April 12, 2024
BANGKOK – Myanmar must ensure the conflict in the border town of Myawaddy does not spill over into Thai territory, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.
The premier also instructed the Foreign Ministry and the Army to discuss the matter with their Myanmar counterparts.
Speaking to reporters in Bangkok on Thursday, Srettha addressed the ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military and KNU (Karen National Union) forces in Myawaddy, which sits on the border with Mae Sot.
Though reports say that the 275th Infantry Battalion in Myawaddy has been seized, the Myanmar authorities insist they have not lost the battalion. When asked about this, Srettha said it was Myanmar’s internal matter, but added that the Thai military and Foreign Ministry must tell the neighbouring country to ensure the conflict does not spill over to Thailand.
He also said he plans to speak to the Royal Thai Air Force commander about a potential combat situation, adding that the use of Thailand’s airspace is non-negotiable.
As for Thailand using its F-16 fighter jets to manage the air space, Srettha noted that it may be an option, though he said he did not want to escalate tensions with Myanmar.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry said Thailand could accommodate up to 100,000 refugees from Myanmar, judging by the number of people fleeing the fighting.
The premier also highlighted the need for continued monitoring to assess the situation’s scale, noting that the situation in Mae Sot is manageable.
The 3rd Army Area commander, Lt-General Prasarn Saeangsirirak, said that despite some transportation difficulties and road closures, there is still movement and trade of goods across the border.
The Pha Sone Camp, where the combat is centred, is some 7 kilometres from Mae Sot and the military is getting ready to tackle incursions, though nothing has been reported so far.