Myawaddy, situated in Karen State, Myanmar, witnessed a wave of residents fleeing to Thailand amid the sounds of explosions and reports of a nearby military base being seized by an ethnic minority armed group. Fighters from the Karen National Union (KNU) announced the capture of a military base close to Myawaddy, leading to over 600 soldiers, police, and their families surrendering. With the situation escalating, locals reported hearing gunfire and explosions, prompting many to seek refuge across the border for safety concerns.
The unrest in Myawaddy has forced residents to abandon their homes and seek shelter near the Thai border, where thousands of internally displaced people are gathering. As tensions rise, reports indicate that Thailand is prepared to accept up to 100,000 individuals fleeing the conflict in Myanmar. The area’s strategic location on the Asia Highway, connecting the Thai border to Yangon, further intensifies the significance of the ongoing clashes between the military and the KNU seeking autonomy for the Karen population.
The Karen State Border Guard Force, aligning with the local militia controlling much of Myawaddy town, declared autonomy from the junta, impacting the military’s control in the region. This move, coupled with the KNU’s support for political opponents of the junta and the formation of “People’s Defense Forces,” reflects a broader resistance against the military rule imposed through a coup in 2021. The unstable conditions have disrupted trade activities through Myawaddy, impacting the flow of goods and services in the region.
The junta’s lack of response to the KNU’s claims and the growing number of individuals fleeing to Thailand highlight the escalating humanitarian crisis in the area. As clashes persist, the situation remains fluid, with residents facing uncertainty and continued violence in a region plagued by decades of conflict. The international community closely monitors the developments in Myawaddy, recognizing the need for immediate intervention to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the ongoing unrest.