Divided by a border, connected by humanity; Singkorn checkpoint
Towards the Singkon border crossing into Myanmar
Route: Chumphon to Cha-am
Distance: 320km
Time: 6hrs
Thoughts: It smelled cleaner along the way than it did down south
Today was a more leisurely ride from Chumphon to Cha-am, a beach area. Seaside towns all over the world look and feel the same; there’s a casual laid back atmosphere with pubs, drinking and some partying. It feels informal and easy going. No one really bothers when things are out of place and there’s room to breathe. It isn’t the first, nor will it be the last seaside town I visit, so I’m content just to soak in the atmosphere without really engaging with it.
Other than that, the only notable event was passing by the Thai-Myanmese checkpoint. That gave me goosebumps, thinking that the only thing separating a nation in peace and another in civil war, is but an administrative border; a bridge. Of course growing up with British influence, the history books always referred to it as Burma and for some reason that stuck in my head. For generations, everyone knew the country as Burma, named after the dominant Burman ethnic group. In fact, it was only during my lifetime that its name was changed to Myanmar after a military coup.
I had a few Myanmese friends growing up but I can’t say I know much about the place. Seeing the Thai-Myanmar border sign and realising that Myanmar is not actually that far away from Singapore, puts things into perspective, that life could actually be that drastically different, even though we’re barely miles apart. While the average income in Myanmar is roughly SGD$300, the average Singaporean complains about being given free money because a few hundred dollars is too little! If there’s a nation on earth who needs to be told the phrase, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”, it would be Singaporeans.
As I continued my journey, the differences between nations lingered in my thoughts. The bustling, vibrant streets of Thailand, stood in stark contrast to the struggles faced just across the border, reminding me of how geopolitical lines can dictate and indeed, shape the destinies of millions. And even as I chide my own countrymen for their entitled behaviours, I don’t often think about my privilege of being born a Singaporean; one of the richest nations on earth with possibly the most powerful passport.
And so with each mile, I grew in mindful awareness of the advantages that come with my nationality. I am thankful for the safe and comfortable life I have as one, filled with many opportunities, including the chance to come on this trip.