Tha Song Yang: Fierce clashes erupted between Karen and Burmese soldiers on the Thai-Myanmar border, leading to the indefinite postponement of school openings in Tha Song Yang district. Over 400 Burmese civilians have fled into Thailand seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict.
According to Thai News Agency, the clashes began last night with the sound of gunfire reverberating across the border into Thailand. The fighting intensified early this morning around 5 a.m., as Karen National Union (KNU) soldiers, along with allied forces, launched an offensive against Myanmar soldiers to capture a strategic battalion stronghold. The situation has reached a heightened level of tension not seen in weeks.
The conflict saw Karen soldiers surrounding the Myanmar military headquarters in Myawaddy District, Karen State, located just one kilometer from the Thai border near Mae La Thai Village. The Karen forces employed drones equipped with bombs and machine guns, leading to a prolonged exchange of fire with Burmese troops. Explosions were audible along the border for several hours, escalating the risk to nearby Thai communities.
As a precaution, the opening of Ban Mae Sala School and Ban Mae Ok Pha Ru School was postponed indefinitely to ensure the safety of students and educators. Residents of Mae La village, in close proximity to the conflict zone, were instructed to relocate to secure areas. Security has been tightened with the Rajamanu Task Force, the 35th Task Force rangers, the Tha Song Yang District Administration, and the 344th Border Patrol Police safeguarding the villagers amidst the escalating situation. Latest reports indicate that Karen forces successfully captured the 24th Battalion headquarters at Mo Kui Lu base.
In response to the conflict, 414 Burmese women and children sought refuge in Thailand on May 15, taking shelter in two designated temporary safe areas: Mae La Temple and Mae Ok Pha Lu Temple in Mae La Subdistrict, Tha Song Yang District. Thai soldiers are ensuring security and providing humanitarian aid in accordance with international standards. Authorities continue to assess and monitor the situation closely.