Palauk-Thayetchaung-Dawei road remains closed for 13 consecutive days

Mizzima

Residents report significant hardships as the Palauk-Thayetchaung-Dawei section of Union Highway No. 8 in Tanintharyi Region, a vital route for local transportation, has remained closed for 13 days.

The Palauk-Dawei road section passes through Dawei, Thayetchaung, and Palauk towns. Locals state that the routes are closed primarily due to military tensions between Myanmar junta troops and revolutionary forces since the second week of February in Thayetchaung Township.

“I think it’s due to the tense military situation. All cargo trucks and passenger buses are stranded. Nearby villagers are providing food and shelter,” a person familiar with the local situation said on 19 February.

The junta has prohibited travel on the Palauk-Dawei section since 8 February, causing not only daily commuting difficulties for residents but also the loss and damage of goods trapped along the route.

“Phone lines are intermittent. It would be fine if it was just dry goods, but fresh goods are also loaded. We can’t go anywhere, and traveling has become extremely difficult,” another local said.

The road closures is currently causing a rise in prices for daily essentials like eggs, cabbage, and oil in the Myeik Township area. Although goods can be transported via rivers, residents face difficulties due to the high costs of riverine transport.

Near Win Wa village in Thayetchaung Township, the junta conducted airstrikes for three consecutive days from 17 to 19 February on villages along Highway No. 8, including Min Dat and Win Wa. Previous air attacks were also carried out on 10 and 12 February.