Border tensions between Thailand and Myanmar escalate

Research, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Reporter : Quang Trung, VOV.VN / https://vov.vn/the-gioi/thai-lan-va-myanmar-cang-thang-bien-gioi-post912565.vov

Myanmar army attacks on villages near the border with Thailand have sent a wave of refugees flooding into Thai territory, increasing border tensions between the two neighbours.

According to Thai military sources, the Thai army opened fire on Myanmar territory on 17 December 2021 as a warning action in response to stray bullets from Myanmar into Thai territory. The source said, Thailand fired two smoke bombs according to international regulations to warn Myanmar to avoid and stop shelling on Thai territory. Thailand's actions are determined not to oppose the Myanmar military junta.

Images : Soldiers of the Karen National Union. (Reuters)

The Thai Government said that more than 2,500 refugees from Myanmar have fled to Thailand's Tak province from Kayin state in the east. Thailand has provided food and temporary shelter for these refugees. Earlier this year, Thai security forces also pushed 2,000 people across the border back to Myanmar after army attacks. This time, however, the Thai authorities have insisted they follow humanitarian principles.

The exodus of Myanmar people to the Thai border regions comes after clashes between the Myanmar military and armed units of the Karen National Coalition, which opposes Naypyitaw's military regime. The latest clashes occurred within 30km of the border with Thailand when the Myanmar army entered an area controlled by Karen troops and arrested a number of people who resisted the army.

The Karen National Union is one of the strongest opponents of the junta in Myanmar and provides refuge and military training for dissidents. Earlier this year, the Myanmar military displaced tens of thousands of people in areas held by Karen troops to launch attacks.

According to United Nations figures, since the political upheaval in Myanmar, at least 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. Clashes are now spreading to other parts of Kayin state as well.

Thailand is a country facing many concerns about the wave of refugees crossing the border. The Thailand-Myanmar border military command has released a statement saying that Thailand's armed forces will be ready to respond if the country's sovereignty is violated or Myanmar attacks affect safety and property of Thais.