Tachileik was a border crossing used in the opium trade from the Golden Triangle, and was the town that the drug lord Khun Sa. used to live. On 24 March 2011 a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the region very close to Tachileik. It caused some damage as far away as Chiang Mai. On 24 March 2012, a bomb wounded 2 people at the Regina Hotel golf course in Tachileik, followed by a second bomb that exploded an hour later.
Tachileik can be accessed from the Thai town of Mae Sai, which sits directly south on the other side of the small Mae Sai River. There are two bridges that provide access between Mae Sai and Tachilek, one is actively used for border crossings and the other newer one was not yet being used as of January 2007. It may be possible for tourists to take a bicycleacross the bridge, but logistically it would be difficult. It is a porous border and is actually not difficult to wade across the river. Burmese merchants used to be able to cross over and do business in Mae Sai for days at a time. The border is also a popular destination for Westerners who either reside in or are visiting Thailand and who need to get their passport visas renewed. There is no charge for a 'visa run' going from Thailand to Burma on the Thai side, but there is a charge of US$10 or 500 Thai Baht on the Burmese side.
Tourism
The crowning tourist attraction is a large gold-colored stupa, which, among other things, showcases the seven days of the week. The idea is for a pilgrim to go to the spot which has the day he/she was born known as the planetary post, and do a simple spiritual ritual. West of town there are hiking trails, though currently they are designated for locals, not for tourists. There is an Akha hill tribe, over an hour's walk north-west of Tachilek called Ho Yu. There are no maps and no guides for such excursions, and Burmese authorities frown on foreign visitors leaving the beaten track. Perhaps in the future, Tachilek authorities will lighten up on their restrictions for tourists, but for the foreseeable future: trekking, hiking, exploring, rock climbing, camping, and enjoying the river are not allowed. Pasa Wildlife Reserve is located in the eastern side of the district.
Economy
In 2009, it was reported that Tachileik vendors openly sold endangered animal parts. It has been suggested by some that this trade is fueled by the many Chinese who frequent the area. Located immediately following the bridge that divides Myanmar and Thailand is a marketplace that sells a large variety of products, including DVDs, perfume, clothing, luggage, and wine. Tachileik has a reputation as a distribution nexus for heroin and ya ba moving from rural Myanmar to the world market. The reports say the drugs are manufactured and distributed by a number of armed cease-fire groups in Shan State, in particular the United Wa State Army.
