The Thai military has set up a "secure zone" for thousands of refugees in Mae Hong Son near the Salween River, Thailand's natural border with Myanmar, due to continuing fighting between Myanmar's military and ethnic troops.
The Karen National Union's popular armed wing has publicly backed the anti-coup movement in Myanmar, resulting in clashes with the military junta. The Karen National Liberation Army recently seized control of a military outpost near the Thai border, according to reports. Gunshots and explosions were heard only across the Salween River in Thailand, according to witnesses.
Shelter and humanitarian aid are being provided for about 2,200 people who have fled Myanmar, according to Defence Ministry spokesperson Kongcheep Tantravanich.
Only those who are approved will join the "secure zone," according to Kongcheep. To avoid the spread of Covid-19, stringent health and disease control measures have been implemented.
His comment comes after the People of Salween River Basin Network, a local civil rights organization, called on the Thai government not to drive refugees back, alleging that Thai soldiers had been instructed to tell refugees to return home due to a possible negative effect on border trade.
According to them, the Myanmar military has been bombing Karen army bases, and many Karen villagers are concerned for their safety.
Sitthichai Jindaluang, the governor of Mae Hong Son, informed a UN representative last week that refugees had been given shelter and assistance.
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