Travellers are facing challenges due to tightened restrictions at the Myawady-Mae Sot Friendship Bridge No. 1 on the Myanmar-Thailand border.

As of April 22, the bridge remains open, but access with temporary border passes has been suspended since April 21.

This measure primarily affects travellers from Myawady, Myanmar, seeking entry into Mae Sot, Thailand, using temporary passes or booklets. Frustration is mounting as only those entering Myanmar from Thailand with passports or valid border passes are allowed to return.

"I travelled from Bangkok yesterday and need to get back today," shared a stranded woman with a passport. "The bridge closure came unexpectedly, and there's no official explanation. Is it because of the recent fighting? A technical issue? Some say that the order of closure came from Nay Pyi Taw. We're just left waiting in the dark."

The tightened restrictions come amidst ongoing conflict near the Myawady freight bridge (Friendship Bridge No. 2). Fighting erupted on April 20, causing many Myawady residents to flee for safety across the border to Mae Sot.