Local Burmese military junta authorities have issued an order restricting people in Kaw Thaung, a border town in southern Burma, from going out after 11 pm. According to a local shop-owner, the authorities have banned bars, shops selling alcohol as well as tea shops, from remaining open after 11 pm since last week.

"Currently, no one is allowed to go out after 11 pm. The order was not given officially. The authorities just informed the shop-owners. Beer and tea shop-owners were told not to remain open after 11 pm. It has been learnt that tri-cycle carriers were arrested after 11 pm,” he said.

After 11 people were killed when a boat sank on May 18, authorities have started investigating all travellers heading to Kaw Thaung through land, sea and air routes. Over 200 travellers, who cannot show legal documents, have been detained at ward offices. According to locals, the order was released after the accident occurred.

The locals said, a few people travel at night, because most of them are afraid to go out. "Tea shops must be shut down at 10 pm. Yesterday, when I went to a tea shop near my house, the owner told me that the shop had closed at 10 pm. No shop can remain open at night time any more," a local person said.

Due to tight control by the authorities and proper investigations into travelling, businesses are not functioning smoothly, a local person said.

"It is difficult to conduct trade in Kaw Thaung. Buying and selling has stopped, including tri-cycle carriers and ferry drivers, who are at a loss. All of us are facing difficulties," he said.

Currently, Kaw Thaung's Strategic Commander has temporarily banned a week’s travelling pass to Thailand, due to human trafficking issues.