PM pledges to protect border

Myanmar fighting puts troops on alert

The government has stepped up security along the Thai-Myanmar border after fighting between Myanmar government forces and rebel troops caused damage to homes and injured people on the Thai side.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday that Thai authorities are fully prepared to defend territory and protect the people, with patrols increased to strengthen border security.

Military commanders have been instructed to do their best to avoid clashes and minimise tensions because the conflict in Myanmar is not related to Thailand and Thai people, he said.

However, chief of defence forces Gen Ukrit Boontanon and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow have formally informed the Myanmar government of Thailand's concerns following the spillover.

Myanmar has been urged to exercise caution to prevent attacks from harming civilians, homes and property on either side of the border, Mr Anutin said.

He stressed that Thailand would continue to provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the fighting in Myanmar. When conditions are considered safe, they would be asked to return home, and those who attempt to remain in Thailand would be pushed back, he added.

The prime minister also said there was no confirmation of reports that Thai traders were threatened with the destruction of their goods if they sold their products to Karen groups.

Fighting between Myanmar forces and ethnic armed groups and anti-government forces continued to threaten civilians along the Thai border. Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Tak were placed under heightened surveillance.

The latest confirmed damage was in Mae Hong Son, while cross-border ammunition and explosions affected residents in Tak in late October.

No damage from the latest incidents was reported in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, but the Ministry of Interior ordered stepped-up surveillance, evacuation plans, safety zones, and public care measures.

On Thursday, stray munitions damaged more than 10 homes in Tak's Mae Sot district and injured a 55-year-old woman. At about 7pm on Saturday, the Myanmar air force carried out an air strike at a Karen National Union (KNU) position, opposite Ban Mae Sam Laep in Sop Moei district of Mae Hong Son. The explosions and shockwaves damaged buildings on the Thai side.

On Sunday, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed an F-16 from the 403rd Squadron at Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan under a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) at about 5pm along the western border.

Air Vice Marshal Charoen Wattanasrimongkol, an air force spokesman, said the mission is intended to demonstrate Thailand's air defence readiness and to call on all sides to respect its sovereignty.

The Naresuan Task Force has also suspended temporary permission for imports and exports through unauthorised border channels in Mae Sot and parts of Phop Phra district from Oct 30 to Nov 5.

Deputy government spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the measure aims to prevent goods from being transported to support armed groups in Myanmar and reduce risks to people living along the border.

Pisan Manawapa, a member of the opposition's shadow cabinet, on Monday criticised the government's diplomatic approach to Myanmar, saying its reluctance to take a firmer stance undermines Thailand's dignity and causes hardship for Thai people.