The Royal Thai Air Force took swift action on Wednesday, deploying two F-16 fighter jets to patrol the airspace above Mae Sot district in Tak province for over 30 minutes. This deployment was in response to reports of clashes in Myanmar’s Myawaddy Township involving the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the People’s Defense Force (PDF), and the Burma Army’s Battalion 275 Pha Song camp, which stands as the last bastion of Burmese soldiers.
According to local sources, the anti-junta groups launched an attack on the military camp, resulting in fires and billowing black smoke over Myawaddy town. However, their efforts were met with retaliation from MiG-29 fighter jets, which dropped bombs causing loud explosions audible throughout the Thai-Myanmar border area.
The situation prompted residents of Myawaddy to hastily flee their homes, seeking refuge across the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 1 in Mae Sot. Long queues formed as Myawaddy residents sought temporary border passes to enter Thailand legally, fearing the uncertain and volatile aftermath of the clashes.
Ko Aung, a 35-year-old resident of Myawaddy, described the difficult decision faced by many families to evacuate, citing concerns for their safety amidst escalating tensions. While some have fled, others remain cautiously optimistic, monitoring the situation before deciding their next move.
Meanwhile, Thai authorities bolstered border security in Mae Sot district, deploying soldiers from the Ratchamanu special unit, Mae Sot District Administration, and the 346 Border Guard Police, along with armored vehicles and grenade launchers, to fortify the border. The focus was on securing Friendship Bridge 1 and preparing for potential influxes of refugees.
In anticipation of further escalation, Panpree Phahitthanukorn, Minister of Foreign Affairs, outlined a contingency plan to accommodate up to 100,000 individuals seeking temporary shelter. Plans for international assistance were also initiated, acknowledging Thailand’s need for collective support in addressing the evolving crisis.
