Thousands continue to flee Myanmar to Thailand, a day after the strategically vital town of Myawaddy near the border fell to anti-junta resistance that is gaining strength. Thailand is urging peace and dialogue as it remains neutral in the conflict.

Myawaddy

Thousands of people are fleeing Myanmar for Thailand following the fall of the strategically important town of Myawaddy. This town, which is near the border between Myanmar and Thailand, was seized by anti-junta resistance forces. The resistance against the junta in Myanmar appears to be gaining strength.

The influx of refugees into Thailand has notably increased following the recent conflict. In response to the unfolding situation, the Thai government is advocating for peace and dialogue. Thailand is maintaining a stance of neutrality in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.



Myanmar exodus doubles after junta loses town

A stream of people from Myanmar continued to cross over to Thailand early on Friday, a day after the strategic town of Myawaddy fell to anti-junta resistance that is growing in strength. The adjoining Thai city of Mae Su has seen almost 4,000 cross the border daily, a doubling of usual numbers as fighting in Myanmar intensifies. Those escaping fear junta airstrikes. I am afraid I feel safer on this side of the border. They can't bomb Thailand. The loss of Myawaddy robs the junta of vital earnings and trade, while strengthening rebel groups such as the Karen National Union, analysts say. The spokesperson, Zo Min Tun, told Myanmar media some troops surrendered because they were accompanied by their families and talks with Thailand for their return were in progress. Thailand says it is keeping neutral in the conflict but can accept up to 100,000 people displaced by it. Foreign Minister Phampre Bahiranukara visited Mae Su across from Myawaddy on Friday and said Thailand has sent messages to Myanmar's junta to reduce violence. He says Thailand is also working on a stalled peace plan for Myanmar with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Myanmar's powerful military deposed an elected civilian government in 2021, triggering widespread protests it sought to crush with brutal force. A nationwide armed resistance movement is now operating with ethnic rebel groups to challenge the military across the Southeast Asian nation.

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