Junta immigration officials stationed at Friendship Bridge No. 1—the primary border crossing connecting Tachileik in eastern Shan State to Thailand’s Mae Sai—are routinely extorting money from Myanmar nationals crossing into Thailand, residents reported on Friday.

Under official regulations, Myanmar citizens presenting a valid National Identification Card (NIC) and a Unique Identification Card (UID), commonly known as a smart card, are required to pay a designated bridge fee of 1,000 MMK (approx. $0.25 USD).

However, travelers report that border authorities are systematically demanding far higher sums. Even those with complete documentation are charged upwards of 200 THB (more than 25,000 MMK), while individuals lacking a smart card face fees as high as 400 THB (roughly 55,000 MMK) to obtain temporary border passes and exit stamps.

"Even with all required documents, you are forced to pay around 200 THB on the Myanmar side," a 40-year-old Tachileik resident said. "For those without smart cards, officers demand additional payments at the stamp counter and for green card passes, driving the cost up to 400 THB."

In contrast, Thai immigration authorities collect standard, official fees ranging from 10 THB for day visits to 30 THB for overnight stays.

First-time visitors to Mae Sai on the Myanmar side also report being levied an additional 100 THB for mandatory photo captures and QR code generation.

While the junta's Immigration Department has publicly denied collecting excessive fees, residents say officers routinely bypass official rules—allowing individuals without smart cards to cross only after paying off-the-books charges.

Friendship Bridge No. 1 serves as one of the most vital land border crossings between Myanmar and Thailand, facilitating daily commercial, labor, and tourist transit.