BANGKOK, April 21 — Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed concern over the latest round of armed clashes in Myanmar’s Myawaddy, which is located along the Thai-Myanmar border.
He has been closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the safety of Thai citizens following clashes between Myanmar military and armed ethnic groups on the Myanmar side near the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge.
“I do not desire to see any such clashes (to) have any impact on the territorial integrity of Thailand, and we are ready to protect our borders and the safety of our people.
“At the same time, we are also ready to provide humanitarian assistance if necessary,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
Srettha added that he has ordered all relevant agencies to be prepared to deal with every situation at the Friendship Bridge on the Myanmar side.
“After the cabinet meeting next Tuesday (April 23), I will travel to Mae Sot District (in Tak Province) to visit and encourage security personnel and receive a briefing on the overall situation,” he said.
Local media reported Thai Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Nikorndej Balankura as saying that Thai security forces have been stationed at various locations along the border to prevent any breach of Thailand’s sovereignty.
The ministry is actively coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of people in the border areas and to restore peace and stability.
The Thai government has set up disaster relief centres in the Mae Sot, Phop Phra, and Mae Ramat districts to aid those affected by the ongoing violence.
Clashes in Myawaddy began intensifying on Friday (April 19) evening as opposition forces attempted to take control of the city while over 1,200 people have since crossed over to Thailand since the escalation, seeking safety from the conflict, according to media reports.
The Myanmar military, with more than 200 soldiers currently entrenched near the Moei River checkpoint, has faced assaults from opposition drones dropping explosives.
The situation remains critical as the Myanmar military continues to conduct air strikes against opposition groups.
— Bernama
