Aircraft reported to bomb rebel hideout near Thailand-Myanmar border

Scoop: Myanmar's Escalating War Reaches Thailand's Border

KANCHANABURI - Just last Monday, a Myanmar warplane could be seen dropping around ten explosives on a Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) base. Witnesses close to the border saw this unfold as a Y-12 aircraft unleashed bombs over Tiki village in Tanintharyi Region, and thirty minutes later, heard the thunderous sounds of impact.

The villagers of Ban Phu Nam Ron border pass in Muang district reported observing three MI17 helicopters touchdown in the vicinity, delivering approximately sixty soldiers to the area, which serves as a base for the KNLA. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were mentioned.

As the conflict between the Myanmar military junta and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) intensifies, troops and fighters clash perilously close to Kanchanaburi province. To maintain order, Thailand's 9th Infantry Division has stepped up security patrols along the border.

Since the violence is escalating, there's a high chance the fighting will become even more intense. Authorities have warned Myanmar against allowing the conflict to encroach upon Thailand or dropping bombs dangerously near the border.

Recent skirmishes were reported about 40 km from Thailand's Mae Sot District in Tak province. In response, villagers fled their homes and sought refuge along the border. This is merely the latest headache resulting from the conflict-induced displacement that has lingered since post-2021 violence.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has proposed Thailand as a mediator for peace talks, offering an opportunity at resolution during the 2025 BIMSTEC Summit. However, the National Unity Government (NUG) and allied ethnic groups have expressed concerns about regional leaders engaging with Myanmar’s military, given the widespread civilian casualties.

The proximity of these confrontations to Thai territory highlights the potential for regional instability. Thailand, attempting to maintain a delicate balance, faces humanitarian concerns and diplomatic outreach while navigating escalating violence.

Information gleaned from multiple resources suggests that the conflict between Myanmar's military junta and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) has intensified significantly, posing considerable cross-border ramifications for Thailand.

Quaking Borders:The KNLA and Myanmar’s military engaged in a severe battle on April 21, 2025, causing intense cross-border tension for Thailand. The clash featured airstrikes from a Y-12 aircraft near Tiki village and the arrival of three MI17 helicopters, delivering troops before violence erupted 40 km from the border of Mae Sot District in Tak province [5][2].
Refugee Crisis:Around 200 Karen civilians crossed into Thailand's Tak province due to drone bombings and skirmishes near the Moei River border on April 19-20. This comes after years of displacement caused by post-2021 coup violence [1][3].
Thai's Plight and Diplomacy:
Border Surveillance: Thailand's 9th Infantry Division has ramped up border security to prevent spillover from the conflict [5].
Intermediation Proposal: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has proposed Thailand as a mediator for peace talks during the 2025 BIMSTEC Summit [2].
ASEAN's Controversy: The National Unity Government (NUG) and allied ethnic groups advocated against ASEAN leaders engaging with Myanmar’s military in light of ongoing civilian casualties [2].

As the conflict intensifies, the risk of regional destabilization increases. Thailand strives to uphold humanitarian concerns and diplomatic ties while navigating an escalating crisis.

Regional Fallout: The Myanmar military, in a recent escalation on April 21, 2025, conducted airstrikes near Tiki village involving a Y-12 aircraft, while thirty minutes later, three MI17 helicopters were spotted delivering troops to the vicinity, causing intense border tension for Thailand [5][2].
Humanitarian Concerns: Approximately 200 Karen civilians fled to Thailand's Tak province on April 19-20, due to skirmishes and drone bombings near the Moei River border, exacerbating a longstanding crisis caused by post-2021 violence [1][3].
Thailand's Balancing Act: The 9th Infantry Division of Thailand has escalated border security patrols to prevent conflict spillover [5]. Meanwhile, Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has proposed Thailand as a mediator for peace talks during the 2025 BIMSTEC Summit, while the National Unity Government and allied ethnic groups express reservations about ASEAN leaders engaging with Myanmar’s military due to civilian casualties [2].