The number of checkpoints between Kengtung and Tachilek in Shan State East, opposite Thailand’s Mae Sai, has more than tripled and the gate fee has also doubled, according to bus drivers.
“There were only about four or five gates before. Now there are no less than 20 gates including Burma Army checkpoints that collect fees from us,” said a driver who owns a 10-wheel truck.
The previous main checkpoints were at Markyang (Tachilek), Talerh, Mongphyak, and Kengtung.
“In addition, the gate fees have also increased,” he said.
According to him, before a bus was required to pay Kyat 3,000 (US$ 3.40) and now is up to 5,000 Kyat (US$ 5.7) and a 10 wheel truck is from 5,000 Kyat (US$ 5.7) to 10,000 Kyat (US$11.36).
However, car drivers and car owners have reportedly submitted a petition to Kengtung command in order to reduce the gate fees and to withdraw some of the checkpoints.
“Actually, Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) promised us that if we voted for its party, it would reduce the number of checkpoints and the gate fee,” said a businessman.
Two weeks ago, Naypyitaw has ordered closure of one of the bus lines, Hsarm Lao, owned by the United Wa State Army (UWSA)’s Hongpang Co. that runs between Tachilek and Kengtung, 160 km north of the border.
However, a new bus line called Tet Nay Win which is believed to be owned by the military junta authorities has replaced it. There are two others bus lines running between the two cities: Shwe Myodaw and Shwe Yegan. The bus fare is K 4,000 (roughly $ 4) per passenger.
Source:http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3489:number-of-checkpoints-between-kengtung-tachilek-increases&catid=93:general&Itemid=291
“There were only about four or five gates before. Now there are no less than 20 gates including Burma Army checkpoints that collect fees from us,” said a driver who owns a 10-wheel truck.
The previous main checkpoints were at Markyang (Tachilek), Talerh, Mongphyak, and Kengtung.
“In addition, the gate fees have also increased,” he said.
According to him, before a bus was required to pay Kyat 3,000 (US$ 3.40) and now is up to 5,000 Kyat (US$ 5.7) and a 10 wheel truck is from 5,000 Kyat (US$ 5.7) to 10,000 Kyat (US$11.36).
However, car drivers and car owners have reportedly submitted a petition to Kengtung command in order to reduce the gate fees and to withdraw some of the checkpoints.
“Actually, Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) promised us that if we voted for its party, it would reduce the number of checkpoints and the gate fee,” said a businessman.
Two weeks ago, Naypyitaw has ordered closure of one of the bus lines, Hsarm Lao, owned by the United Wa State Army (UWSA)’s Hongpang Co. that runs between Tachilek and Kengtung, 160 km north of the border.
However, a new bus line called Tet Nay Win which is believed to be owned by the military junta authorities has replaced it. There are two others bus lines running between the two cities: Shwe Myodaw and Shwe Yegan. The bus fare is K 4,000 (roughly $ 4) per passenger.
Source:http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3489:number-of-checkpoints-between-kengtung-tachilek-increases&catid=93:general&Itemid=291
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