Mae Sot

Mae Sot (Thai:แม่สอด, pronounced [mɛ̂ː sɔ̀ːt]; Burmese:မဲဆောက်, [mɛ́ sʰaʊʔ]; Shan:ႄႈသၢႆ, [ɛ sʰaaj]) is a city in western Thailand that shares a border with Burma to the west. It is notable as a trade hub and for its substantial population of Burmese migrants and refugees. The city is part of Tak Province, 87 km from the city of Tak and 509 km from Bangkok. It is home to the district headquarters of Mae Sot District, and is the main gateway between Thailand and Burma. As a result, it has gained notoriety for its trade in gems and teak, as well as black market services such as people trafficking and drugs.