Express bus operators in Mon State have been warned not to transport Thai products, according to passenger transport companies.
The warning was issued by the State Vehicle Business Supervisory Committee following a decision made at a meeting of the Mon State Special Task Force for Combating Illegal Trade. The committee sent a warning letter to the Passenger Express Bus Association on June 5.
The committee also warned that strict action would be taken against vehicle owners and transport company officials if inspections found illegal goods being transported on express buses.
In addition, the committee instructed the Passenger Express Bus Association to closely supervise its members to ensure that illegal goods are not transported through bus services.
“Inspections have become very strict. Once goods are loaded, they are thoroughly checked. Authorities inspect whether Thai products are included or not. If they find them, they confiscate the goods and arrest those involved. They are checking not only shipments sent to other townships but also transportation within the state. Even if goods are being transported from Mawlamyine to Ye, they are inspected and seized. Thai products are not allowed. Everything is being confiscated,” a driver said.
The military junta has been arresting people for trading Thai products under allegations of illegal trade. On May 19, authorities also seized Thai goods in Bilin and Thanbyuzayat townships.
According to vendors, authorities are carrying out arrests not only at border trade routes, warehouses, wholesale centers, and markets handling imported Thai products, but also during transportation between locations within Mon State.
Traders said the ongoing crackdown on Thai products has caused prices of food items and consumer goods imported through Thailand to rise, while some products have become scarce in local markets.
Thai products are imported into Mon State through border trade routes and are then distributed to major cities in Upper Myanmar.
