Unlicensed cars imported from Thailand into the Myanmar border town of Myawady are reportedly selling well, according to local car traders.
“[Trade at] the Kanku Car Sales Depot is doing better [than normal]. The state of the cars is as to be expected: some are replete, while some are lacking parts – it’s a mixed bag. That said, a Honda Fit model ranges from K1.5 to K2 million, while Toyota Proboxs are a popular model as they can be used to leisure or business,” said Ko Si Thu, a car trading expert.
The average price of a 2004 Toyota Probox model at the Myawady Kanku Car Sales Depot in mid-August ranged between K1.5 – 2 million, while a 2001 Toyota Caldina fetched between K1.7 – 1.9 million. The majority of buyers of the Probox from the town of Myawady reportedly utilize the car for both home and commercial activities.
Despite car markets in other parts of Kayin State, such as the capital of Hpa-an, having reportedly slumped of late, there is a lot of business taking place in the Myawady market in regard to 2003-04 Honda Fit models which are going for between K1 – 1.3 million.
“People within the town buy and sell through their contacts. Honda Fit models are currently being bought and sold for between K1 – 1.3 million. They’re the kind of car that change hands regularly,” said Daw Aye Thadar, a car trader from Myawady.
The vehicles which end up in Myawady’s Kanku Car Depot are ferried across the from Thai district of Mae Sot located on the opposite side of the river which acts as a natural dividing line between the two countries.
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar.
