Thailand’s foreign minister made a visit to the Myanmar border on Friday following days of intense clashes that have displaced junta troops from a crucial trade hub in the neighboring country. The conflict between Myanmar’s military and ethnic minority armed groups has caused chaos in the border town of Myawaddy, with people fleeing into Thailand to escape the violence.
Foreign minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara visited the “Friendship bridges” that connect the Thai town of Mae Sot with Myawaddy, where displaced junta troops were reportedly seeking shelter near one of the bridges. Despite the tense situation, the border appeared calm on Friday morning, with Thai soldiers reporting hearing gunshots and blasts in Myanmar during their night watch.
The capture of Myawaddy would be a significant blow to the junta, which has faced multiple battlefield losses in recent months. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed that soldiers had to withdraw from their base in Myawaddy for their families’ safety, leading to discussions between the junta and Thai authorities about the soldiers’ situation.
During the visit, preparations for a potential influx of people fleeing the fighting in Myanmar were also observed. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasized that Thailand would not allow anyone to enter its airspace, referencing the recent clashes in Myawaddy. Thailand had previously stated its readiness to accept up to 100,000 refugees from Myanmar.
The situation at the border remains tense, with both countries closely monitoring the developments and preparing for any potential escalation of the conflict.