Myanmar and Laos have officially resumed cross-river border transport along the Mekong River following a bilateral visit by Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to Laos earlier this month, according to local media reports. "When the crossing was closed, people who wanted to work in Laos had to cross illegally. The Wanpong crossing is one of eastern Shan State's primary trade and passenger gateways, serving a role similar to that of the high-traffic Mae Sai–Tachileik checkpoint on the Thai-Myanmar border. According to the military regime's Immigration Department, five Myanmar nationals were issued passes and crossed into Laos on the first day of operations. Authorities have not yet clarified whether travelers with international passports will be permitted to use the river crossing.