At the military checkpoint in Chamauk Gyi city, Tanintharyi Region, police and militia members are reportedly extorting excessive amounts of money from cargo vehicles and forcing them to transport military supplies. According to local residents, trucks traveling from Kawthaung to Myeik and Yangon are being forced to pay between 20,000 and 500,000 kyats per vehicle at the Chamauk Gyi checkpoint. Additionally, trucks carrying seafood products from Bokpyin to Kawthaung are being extorted for at least 20,000 kyats under threats from authorities.
Led by the Chamauk Gyi police station commander, officials are extorting money from cargo vehicles and deliberately delaying those who cannot pay the demanded amounts using various pretexts. Between 50 to 100 cargo vehicles pass through daily, and while trucks and passenger vehicles previously only had to pay between 5,000 to 10,000 kyats at the checkpoint, they are now facing significant hardships due to these excessive monetary demands, according to truck drivers and business owners. The situation has created substantial difficulties for transportation and commerce in the region.
A former hearse driver turned militia leader named Ko Lat is also extorting money from seafood transport vehicles traveling from Bokpyin to Kawthaung. He threatens and delays drivers who refuse to pay, and forces motorcycle riders to push their vehicles at the checkpoint, threatening those who do not comply. Another militia member named Ko Phone is reported to abuse traveling civilians and extort money by threatening to have them arrested if they lack travel documentation. These actions demonstrate a pattern of systematic exploitation of civilians at the checkpoint.
The military frequently commandeers local cargo vehicles under the pretext of requiring assistance, forcing them to transport military rations, soldiers, sand, stone, and other supplies. Truck drivers fear retaliation from local defense forces for being forced to assist the military. This fear has intensified after a military supporter named Han Aung was reportedly dealt with by People’s Defense Forces, making truck drivers particularly anxious about being coerced into transporting military supplies. The situation highlights the difficult position civilians find themselves in, caught between military demands and potential consequences from resistance forces.
