Ranong-Burma border closed

RANONG: The Burmese government has closed the border at Kaw Thaung, making it impossible for foreigners to make “visa runs” across the border there, the Gazette has learned.

A representative with the Executive Visa Run company, which runs daily visa-run trips to the Burmese port of entry opposite Ranong, said that his firm learned of the closure this afternoon.

Operators of a ferry that makes the crossing called to tell him that the border was closed by the Burmese after news of last night’s military coup in Bangkok, he said.

The company continues to make daily visa runs, however, having changed to a border crossing with Malaysia in Satun Province.

The change has added about one hour to the visa run journey, which usually takes about 12 hours, he added.