8-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Attention has been focused on the Mae Sot border, which connects Thailand and Myanmar, after authorities in the Myanmar government reportedly requested permission to land in the area following a recent defeat by anti-government army groups.
According to multiple reports from Thai-language media outlets, Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sought approval from Thailand to land an ATR 72-600 plane in Mae Sot district, Tak province, on Sunday. The request was allegedly made to facilitate the evacuation of Myanmar officials, along with their families, who may have fled from Myawaddy after the military government’s troops suffered a defeat in the area at the hands of revolutionary groups, including the Karen National Union (KNU) and the People’s Defence Force.
Fleeing officials, reported to be predominantly police officers, immigration officers, and court officials, were said to have initially attempted to enter Thailand through the Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge. However, they later surrendered to anti-government groups.
Reports indicated that the plane arrived in Mae Sot around 9 pm on Sunday and remained for approximately an hour before departing, as no refugees showed up. It is believed that those seeking evacuation were still in the custody of the groups’ troops at the time.
Contradicting media reports, Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee stated on Monday that the Myanmar plane flew to Thailand solely to transport goods, not to evacuate fleeing citizens.
Meanwhile, opposition Fair Party MP Kannavee Suebsang took to his Facebook page, stating that Thailand should send surrendered Myanmar citizens back to their homeland as requested. However, he added that if any individuals demanded not to be repatriated due to security concerns, Thailand also has the authority to reject the request.
According to Kannavee, the number of people fleeing includes 469 surrendered Myanmar military soldiers, 67 officers, and 81 members of their families. He stated that they are all set to be sent back by Wednesday.
Kannavee, who previously worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) before entering politics, urged the Thai government to impose a safety zone area within 5 kilometres from the Thai border, as well as implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling war refugees.
As of the time of writing, reports indicate that the situation around the border remains peaceful, with people crossing borders as usual and no explosions or gunfire heard.
