August 19, 2025 – A surprise closure of the Second Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge by Myanmar authorities on August 18, 2025, has brought large-scale exports between the two countries to a standstill, imperiling trade valued at roughly 130 billion baht (about USD 4 billion).
The shutdown, reportedly ordered from Naypyidaw, aims to centralize trade revenue control and curtail financial flows benefiting ethnic armed groups like the Border Guard Force (BGF).
This closure has caused Thai export volumes via the crossing to plunge from nearly 50 billion baht per quarter previously to just over 10 billion baht. The significance of this disruption is compounded by the fact that about 60–70% of cross-border trade occurred through unofficial, unapproved channels, amplifying instability in border economies.
Thai authorities and businesses are scrambling to respond. On August 18, the Tak Chamber of Commerce held an emergency meeting urging the Thai Ministry of Commerce to negotiate with Myanmar. Meanwhile, from August 20, Tak province’s governor imposed stricter regulations requiring two days’ advance notice for goods crossing the border, with inspections by military, administrative, and customs officials—measures expected to exacerbate delays and further threaten trade flows.
Adding to the pressure, on August 21, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warned that, along with the already‐strained trade route with Cambodia, the Myanmar border closure is delivering a significant blow to Thailand’s export sector. A recovery now hinges on how long the bridge remains closed and whether alternative routes can be mobilized, though rising transport costs are anticipated.
Quick Facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bridge Closed | Second Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge |
| Closure Date | August 18, 2025 |
| Trade Value at Risk | ~130 billion baht (USD ~4 billion) |
| Quarterly Export Drop | From ~50 billion baht to just over 10 billion baht |
| New Thai Export Procedures | 2 days notice + multi-agency inspections (from Aug 20) |
| Ongoing Concern | High share of unofficial trade routes; potential longer, costlier disruptions |
This abrupt shutdown not only threatens Thailand’s booming border trade but also underscores how fragile regional economic integration can be under shifting political dynamics.
Sources: The Star, Nation Thailand, win1040.org,
