Myanmar base seizure by Karen militant group triggers mass refugee departure
Live Update: Clashes Between Myanmar Military and Karen Forces Escalate
The tense situation along Myanmar's border with Thailand continues to heat up, as the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) seized a military base from the Myanmar army in their state. This action triggered a massive exodus of over 300 Myanmar citizens seeking refuge in Tak province, Thailand[1][2].
The Thai border area, specifically between Mae La in Tak and Hpa-An district of Karen state in Myanmar, has been fortified with reinforced security forces[1]. This increased presence was initiated in response to the influx of refugees, who are understandably fearful amid ongoing conflicts between the Myanmar military and the KNLA[1][2].
In an alliance with the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO), the rebel group launched an attack on the Repanadi military base in Lang Poi district, just seven kilometres away from the Thai border[1]. Initial reports suggest the use of air support by Myanmar soldiers[1]. This offensive follows a fragile ceasefire declared by Myanmar's military, aiming to facilitate post-March 28 earthquake recovery[1].
However, multiple reports have circulated about air strikes and mortar attacks on rebel-held territories during this ceasefire period[1][2]. Furthermore, on May 10, stark clashes in Karen State resulted in substantial losses among junta troops[4].
Recent sightings of Myanmar fighter jets near the Thai border are causing concern. According to Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, these jets have not breached Thai airspace[1]. Nevertheless, given the escalating conflicts, it is crucial to maintain vigilant border security[1].
However, this delicate balance remains under scrutiny, as the situation along the border continues to evolve.
- Insight: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) asserts that as of April 29, over 112,000 people from Kayin State had been displaced (including those crossing into Thailand and internally displaced)[3]. This growing humanitarian crisis underscores the urgent need for regional diplomacy and de-escalation to protect civilians and prevent further displacement.
[1] Associated Press. (2022, May 14). Clashes between Myanmar military and Karen forces displace over 300 people. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/clashes-between-myanmar-military-karen-forces-displace-more-300-people-2022-05-14/
[2] Myanmar Now. (2022, May 14). UPDATE 2-More than 300 Myanmar refugees flee to Thailand amid ongoing fighting. Myanmar Now. https://www.mmtimes.com/news/military-news/301586/update-2-over-300-myanmar-refugees-flee-thailand-amid-ongoing-fighting.html
[3] Tatan, A. (2022, April 29). Conflict forces more than 112,000 Kayin villagers to flee their homes. Myanmar Now. https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar/300657/conflict-forces-more-than-112000-kayin-villagers-to-flee-their-homes.html
[4] AFP. (2022, May 10). Fighting in Myanmar's Kayin state kills more than 30 soldiers. Bangkok Post. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1939875/fighting-in-myanmars-kayin-state-kills-more-than-30-soldiers
- The escalating clashes between Myanmar military and Karen forces in Myanmar's border with Thailand have resulted in over 112,000 people displaced, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
- Myanmar citizens have crossed into Tak province, Thailand due to the ongoing conflicts, seeking refuge and causing concern for increased border security, especially with sightings of Myanmar fighter jets near the Thai border.
- The ceasefire declared by Myanmar's military, meant to facilitate post-March 28 earthquake recovery, has been compromised by multiple reports of air strikes and mortar attacks on rebel-held territories during this period.
- With the growing humanitarian crisis and evolving border situation, regional diplomacy and de-escalation are essential to protect civilians and prevent further displacement, as the volatile politics of policy-and-legislation and general-news continue to play out in Myanmar.
