Economy of Tachilek

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 being a rough town, since it is a major distribution point for heroin and ya ba (speed pills) moving from Myanmar to the world market