Mae sot: Fighting in Myanmar has intensified as a grenade explosion on Thai soil injures two, escalating tensions along the border.
According to Thai News Agency, Mae Sot, located on the Thai-Myanmar border, is experiencing heightened tension following an attack by Myanmar soldiers on a rebel base near the Moei River. In the midst of the conflict, a grenade from the skirmish crossed over and landed in a Thai village, injuring two individuals, one critically. The incident also resulted in damage to several houses and vehicles.
At noon on December 5, 2015, Myanmar's 22nd Light Infantry Division launched an assault on opposition forces stationed at the Pa Sak base in Myawaddy District, Karen State, Myanmar. The base lies across the border from Mai Mae Kon Ken Village in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. The Myanmar troops, equipped with heavy weaponry, attacked positions occupied by opposition soldiers, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire and explosions. The opposition forces responded with their own heavy artillery, resulting in a prolonged battle that filled the skies between the two countries with smoke.
During the confrontation, several rounds of artillery fire landed on the Thai side of the border, with one grenade striking the densely populated Mae Kon Ken village. The explosion injured Mr. Som Champa, a 68-year-old resident, who was critically wounded by shrapnel while taking shelter at home. He was swiftly transported to Mae Sot Hospital by the Mahawan Rescue Unit. In response to the border breach, Thai soldiers fired four warning smoke rounds into Myanmar territory. The situation remains volatile, with local leaders urging residents to seek safety amid fears of further clashes.
Preliminary reports indicate that, in addition to the injuries, several cars and homes in Mae Kon Ken village sustained damage. Authorities have taken measures to relocate children and the elderly to safer areas to protect them from further incidents. To ensure the security of the border, personnel from the Rajamanu Task Force, rangers, the 35th Military District Task Force, and various local security units have been deployed to maintain Thai sovereignty in the face of ongoing border tensions.