Stories tagged with myanmar
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Kiew Pawok Pass reopened
Following a visit to the Kiew Pawok Pass by the Secretary General of the National Security Council, Lt. Gen. Sirapong Boonpat, the border post between Thailand and Myanmar was officially reopened.
Chief Officer of Chiang Dao district, Vichit Boonkangwan, presided over the opening ceremony of the Thai side. An official agreement regarding the opening from the Myanmar side is also needed, however; but this is said to be a formality.
The Kiew Pawok pass was closed by both governments in 2003 due to excessive smuggling and the influx of refugees into Thailand.
Crossings will be able to take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 06:00 and 18:00 when the post is fully reopened.
Military personnel, police officers, government units, administrative officers and the Office of Narcotics Control Board were also in attendance.
The current problems such as drug transportation, attacks on hill tribes by the Myanmar army, and illegal immigrants were discussed.
The main reasons for the reopening were the potential commercial benefits and the issue of security.
More on Northern Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 05 Feb 2008, 15:24 -
Burmese revolt doesn’t affect Tachilek crossing
The events that have taken place in Myanmar recently have sparked interest and activism the world over. Such monumental protests against the Military Junta that has held on to power for far too long have not been seen in the country since 1988.
Sympathy and support for the protesters have not stopped the government from opening fire on the populous, killing what some say is up to 200 monks and civilians yesterday alone.
What does this mean for travellers? Well, if it’s travelling into Myanmar for tourism, many major Western governments have issued travel advisories against travel to the country. The good news for travellers holding tourist visas or 30-day entry stamps in Thailand will still be able to make the border run between the Thai city of Mae Sai and the Burmese side, Tachilek.
The chairman of the Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee assured it would be business as usual at the crossing despite the civil unrest. News from the Burmese authorities says that tourists crossing the border and puttering around the market are in no danger.
Posted by: DaveB on 04 Oct 2007, 07:48 -
Southeast Asian Tourism Rises on Low Cost Airlines
Low-cost airlines are expanding their networks across the Mekong region, encouraging growing numbers of Southeast Asian tourists to explore neighbouring countries. Thai AirAsia is doubling its flights from Bangkok to Hanoi and Phnom Penh next month, and adding Shenzhen as its third destination in China. In May, Air Bagan started operating flights between Bangkok and Yangon, and there are now flights between the main attractions in Cambodia and Myanmar. Channel NewsAsia carried the story, including analysis from a PATA spokesman
Posted by: Toony on 18 Jun 2007, 04:14 -
Bird Flu in Myanmar
According to this report in the Japan Times there was a case of bird flu in Myanmar in early June. 1,000 chickens were destroyed in an attempt to contain the disease.
Posted by: Toony on 14 Jun 2007, 10:25 -
Direct Angkor-Bagan Flights in the Offing?
According to a report from the People's Daily Online Cambodia and Myanmar are discussing the possibility of direct flights between Siam Reap (site of Angkor Wat) and Myanmar's Bagain, as well as mutual visa exemptions to promote intra-country tourism, and to encourage foreign tourists to move directly between the two significant historical sites.
Posted by: Toony on 14 Jun 2007, 06:33 -
Direct Trade Link between Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand
Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand which are looking to link their port cities with the introduction of a liner route from Chittagong (Bangladesh) via Yangon (Myanmar) to Ranong (Thailand), according to Bangladeshi Ministry of Commerce. People's Daily Online has more details.
Posted by: Toony on 12 Jun 2007, 06:23 -
Mekong Migrant Workers Face High Risks of HIV Infection
The recent growth in the number of migrant workers between countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion is leading to increased exposure of those workers to the risk of HIV infection, according to a report on a recent conference in Bangkok orgainised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The organization will try to improve the situation through educational videos. Thanh Nien News carried the story.
Posted by: Toony on 11 Jun 2007, 05:41 -
Myanmar PM on China Visit
According to the Vietnam News Agency, Myanmar acting Prime Minister has begun a five-day visit to China. The aim of the visit is to promote friendly relations between the neighbours.
Posted by: Toony on 06 Jun 2007, 04:37 -
Upgrading Mekong River Trade
Transport ministers from the six nations along the Mekong River have signed a co-operation agreement to jointly build a cross-border trade and transport systems. By the end of the year, China will improve the channels of the Mekong to enable larger vessels to sail between China, and the countries downriver. Cargonews Asia has many more details on the various projects underway.
Posted by: Toony on 28 May 2007, 09:58 -
Direct Flight between Myanmar and Cambodia Officially Announced
Following Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's official visit to Myanmar, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong has stated that there will be direct flights from Bagan and Mandalay to Siem Reap to enhance regional tourism. Your Global Travel New carried the Reuters story.
Posted by: Toony on 24 May 2007, 08:33 -
Cambodian Prime Minister on Official Visit to Myanmar
A spokesman for the Cambodian prime minister's office told reporters that the objectives of the three-day official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to Myanmar were to tighten relationships between the two nations and improve trade. The khaleej Times carries more details.
Posted by: Toony on 22 May 2007, 05:59 -
Thailand to Cooperate with Neighbours on Rice Exports
Thailand is working with other Southeast Asian countries to strengthen the image and quality of rice in the region. Vietnam News Agency has the report.
Posted by: Toony on 16 May 2007, 09:29 -
Myanmar Private Airline Launches Bangkok Service
Myanmar's private Air Bagan launched its international service between Yangon and Bangkok Tuesday morning. The People's Daily Online carries the details about this daily service.
Posted by: Toony on 15 May 2007, 08:15 -
Hair Today...
The International Herald Tribune brings us this alarming AP report about the increase in hair theft in Myanmar. It seems there is quite an export market for ladies' hair, which fetches several hundred dollars per kilo.
Posted by: TheEditor on 14 May 2007, 06:40