Myawaddy's tourism business declines sharply after deadly blast

   The incident could lessen trade and hugely affect the tourism industry, according to locals.

   Moreover, there were three gunfights between the government army and the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) in Karen State on October 10.

   “Normally, the Myawaddy Asia road is crowded with vehicles and tourists. Yesterday [October 13] was a day for down-traffic. However, there was more concern that a vehicle-bomb blast might occur in a conflict area. Only passengers who must go there should visit the Myawaddy border area,” said driver Zaw Oo of the Myawaddy-Mawlamyaing bus line.

   Due to heavy fighting for half an hour between Light Infantry Regiment 230 and the DKBA on Friday near the east of Kawkareik Township in Karen State, Myawaddy’s up-traffic had to wait along a road near Kaungmue village. 

   The following day, down-traffic was hit by a heavy-weapon blast that left four people dead and 10 injured, including a monk.

   Due to a series of battles breaking out in Karen and Mon states, local people are now focused on taking care of their livelihoods and tourist arrivals have declined, according to a resident from Myawaddy Township.

   “Despite passenger bus lines now plying directly from Myawaddy border town to Yangon and other major cities, fewer passengers are coming to Myawaddy than previously,” said a ticket seller from the highway bus line.

   “Our three passenger vehicles used to ply regularly between Myawaddy and Yangon, but there are not as many passengers as there were in the past. The number of regular travellers has decreased, and most migrant workers who left for Thailand used to ride in cars heading to Myawaddy,” said a person in charge of ticket sales at the Myawaddy-Yangon Express Bus Line.

Although border traders are operating their import businesses normally, those who made sizable investments say their trade is now decreasing.

   More than 200 local residents fled to the Thai side of the border after heavy weapons were fired near the military security camp at Warpoe Hills. 

   The Thai army and officials have been providing aid to the refugees at Maethawaw monastery in Thailand.