Thailand is seeking to keep their border with Myanmar closed, efforts that include keeping checkpoints shut and carrying our border patrols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 between the two countries.

Myanmar has seen a surge in people who are tested and are COVID-19 positive, as well as people who appear to have symptoms. A growing number of deaths have been reported, with concerns voiced that doctors are working in difficult situations with limited medicinal supplies, including oxygen for those who are having problems breathing.

On Thursday this week, Thailand’s Ban Phu Nam Rom-Tiki permanent border cargo checkpoint with Myanmar was ordered closed from July 22-August 4 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between the two countries, according to the Bangkok Post.

The closure order for the checkpoint in Kanchanaburi was issued on Monday, signed by governor Jirakiat Phumsawat as chairman of the provincial communicable disease committee. During the closure, transport of all kinds of goods across the border in either direction is prohibited. Violators are liable to up to one year in prison and or a fine of 100,000 baht.

The Ban Phu Nam Ron is a border village in Muang district of Kanchanaburi is across the border from Tiki in Myanmar's Tanintharyi Region.