29-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Amidst the escalating civil unrest in Myanmar, the Royal Thai Navy has taken a proactive stance, deploying four vessels to the Andaman Sea in preparation for a potential evacuation of Thai nationals from the neighboring country. This strategic move, spearheaded by Navy chief Admiral Adung Pan-Iam, underscores Thailand’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.
Admiral Adung has issued directives to the Region 3 commander, responsible for the Andaman coast, to mobilize two frigates, HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, alongside two landing ships, HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Mattaphon. These vessels stand ready to facilitate the evacuation of Thais from Myanmar should the clashes between the Myanmar government army and resistance forces intensify, posing an imminent threat to civilian lives.
“The four vessels are on standby, prepared to extract Thais from Myanmar if the fighting between the government forces and resistance groups escalates to a point where their lives are at risk,” Admiral Adung Pan-Iam stated, emphasizing the navy’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Thai citizens abroad.
Meanwhile, the situation along the border between Mae Sot district in Tak province and Myawaddy township appears to have temporarily stabilized after a recent bout of intense fighting in the area opposite Sai Yok district in Kanchanaburi province. According to a Thai security source, the lull followed a confrontation on Sunday, during which approximately 120 resistance fighters captured and set ablaze a government military base manned by 20 soldiers, after two days of clashes.
“The smoke and flames from the captured base could be seen from Thai soil,” the source revealed, adding that the fighting took place in the Dawei area, located about 10 kilometers from Ban Thai Muang in Sai Yok district of Thailand.
While reports of casualties and injuries resulting from the skirmish have yet to be confirmed, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the volatile nature of the situation unfolding in Myanmar and the potential risks it poses to civilians and foreign nationals alike.
