20-4-2024 (BANGKOK) In response to heightened tensions along the Thai-Myanmar border, Thai military and authorities have intensified their measures to protect civilians while also preventing the spillover of violence into Thailand. The recent clashes near Myawaddy, opposite Mae Sot in Tak province, have prompted over 1,000 civilians to flee, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Reports from Thai broadcaster NBT reveal that resistance forces engaged in fierce combat with junta troops near the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. Utilizing 40mm machine guns and drones armed with bombs, rebels targeted around 200 junta soldiers who had retreated following a coordinated rebel assault on army posts since April 5.
Thai military forces, in collaboration with police and narcotics officers, are bolstering border security measures, particularly in the Mae Sot-Myanmar crossings, to curb the influx of refugees and maintain control amidst the escalating conflict.
As civilians from Myanmar seek refuge in Tak, there’s a pressing need for stricter border control and processing of border-crossers. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to visit Mae Sot on Tuesday to assess the situation firsthand, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Video: Myawaddy residents take ferries to cross the Moei River to Thailand as Myanmar’s junta conducts airstrikes on the border town. (Video: พจนา บุญวงศ์เมือง)#Whatshappeninginmyanmar pic.twitter.com/zLjoQfNbJK
— The Irrawaddy (Eng) (@IrrawaddyNews) April 20, 2024
Incidents like a stray bullet penetrating a house window highlight the potential risks to Thai citizens. Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher with Human Rights Watch Asia, reported over 1,200 people crossing into Thailand from Myawaddy after a military airstrike targeted Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) troops.
Prime Minister Srettha and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukura affirmed the government’s commitment to monitor the situation closely and provide humanitarian aid along the border, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Thailand’s territorial integrity.
The capture of Myawaddy by KNLA troops and resistance fighters on April 11 signifies a significant setback for the junta, which has been grappling with internal dissent and international pressure. The town’s strategic importance in trade and revenue adds weight to the implications of its capture.
While clashes persist along the border, with Thai forces engaging in combat with the junta soldiers, authorities remain vigilant. Pittayakorn Petcharat, the Mae Sot police chief, confirmed the intensifying conflict and the influx of refugees, highlighting the efforts to provide assistance and ensure public safety amidst the turmoil.
