Mae Hong Son border traders have submitted a petition expressing hardship caused by the closure of the Huai Phueng border checkpoint since 15 May 2026, after some traders were caught smuggling drugs and gun parts.
On 21 May 2026, over 50 border traders from Mueang District, Mae Hong Son Province, submitted a petition to Ms. Sukira Suwatthamethi, head of the Huai Pha Subdistrict Administrative Organization, to voice their grievances about the sudden closure of the Huai Phueng border checkpoint since 15 May. The closure followed military officials seizing chemical substances proven to contain narcotics and homemade Thai gun parts that some traders had mixed with goods smuggled into Myanmar. Security authorities thus ordered a temporary shutdown of the Huai Phueng checkpoint to reorganize operations.
The abrupt closure for about a week has caused significant hardship to traders, with many goods left stranded. Traders are also worried after learning that authorities plan to reorganize trade at the Huai Phueng checkpoint. Previously, all types of goods could be traded daily, but if reopened under new rules, exports of consumer products to Myanmar will be allowed only two days per week, Japanese vehicles will be permitted to cross only four days per week, and the checkpoint will be closed every Sunday. If implemented, hundreds of traders will be affected and face substantial financial burdens.
The traders have called on authorities to reopen the checkpoint for daily trade as before. They urge that any trader violating regulations be dealt with strictly on an individual basis rather than closing the checkpoint, which unfairly harms hundreds of honest traders. After receiving the petition, the Huai Pha Subdistrict Administrative Organization will coordinate with the Mae Hong Son Border Command Center and relevant agencies to acknowledge the issues and seek solutions.