Thai-Myanmar Border: Intense Fighting Forces Hundreds to Flee to Thailand
Thai armored cars patrolled Mae Sot, Thailand, on April 10, 2024, as fighting between the Myanmar junta and an ethnic armed group continued near the border.
Hundreds of people queued to enter Thailand, seeking safety from the violence.
Thai soldiers were stationed at the friendship bridge, with Myanmar soldiers visible on the other side.
Many civilians crossed the bridge into Thailand, including a 49-year-old woman named Khu, who said she was scared and wanted to escape the conflict.
The fighting took place near a vital trade hub, with the sound of artillery booming across the border.
A woman staying in Thailand with a seven-day visa expressed her unwillingness to return due to ongoing fighting in Myanmar's Karen state.
A Thai soldier reported the conflict sounds as the most intense in his 15-year career.
Fourteen-year-old Jafal Sweardik and his family had recently crossed the border from Myawaddy, describing the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations disrupted by artillery and gunfire.
Thai immigration reported an increase of around 4,000 daily crossings from Myanmar, up from the usual 1,900.
Authorities are increasing the number of immigration officials in response to potential increases in arrivals, following clashes between the military and the Karen National Union (KNU) in Myanmar.
The KNU claimed over 600 soldiers, police, and their families had surrendered after seizing a military base near Myawaddy.
The junta has not commented on the claim.
Myawaddy is a significant trade hub, with over $1.1 billion worth of trade passing through it in the past year, providing crucial revenue for the military.
The clashes come as the junta faces defeats in the north and west of Myanmar, leading some to believe it may be overthrown.
Fighting between Myanmar military and Karen National Union (KNU) forces erupted around Myawaddy, Myanmar, on Tuesday, causing residents to flee across the border to Mae Sot, Thailand.
Residents reported continuous fighting, artillery sounds, and plane flyovers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Traffic was blocked from entering Myawaddy from the Myanmar side.
Thai military vehicles were seen heading towards the border on Tuesday night.
KNU fighters did not enter Myawaddy but residents were hiding for security reasons.
People are entering Mae Sot, Thailand, from Myanmar due to clashes in the region.
Thai authorities are preparing to accept up to 100,000 refugees.
The Thai foreign minister made this announcement as Thai officials met to discuss the border issue.
There have been many online posts seeking shelter.
Thailand and Myanmar share a 2,400-kilometer border.
Thai soldiers were stationed at the friendship bridge, with Myanmar soldiers visible on the other side.
Many civilians crossed the bridge into Thailand, including a 49-year-old woman named Khu, who said she was scared and wanted to escape the conflict.
The fighting took place near a vital trade hub, with the sound of artillery booming across the border.
A woman staying in Thailand with a seven-day visa expressed her unwillingness to return due to ongoing fighting in Myanmar's Karen state.
A Thai soldier reported the conflict sounds as the most intense in his 15-year career.
Fourteen-year-old Jafal Sweardik and his family had recently crossed the border from Myawaddy, describing the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations disrupted by artillery and gunfire.
Thai immigration reported an increase of around 4,000 daily crossings from Myanmar, up from the usual 1,900.
Authorities are increasing the number of immigration officials in response to potential increases in arrivals, following clashes between the military and the Karen National Union (KNU) in Myanmar.
The KNU claimed over 600 soldiers, police, and their families had surrendered after seizing a military base near Myawaddy.
The junta has not commented on the claim.
Myawaddy is a significant trade hub, with over $1.1 billion worth of trade passing through it in the past year, providing crucial revenue for the military.
The clashes come as the junta faces defeats in the north and west of Myanmar, leading some to believe it may be overthrown.
Fighting between Myanmar military and Karen National Union (KNU) forces erupted around Myawaddy, Myanmar, on Tuesday, causing residents to flee across the border to Mae Sot, Thailand.
Residents reported continuous fighting, artillery sounds, and plane flyovers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Traffic was blocked from entering Myawaddy from the Myanmar side.
Thai military vehicles were seen heading towards the border on Tuesday night.
KNU fighters did not enter Myawaddy but residents were hiding for security reasons.
People are entering Mae Sot, Thailand, from Myanmar due to clashes in the region.
Thai authorities are preparing to accept up to 100,000 refugees.
The Thai foreign minister made this announcement as Thai officials met to discuss the border issue.
There have been many online posts seeking shelter.
Thailand and Myanmar share a 2,400-kilometer border.
Translation:
Translated by AI
