Thai-Myanmar border trade drops 30% after Nargis

Bangkok, THAILAND : Thai workers arrange food items prior to loading them on a Royal Thai Air Force plane for cyclone hit Myanmar in Bangkok on May 7, 2008. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched an emergency appeal for almost six million dollars to help cyclone victims in Myanmar. Cyclone Nargis which slammed in the southern coast has left at least 22,000 people dead and another 41,000 missing by the official count, but the toll is expected to rise. AFP PHOTO

May 7, 2008
Bangkok - Trade and transportation to Myanmar drops by 30% after the Cyclone Nargis, according to Tak Federation of Industries.

Mr. Chaiyuth Senitantikul, president of Tak Federation of Industries, revealed the trade transactions decreased as it is difficult for merchants to travel from Rangoon to the border post.

Burmese workers in Mae Sot District all closely keep up with the situation in Myanmar, expressing their concerns about Burmese people in Rangoon.

Tak Federation of Industries sent its letter to more than 300 industrial entrepreneurs to call for donation for Nargis victims.

More than one million baht of donation is initially expected.

The Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar on Friday evening, causing 22,000 people dead and 41,000 missing.

Thailand yesterday offered 100,000 US dollars of subsidy to the cyclone-hit Myanmar.