Passengers face extortion along Thai-Burma border roads

HURFOM:The military junta and resistance forces have blocked the Three Pagoda Pass – Thanbyuzayat and the Three Pagoda Pass – Kyarinnseikyi Roads which are the main routes to the Thai – Burma border.  From early 2024, most drivers must now use the Da None jungle route.

There have been 10 check-points installed along the route by the military junta, the Karen National Union (KNU), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the People Defense Force (PDF). Each passenger must now pay 10,000 MMK to pass the various check-points. 

“ We must pay the amount they demand. The check-point fee is getting higher day after day. We feel awkward to ask for a high transportation fee from passengers ,” said a driver.

Da None route is a jungle route with poor road conditions. In addition, there are risks of armed clashes.

“ The Thanbyuzayat route took only five hours. We have to use a ferry (to cross the river) on the Da None route sometimes; we have to sleep on the way. There are too many check-points and we don’t know when or if an armed clash will take place. It isn’t okay for us ,” said one driver.

Since the attempted coup, there have been nearly 30 check-points on the Three Pagoda Pass – Kyarinnseikyi, the Three Pagoda Pass – Thanbyuzayat and the Three Pagoda Pass – Mudon Roads all of which are routes to the Thai – Burma border.

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