A Thai-Myanmar border checkpoint in western Thailand remains closed until the middle of this month due to the pandemic situation in Myanmar, confirmed a senior Thai government official on Wednesday.

Kanchanaburi provincial governor Chirakiat Phumisawat said he has ordered the extension to the shutdown of Three Pagodas Pass, which links Sangkhla Buri district of Kanchanaburi with Payathonzu township in Karen state of Myanmar until Nov. 16.

Due to the extended border shutdown, cross-border travels for trucks, carrying consumer goods and other merchandise bound for Myanmar, and local villagers between Sangkhla Buri district and Payathonzu township are completely banned, Chirakiat said.

Those who might possibly manage to slip into Thai territory via natural paths along the Thai-Myanmar border will be subject to a maximum of one year in prison or a maximum of 100,000 baht (about 3,223 U.S. dollars) in fine or both, according to the provincial governor.