Burmese-Thai authorities have reopened the border between Kawt Thaung and Ranong after it was closed for over two years during the pandemic. On 1 June, the authorities opened the southernmost borders of the two countries to vaccinated travellers with travel documents.

An official at the Kawt Thaung Immigration Department in Taninthari Region told NMG that since the border was opened, a Burmese couple had travelled to Thailand but no Thais had entered Burma. He said foreigners aren't allowed to enter either country through this route.

“Currently, only locals from Kawt Thaung are allowed to cross the border...I heard that Thai tourists have to stay in a quarantine centre in Kawt Thaung for three days. But I don't know if Burmese tourists have to be quarantined in Ranong,” said a source who wished to remain anonymous. He explained that Burmese can apply for a border passport at the immigration department, which is valid for one month.

Burmese and Thai nationals with valid documents are allowed to visit the other country for three days. Burmese must pay 100 baht to enter Thailand and Thais must pay 300 kyat to enter Burma. Kawt Thaung residents with health insurance and two vaccinations can waive the three-to five-day quarantine in Thailand.

With the reopening of the borders, locals who rely on employment in Thailand, as well as traders who sell fish and seafood to Thailand and import products such as fuel, household goods and fruit from Thailand, hope to be able to return to work again soon.