Fresh fighting in eastern Myanmar has prompted over 1,300 people to seek refuge in neighboring Thailand, officials reported on Saturday. The clashes occurred in Myawaddy, a border town recently seized by Karen ethnic guerillas, marking a significant setback for Myanmar’s military junta.
The conflict escalated near the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, a vital trade route, when Karen fighters launched an attack against Myanmar troops. Thai authorities observed an influx of refugees since Friday, following clashes in various parts of Myawaddy.
The fall of Myawaddy represents another blow to Myanmar’s military, which has faced mounting resistance since seizing power from the elected government in 2021. Ethnic minority groups and pro-democracy guerrilla units have scored unprecedented victories, challenging the regime’s authority.
Despite intermittent gunfire, the situation appeared to stabilize by Saturday afternoon. Thai authorities assured the safety of fleeing civilians, providing humanitarian assistance and relocating them to secure areas.
Videos from the border depict Thai soldiers guarding the bridge as explosions and gunfire echo in the background. Civilians, including families with children, crossed the river to safety, where they received aid from Thai officials.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed his commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens. He pledged humanitarian assistance while closely monitoring the situation at the border.
Thailand’s efforts to assist displaced individuals from Myanmar have been ongoing. In March, the country delivered humanitarian aid to approximately 20,000 displaced people, with plans to expand its aid initiatives, according to Nikorndej Balangura, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As tensions persist along the Thai-Myanmar border, the plight of displaced civilians underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis fueled by political unrest and armed conflict in Myanmar’s eastern regions.
