Bkk post -Tachilek chief orders str

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Subject: Bkk post -Tachilek chief orders strict enforcement of pass closure

Bangkok post - Oct 26, 1999.
Tachilek chief orders strict enforcement of pass closure
Chiang Rai

The new Burmese governor of Tachilek has ordered absolute observance of the
border closure.

A source said Burmese troops posted along the Thai-Burmese border in
Tachilek have become more strict for fear of harsh punishment since Lt-Col
Ko Ko took office.

However, smuggling of goods into Burma via certain border passes continues,
the source said.

Lt-Col Ko Teh, the former governor, was sacked last week following reports
of Thai merchants trying to bribe Burmese authorities to reopen the border.

The source said the closure has caused a shortage of fuel in Burma, and the
price of diesel has crossed 15 baht per litre.

Yesterday, more than 30 local merchants submitted a letter to Mae Sai Mayor
Salaiyon Srisamut, seeking permission to extend the area provided for a flea
market to include footpaths in front of Mae Sai checkpoint, to respond to
higher demand from consumers following the border closure.

In a related development, all northern border provinces' chambers of
commerce recently voiced support for the government's policy to "wait and
see" before seeking to negotiate with Rangoon for the re-opening of
checkpoints.

According to representatives of the chambers, the export of Thai goods from
the northern region to Burma could continue because the border crossings on
the Thai side were still open.