Sources indicate that an additional border checkpoint long controlled by Burmese government armed forces in Tachilek township, opposite Maesai in Thailand, will cede partial control to the Shan State government for the first time. Plans for new checkpoints on the border have coincided with increased communication between the two governments, with recently elected Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra visiting Naypyidaw this week for the first time in her tenure.

The Tachilek-Maesai border checkpoint has two bridges, with one side for visa and immigration controls and another for the import and export of goods. Shan State officials will assume control and enjoy the financial benefits of the immigration bridge for the checkpoint near downtown Tachilek, while the operation and benefit of the import and export checkpoint will remain under Burmese government operation. The Shan State government will assume complete control of the BP1 checkpoint near Mongton, opposite Chiangmai’s Chiangdao district, including the fees required of people and businesses crossing the border.

Thailand Prime Minister Shinawatra’s trip to Burma this week has increased speculation over the current state of Thai Burma relations and future possibilities in business. Thailand has long looked to Burma for the availability of valuable natural resources and cheap migrant labor.

An increase in border accessibility for both countries could prove mutually beneficial. According to the state run New Light of Myanmar newspaper, Yingluck’s discussions with various top Burmese officials Wednesday included Thai Burma border trade and the future for migrant workers from Burma currently in Thailand.

An October 6th article by the Mass Communications Organization of Thailand indicated that Ms Yingluck also requested the reopening of the main border checkpoint at the Mae Sot-Myawaddy River in Tak. The checkpoint has been closed, along with 20 others on the river.