According to drivers and travelers, a significant increase in the number of checkpoints accompanied by rising ‘fees’ is taking place along the old Myawaddy-Kawkareik trade route, which is now heavily controlled due to ongoing conflicts.

The primary Myawaddy-Kawkareik Asian Highway remains closed due to military clashes, forcing drivers to use the older Myawaddy-Kawkareik road and forested routes like Thoe Ko Koe Road, Kyauk Ei Taung Road, and Route 1018.

This route is now dotted with over 50 checkpoints run by various groups, including the Military Junta, Karen National Union (KNU), Border Guard Force (BGF), Karen Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC), Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and other armed resistance groups that have emerged since the military coup.

The checkpoint ‘fees vary, from 5,000 kyats up to hundreds of thousands per vehicle, depending on the vehicle type, according to one driver.

“There are at least 50 checkpoints on this road. Some ask for 10,000 kyats each, while others charge around 5,000. Cargo trucks, in particular, have to pay large sums,” said the driver.

The presence of numerous checkpoints and rising fees have made travel difficult for both drivers and passengers.

“From the base of the Don Mountain all the way to Myawaddy, checkpoints are everywhere. At each one, drivers must pay. It’s not just police or soldiers anymore—it’s different armed groups setting up checkpoints every few meters, causing delays and inconvenience,” said a traveler.

The spike in travel costs has driven up prices for goods transported along the Myawaddy-Kawkareik route. This includes  basic goods, medicine, beauty products, a wide range of consumer items, and construction materials coming from Thailand to Mon and Karen states and being shipped to other parts of Myanmar.