Myanmar’s military has regained control of the Asia Highway, the key trade route linking the border town of Myawaddy with Kawkareik in Karen State, but is still not allowing civilians to use it, according to residents and truck drivers.

Junta troops retook the highway and nearby battalion camps, including the Thin Gan Nyi Naung command post, in the first week of September. The road had been controlled for more than 18 months by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied resistance groups.

Although damaged bridges and road sections have been repaired, residents said civilian travel remains blocked nearly three weeks after the junta’s takeover.

“We still can’t use it. Other routes are closed due to heavy taxes and arrests, so most of us have stopped,” said a truck driver in Myawaddy.

Another resident added, “I heard they might reopen it on the 28th or 29th, but nothing is confirmed.”

The 27-mile stretch normally takes just over two hours to travel, but locals are forced to use the Htaw Kaw Koe road and the old Myawaddy–Kawkareik mountain road, which take around four hours. Many truck drivers have stopped operating, citing high customs duties and the seizure of Thai goods.

The closure has driven up prices in Myawaddy, where food staples cost nearly double compared to towns deeper inside the country.

“Rice, oil, salt, eggs and onions are almost twice as expensive as in Hpa-An. Even a pack of Marlboro cigarettes is now 10,000 kyat,” said a local woman.

The KNLA and its allies seized the Asia Highway and the Thin Gan Nyi Naung base in March 2024. The junta launched “Operation Aung Zeya” the following month and finally retook the area in September 2025.

Fighting is ongoing in Myawaddy district, with junta forces attempting to capture remaining resistance strongholds in the Myawaddy area including Lay Kay Kaw, Palu and Thay Baw Boe. Infantry Battalion 275 in Myawaddy and the Thin Gan Nyi Naung command are providing support with artillery, howitzers and rockets, according to residents.