Dec 5, 2022, 10am-RIM MOEI MARKET
This would be the last border checkpoint visit for our Northern Borderline Chase. This market has been around for decades. Merchants from both sides do business and their goods move through this border. Here, Myanmar and Thailand is separated by the Moei River but connected by a sturdy concrete bridge across it. On the Thai side, traders used to hawk their wares placed on plastic sheet along the streets on the river bank. Now, there is a big warehouse-like shelter. Corrugated zinc roof supported by bare metal columns and no walls. It sits just next to the bridge. The traders now set up their stalls under this shelter. Small stalls packed tightly against each other, separated by thin partitions. Rows upon rows of these small stalls. The space in between rows just wide for 2 big persons to past each other. Toys, dried food, garments, jewellery, etc. Thais from all over also visit this place. I imagine it to be bustling, until Covid19 changes everything.
Back at the Mae Sot, I topped-up the engine oil of my bike to rid the “Spanner” symbol off my bike’s display. Checked out and head south.
Towards Tak, then to Kamphang Phet and Chai Nat. Check in at a hotel with a name I can’t pronounce. But it is pretty cool. Individual huts with parking next to the door. A patio to enjoy the evening sky. A swimming pool and a variety of room types to choose from. And quiet. KM7 with his B&O Bluetooth speaker is the noisiest in the neighbourhood. A private room was booked for our dinner. And here, at the restaurant, KM7 ‘officially’ announced the end of this mountaineering-on-wheels, boundary-chasing trip. He presented each of us with a gift. And then forced each of us to give a speech. To be fair, he also spoke after we did. It was a nice way to close out this awesome mind-blowing (in more ways then one) ride for us all.
We chatted over dinner, trading anecdotes of past trips until late.
Jaywalker 5/12/22
2 wheels and an engine 