63.5 billion baht) while its imports sharply dropped by 35 per cent (41.5 billion baht). Of all checkpoints between Thailand and Myan­mar, the Maesot border check­point performed the largest trade worth 45.5 billion baht, followed by Kanchanaburi (32.4 billion baht), Ranong (18.2 bil­lion baht), Maesai (8.06 billion), Prachuap Khiri Khan (300 mil­lion baht), Mae Hong Son (698 million baht) and Mae Sariang (104 million baht. — NN/KK