The Mae Sai-Tachileik border checkpoint, between Thailand and Myanmar, was officially reopened today (Monday), after about three years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reopening ceremony this morning was jointly presided over by Chiang Rai Deputy Governor Somwang Boonrayong and governor of Tachileik Province U Minh Nay at the first Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, linking Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai and Tachileik of Myanmar.
The checkpoint is one of the main gateways for bilateral trade and communication between Thailand and Myanmar and was closed on March 24th, 2020.
On the Myanmar side of the border, a religious ceremony was performed, in which members of the Burman, Lisu, Akha, Tai Yai (Shan) and Lawa ethic groups and several officials took part.
Initially, the border checkpoint will open from 6.30am to 6.30pm but this will, eventually, be extended to 9pm.
Thais who want to cross the border into Tachileik must apply for a border pass at the Mae Sai district office or at the checkpoint itself, but must show documentation of COVID vaccination or a negative rapid antigen test.
Mae Sai District Chief Officer Narongphol Kid-arn said that the Myanmar immigration officials require either a vaccination document, a hard copy of the “Mor Prom” application certification of vaccination or the rapid antigen test result. Showing the “Mor Prom” app on the smart phone will not be accepted, he said, adding that these are not needed for those crossing into Thailand from Myanmar.
