Thai authorities have closed 42 informal crossing routes between houses along the Myanmar-Thai border at the Payathonzu pass following the interception of nearly 18 million baht (approx. $490,000) in undeclared cash, according to local sources and Thai media reports.

The crackdown began after Thai immigration officials at the Nang Phakiet checkpoint in Sangkhla Buri District stopped a Thai national driving a Toyota Fortuner on May 25 at 9 a.m. During inspection, they discovered two Chang-branded bags containing 17,994,000 baht in 500- and 1,000-baht banknotes.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had used hidden pathways between houses straddling the border to smuggle the cash from Myanmar into Thailand without declaration. In response, Thai authorities on May 26 blocked dozens of these informal crossings, long suspected of being used for moving cash, contraband, and illicit goods.

Residents on the Myanmar side of Payathonzu pass confirmed increased scrutiny, with Thai officials tightening checks on temporary border gates, restricting movement, and enforcing stricter cargo inspections. The area is notorious for smuggling, including drugs, illegal migrants, and counterfeit goods, with frequent arrests by Thai authorities.

The clampdown follows broader Thai measures to curb cross-border crime, including recent disruptions to electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to Myanmar-based online scam operations. Security has been heightened across the border region.