Myanmar keen to revive trade links

Thailand and Myanmar are actively pursuing the revival of their border trade, aiming to dismantle barriers that have disrupted commerce for years, according to the Department of Foreign Trade (DoFT). The recent visit of Myanmar's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, to Thailand is seen as a positive development that could mark a turning point for the recovery of bilateral trade, particularly along their shared border.

DoFT Director-General Arada Fuangtong stated that the August 6-7 visit was a significant milestone. She indicated that it could lead to a revival of economic, trade, and investment relations, which have been constrained by instability in Myanmar. Discussions during the visit encompassed a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, energy, environmental cooperation, labor development, and trade facilitation. The Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum 2026, held under the theme "A New Chapter in Thailand-Myanmar Business Partnership," also served as a platform for businesses from both nations to expand their commercial networks.

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The Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum 2026, held under the theme "A New Chapter in Thailand-Myanmar Business Partnership", also provided a platform for businesses from both countries to expand commercial networks.

Border trade continues to be a principal economic engine for both countries, despite ongoing security challenges and Myanmar's trade restrictions. In 2025, trade between Thailand and Myanmar reached 244.05 billion baht, with border and transit trade constituting a substantial 199.11 billion baht, or over 81% of the total. Mae Sot district in Tak, which connects to Myawaddy in Myanmar, remains a crucial trading gateway. However, businesses face persistent difficulties, including border closures, import licensing complexities, foreign-exchange requirements, transportation issues, and security concerns, all of which increase costs and erode confidence.

To address these obstacles, Thailand has proposed convening the Thailand-Myanmar Joint Trade Commission within the current year. The commission aims to tackle trade barriers, streamline customs procedures, resolve non-tariff measures, improve logistics, and enhance border connectivity. ML Pinitbhand Paribatra from Thammasat University described Thailand's engagement with Myanmar's military-backed government as a "test of trust," intended to demonstrate Thailand's reliability as a friend while encouraging Myanmar to show tangible progress. He suggested that progress is achievable in areas like combating scam networks and promoting border trade, where existing cooperation and private sector support can be leveraged. However, he cautioned against expecting rapid solutions for armed conflict, cross-border pollution, or environmental issues, which are intrinsically linked to Myanmar's unresolved internal conflicts and peace process. ML Pinitbhand also noted the strategic importance of engagement given Thailand's upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2028 and Myanmar's close ties with China and India, while warning that closer relations could invite criticism due to Min Aung Hlaing's background.

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Thailand's engagement with Myanmar's military-backed government was a "test of trust".