Myanmar-Tak border conflicts under scrutiny by Ratchamanu Task Force
In the Phop Phra district of Tak province, Thailand, clashes between Myanmar junta troops and resistance forces, including the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), continue to escalate near the border.
The latest update reports a fierce battle that took place on August 13, resulting in the deaths of 14 junta soldiers[1]. This clash, which involved approximately 150 junta soldiers and MSRF fighters, occurred near the Phop Phra district.
However, since the August 13 battle, no direct new updates specific to Phop Phra district have been found. Yet, the overall situation remains highly volatile with frequent clashes and military operations in the border areas surrounding Tak province.
Myanmar junta forces have been launching attacks against civilian areas in Karen State, causing injuries and property damage[2]. For instance, on August 14, they targeted villages with rocket attacks.
The KNLA and allied groups have been actively seizing junta positions, such as a hilltop base in Tanintharyi Region on August 17[3]. This shows the ongoing offensive operations by the resistance forces.
Intense airstrikes against Karen National Union targets, including 20 airstrikes on KNU Brigade 7 headquarters in Hpa-An District on August 11, indicate sustained military pressure in the region[4].
The Ratchamanu Task Force is currently monitoring the ongoing clashes along the Myanmar border in Phop Phra district, Tak province. As of the time of this report, the clashes continue.
The initial attack occurred approximately 500 metres from the border, opposite Ruam Thai Phatthana subdistrict, Phop Phra district, Tak province, on May 21, 2023, at around 7.45pm. Myanmar troops from Infantry Battalion 315 launched a heavy weapons attack[5]. The fighting continued until dawn on Thursday.
The attack was directed against the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), and it occurred near the Nam Dan checkpoint in Myawaddy district, Karen State.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-soldiers-killed-clashes-with-ethnic-army-in-border-area-2021-08-13/ [2] https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-forces-attack-karen-state-villages-causing-injuries-damage.html [3] https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/karen-army-seizes-hilltop-base-in-tanintharyi-region.html [4] https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/khu-tho-air-base-hit-by-junta-airstrikes-in-kayin-state.html [5] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/22/myanmar-rebel-group-says-it-repelled-attack-by-junta-forces
In the realm of general news, the ongoing conflict between Myanmar junta troops and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in the border areas of Tak province, Thailand, has influenced the broader political landscape. The escalating clashes, such as the one on August 13 that resulted in the deaths of 14 junta soldiers, also involve business interests, as the volatile situation may affect trade and investment in the region. War-and-conflicts, like these, continue to dominate the headlines, casting a shadow over the future of politics and economic growth in the region.
