Intense clashes have erupted between the Myanmar military junta and resistance armed forces over efforts to reopen the Myawaddy-Kawkareik section of the Asia Highway along the Thai-Myanmar border, according to sources.
Resistance sources confirmed that heavy fighting has been reported in areas surrounding the mountains, Seikhpu Taung and Yin Kwel Taung, along the highway since the morning of January 20.
“There has been heavy shelling and gunfire since yesterday morning,” a resistance source said.
A resident in Kawkareik suggested that the junta appears to be attempting to clear the resistance armed forces stationed along the highway in preparation for reopening the route by March, likely due to pressure from Thailand.
“The sound of gunfire is almost a daily occurrence in that area. While traveling along the Myawaddy-Kawkareik highway is technically possible, no one dares to because of the frequent clashes. People rely on alternative jungle routes for travel. This situation has delayed trade between Thailand and Myanmar and created significant challenges. Reports suggest that Thailand is pressuring the junta to secure and reopen the highway by March,” the resident said.
On December 9, 2024, the Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, H.E. Mr. Mongkol Visitstump, met with Kayin State Chief Minister U Saw Myint Oo. According to a junta statement, their discussions reportedly focused on cross-border trade, transportation, economic cooperation, security, law enforcement, border crime prevention, counter-terrorism, and curbing illegal trade.
Currently, trade and travel between the two countries remain constrained. Alternative routes, such as Htokawko Road, Kyet U Taung Road, and Dawna Mountain Road, are being used, but these are less reliable, with poor road conditions, higher transportation costs, and congestion, making trade and travel increasingly difficult.
Since 2022, daily clashes between the junta and the resistance armed forces, led by the Karen National Union (KNU), have kept the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Asia Highway closed for nearly two years, with no formal reopening.
