13-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Amidst escalating tensions along the Thai-Myanmar border, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara issued a stern warning during a visit to the region on Friday, asserting that his nation would not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty. This statement comes in the wake of days of intense clashes that have dislodged junta troops from their positions in the neighbouring country of Myanmar.
The border town of Myawaddy has been rattled by fierce fighting between Myanmar’s military and ethnic armed groups this week, prompting a mass exodus of people fleeing into Thailand. The resounding boom of artillery shells and gunfire could be heard echoing across the border, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The ongoing conflict in Myanmar, ignited by the military’s coup in 2021, has repeatedly sent waves of refugees seeking safe haven across the two countries’ shared 2,400-kilometre border. The recent escalation of violence has raised alarm bells in Bangkok, prompting the Foreign Minister’s visit to the volatile region.
“Our soldiers are guarding along the border, showing we are ready to protect, and not let anyone violate our sovereignty,” Parnpree told reporters, his words resonating with determination. “Thailand has clearly stated that we will not allow anyone to violate Thai soil, we will not accept it.”
The conflict in Myanmar has previously prompted a robust response from Thailand, with the kingdom scrambling jet fighters in 2022 after junta planes breached the border during operations against anti-coup fighters. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin echoed these sentiments earlier on Friday, stating, “I have talked to the army chief, we can’t accept if our airspace has been trespassed.”
On Thursday, the Karen National Union (KNU) informed AFP that displaced junta troops had sought shelter near the terminus of one of the bridges on the Myanmar side. AFP reporters noted a calm atmosphere on Friday morning along the Moei river that divides the two nations, though a Thai soldier standing guard at the border recounted hearing gunshots and blasts in Myanmar during his night watch. Across the border, a loudspeaker blared out Buddhist prayers, a haunting backdrop to the unfolding crisis.
As the situation unfolded, seven Thai armoured cars carrying soldiers arrived on Friday morning to relieve the night watch, their presence a visible reminder of the nation’s readiness to defend its borders. A handful of trucks arrived on the Thai side from Myanmar over the “2nd Friendship Bridge,” with one truck driver expressing relief at having made it back safely.
However, reports indicate that the Myanmar junta was sending reinforcements towards Myawaddy, heightening tensions in the region. A KNU source revealed that its fighters and allied “People’s Defence Forces” had clashed with the military on Friday at Kawkareik, about 40 kilometres away from Myawaddy by road, although details of the engagement were scarce. A resident of nearby Kyonedoe town reported that two civilians had been injured in artillery shelling on Thursday night.
The complete capture of Myawaddy by the ethnic armed groups would deal a humiliating blow to the junta, which has suffered a string of battlefield losses in recent months, prompting rare criticism of its top brass by its supporters. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed to local media late Thursday that junta soldiers “had to withdraw” from their base in Myawaddy, citing concerns for their families’ safety. He acknowledged discussions with Thai authorities regarding the soldiers but did not provide further details.
During his one-day visit, Parnpree also assessed preparations for a potential influx of people fleeing the violence in Myanmar. Thailand has stated its readiness to accept up to 100,000 refugees from the neighbouring country, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the nation’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance.
