At least 567 people from Myanmar have crossed into Thailand seeking refuge after an attack by the ethnic armed group Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) on a military base in Myanmar’s Kayin State, AFP reported on Saturday, citing the Thai army.
According to a statement by the Thai army, the KNLA launched the assault around 3 PM local time. Although Myanmar’s military attempted to resist for some time, they eventually retreated. Subsequently, about 100 Myanmar soldiers and 467 civilians crossed the border into Thailand’s western Tak province.
The Thai army stated that those who crossed the border have been disarmed and are receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, border patrols have been intensified to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.
Saw Thamain Tun, a political leader of the KNLA, said that the KNLA had seized several Myanmar military outposts in the border area during the clashes. He further added, “Some Myanmar soldiers have joined the KNLA’s joint forces, while many others have fled to Thailand.”
Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been experiencing ongoing clashes between the junta and various ethnic armed groups as well as pro-democracy resistance forces. According to UN data, more than 81,000 Myanmar refugees have already taken shelter in Thailand due to the ongoing civil conflict.
Source: AFP