Trade and tourism have picked up at the Singkhon border market in Prachuap Khiri Khan following the reopening of the crossing between Thailand and Myanmar.
On 6 July, the Singkhon Special Border Pass in Khlong Wan, Mueang District, saw a marked increase in activity, particularly over the weekend. The surge came after Thai and Myanmar authorities agreed to reopen the crossing, allowing people to travel between the two countries using border passes.
The move has led to a revival of the Singkhon border market, with vendors from Myanmar once again able to bring their goods to sell on the Thai side. Products such as shrimp, crab, fish, bananas, taro, dried foods, and consumer goods have been popular with shoppers. Thanaka, a traditional skincare product widely used in Myanmar, is also proving a draw.
Alongside these items, locally known products from Singkhon—such as wooden furniture, gemstone jewellery, and orchids—remain key attractions.
The market has seen an uptick in visitors, including both locals and tourists, who have been keen to support vendors from the border communities. The increased foot traffic is helping to boost income and stimulate the local economy, which had been affected by the previous closure of the crossing due to unrest in Myanmar.
The reopening is being trialled as a 10-day pilot programme running from 4 to 13 July. If successful, the market will operate every Friday to Sunday, with the aim of promoting tourism and cross-border trade.
