Local officials in Mae Sai say the bridge and the two nations’ immigration and customs posts are now open until 21:00 Thai time every evening. The extension is 2 hours 30 minutes later than the previous closing time. The opening time of the bridge is still 06:30 every day.
The decision to increase the opening hours at Mae Sai was made by the Interior Ministry just before the New Year. A ministry spokesperson said the extended hours should enhance trade between the two countries as well as encourage tourism.
The Mae Sai crossing is a perennially popular destination for long-stay tourists and expats to renew their permits to stay in Thailand. There is a market in Tachilek with a diverse choice of products which attracts Asian tourists.
At the same ministry meeting, the opening hours of the Friendship Bridge connecting the Thai town of Mae Sot and Myawaddy, its counterpart on Myanmar’s side of the Moei River, were extended. Also with effect from 2 January, the opening time of this bridge was set at 05:30 and the closing time at 20:30.
Mae Sai border crossing adds to opening hours
News in Asia
Thailand and Myanmar have increased the opening hours of the busy border crossing between the two nations in Mae Sai. The Friendship Bridge spans the Mae Sai River and links the northern Thai frontier town to Tachilek in Myanmar.