[4] The bridges are part of the East-West Economic Corridor connecting Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

[5] The First and Second Friendship Bridges are located over the Moei River, connecting Tak Province, Thailand with Kayin State, Myanmar.

The decision came from the governor of Tak province, Pongrat Piromrat, after health authorities in Mae Sot said that they were confident COVID-19 had been brought under control in the area.

[14] During the COVID-19 closure, Myawaddy came under fighting due to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which would later lead to several incidents involving the bridges.

On 11 March 2022, insurgents groups bombed the Second Friendship Bridge, resulting in a drop of cargo trucks travelling across the Myanmar-Thai border.

The bomb had been planted by insurgent forces, and cut the power supply to the area around the bridge on the Myanmar side.

[16] Myanmar officials and the Border Guard Force then clashed with an insurgent group at the explosion site for 15 minutes.

Both towns had heavy Chinese investments, and contracts between Shwe Myint Thaung Yinn (SMTY) Industry and Manufacturing Co. Ltd and PEA kept them supplied with electricity.

On April 10, the KNU claimed to have captured the city and push junta soldiers out towards the Second Friendship Bridge.