More than 5 months after the first lot of teak logs was for the first time, allowed to be exported through Tachilek-Chiangrai route, the second lot has come through the Friendship Bridge II between Tachilek and Maesai, report Lahu and Shan resources.

Hundreds of teak logs marked “Siva Commerce Limited Partnership” have piled up near the Friendship Bridge II on the Thai side of the border since Wednesday, 28 June.

The first lot of 620 logs worth $ 2.5 million came through Chiangsaen, near Maesai in January. Arnond Markmasilp, better known as “Sia Ar”, then told reporters he was expecting another 1,300 logs.

Eversince the Friendship Bridge II was inaugurated on 22 January, there has been several reports of smuggling teak logs by night. “This is the first time the logs are being hauled in broad daylight,” said a Shan businessman.