Thailand has canceled the closure of four ports along the Mekong River to continue trade with China. The ports were closed recently as part of the country's measures to curb the COVID-19 spread. The reopening will allow exports and imports of essential products to and from China.
Chiang Rai Governor Prajon Pratyakul on Thursday said that the decision to lift the ban was made because shipments of essential goods from China were necessary to aid people impacted by the pandemic. Besides, the COVID-19 situation in China has gradually turned better.
The closure caused shortages of daily necessities in Thailand and Myanmar's border towns that depend on imports from Thailand. It also resulted in cargo pile-up at port terminals of the ports. However, the port operations will be limited to only three working-days each week. Travelers are still prohibited from entering the ports.
