explosions and gunfire are reported to be occurring about 150 kilometers south of Myawaddy’s military center.
PUBLISHED: 10 May 2024 at 18: 29
More than 100 civilians were forced to flee to Thailand after fighting and bombs broke out in Myanmar close to the Sangkhla Buri district of this western state on Friday evening.
Around 12.40 p.m. on Friday, unidentified troops were battling it out in Payathonzu town in southern Kayin position. Weapons and big arms were used. A boundary source claimed that bombs caused dust to fall into the sky and be clearly visible from the Thai side of the border.
About 2 kilometers from the frontier, according to local sources, the fighting took place at Payathonzu’s 284th regiment of the Myanmar army, same Phra Chedi Sam Ong.
More than 100 Payathonzu people, including children and the elderly, were forced to cross the boundary to find shelter at Phra Chedi Sam Ong community Moo 9 in Sangkhla Buri’s tambon Nong Lu.
Before the gunshots and loud explosions stopped, the clashes lasted for about 30 to 40 days.
About 150 kilometers south of Myawaddy, which has been the main site of intense battle between the troops and cultural rebels, the majority of whom are members of the Karen National Liberation Army, is located. Hundreds of citizens have reportedly fled across the frontier to Mae Sot in Tak state as a result of those conflicts.
Lt. Col. Attaesa-ard, captain of the 134th border police system, led police, soldiers, and local officials to the border region to keep an eye on the situation and ensure the safety of the frightened villagers. Lt. Col. Paithoon Sriwilai, commander of Sangkhla Buri officers, and Lt. Col. Att. Col. Atthol Phaesa-ard, commander of the 134th border police unit
After the gunfire subsided, some villagers returned to Payathonzu. Because they were unsure about their safety, about 40 people remained in a temporary shelter.
Pol Maj Gen Rungroj Thakoonpunyasiri, deputy commissioner of the Border Patrol Police Bureau, and senior officers inspected the border area at Phra Chedi Sam Ong village. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
On Friday afternoon, Payathonzu residents who are fleeing fighting in Myanmar cross into Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district. ( Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen )
In Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district, soldiers and border patrol officers patrol the border. ( Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen )
( Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen )