Since December 1st, hostilities in Kawkareik have escalated between the Myanmar Military and the alliance groups of KNU/KNLA and PDF terrorists, resulting in the closure of the Asia Highway. This closure is significant as the Asia Highway plays a crucial role in Thai-Myanmar border trade.
A local resident remarked, "The Asia Highway is currently closed. I'm uncertain about who initiated the closure. In the absence of access to this road section, we are compelled to utilize the old Htaukkawkoe road, which has now become significantly congested with trucks and vehicles."
Due to severe traffic congestion, the situation on Htaukkawkoe road has become challenging. As a result, authorities have announced exercising an alternate-day usage for oncoming and ongoing traffic.
A local resident commented, "The congestion was severe when both lanes were in use. Then, in recent days, a truck carrying eggs capsized, causing a complete road blockage."
A local resident shared, "Way before the construction of the Asia Highway, we had to alternate the use of the old road for trucks traveling to and from Myawaddy. Transportation was time-consuming on that road, and the situation worsened during armed conflicts. It also posed a significant risk to our lives."
The Myawaddy-Kawkareik section of the Asia Highway has been blocked since the onset of armed conflicts. Access to the old Htaukkawkoe road has been restored to facilitate smoother goods flow and transportation. However, heavy trucks are prohibited from using this alternate route.
Assuming the road is utilized on alternate days, it is expected that trucks, passenger vehicles, and private cars can travel more conveniently these days.
In recent months, with the deterioration of the Asia Highway caused by floods, the Htaukkawkoe road is being used alternately.
The KNU/KNLA/PDF terrorists sabotaged and destroyed the 'Kok Nai Bridge' and 'Tawnaw Bridge' on the Myawaddy-Kawkareik section of the Asia Highway, causing significant disruption to transportation and severe infrastructure damage.