A fire broke out at a Thai customs warehouse near the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge No. 2 in Mae Sot, Thailand, resulting in the destruction of more than 200 vehicles, according to local residents and border traders. The fire, which started around 7:30 PM on March 19, lasted approximately two hours and required the response of all available fire trucks in the city. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The warehouse was being used to store vehicles that had been seized during attempted illegal imports into Myanmar, as well as vehicles connected to various criminal cases.
Border traders have indicated that while the fire has destroyed a significant number of vehicles, it is not expected to impact the regular car market and spare parts trade in the border region. This is because the regular flow of used Japanese vehicles and auto parts continues through the established channels into Myawaddy Township in Karen State. The vehicles that were destroyed were those that had been confiscated and were not intended for the regular market.
The auto parts and vehicle trade continues to operate through Border Guard Force (BGF) checkpoints, with goods entering at competitive prices. Local traders emphasize that since the burned vehicles were those that had been seized during illegal import attempts or were connected to criminal cases, rather than vehicles intended for legitimate market distribution, the incident should not affect the regular cross-border automobile trade. The border area continues to serve as a major route for the import of used Japanese vehicles and spare parts, with traders maintaining their normal business operations despite this incident.
