Thailand’s foreign ministry has reached out to Myanmar’s ruling junta, urging for a decrease in violence amidst escalating tensions along the border. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara stated on Friday that Thailand is actively coordinating with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to advance a stalled peace plan for Myanmar, known as the five-point consensus.
The Role of KNU
The recent fall of a crucial border town Myawaddy to rebels, headed by the Karen National Union (KNU) rebel group, has prompted Thailand to brace for a potential influx of refugees crossing into its territory. KNU’s armed wing, collaborating with the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) and pro-democracy allies, reportedly overpowered the army’s Infantry Battalion 275 garrison near Myawaddy on Thursday morning. The region had been engulfed in combat since earlier this week.
Parnpree said, following a visit to Mae Sot, a city situated across the border from the captured town of Myawaddy that Thailand is exploring alternative trade routes to alleviate disruptions caused by ongoing hostilities as part of its plans for eventualities. He emphasized that “Thailand wants to see peace and dialogue.”
Refuge in Thailand
On account of the town’s seizure, a stream of individuals, fearing airstrikes and violence, has congregated at border crossings, seeking refuge in Thailand.
Moe Moe Thet San, a resident of Myawaddy, expressed her apprehensions, stating that she is afraid of airstrikes. “They caused very loud noises that shook my house,” added Thet San who was at the border alongside her 5-year-old son.
Analysts have warned that the loss of Myawaddy represents a significant blow to Myanmar’s junta, worsening economic woes and boosting rebel groups, considering the fact that the military, already grappling with a plummeting economy, will now face a further loss of income from border trade.
Impact on Myanmar’s Junta and Economy
Analysts have warned that the loss of Myawaddy represents a significant blow to Myanmar’s junta, worsening economic woes and boosting rebel groups, considering the fact that the military, already grappling with a plummeting economy, will now face a further loss of income from border trade.
The capture of Myawaddy comes amidst an ongoing nationwide armed conflict and civil war in Myanmar which started in February, 2021. The military’s overthrow of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and the subsequent suppression of pro-democracy protests triggered the conflict. Thousands of young people, forced into hiding by the military’s crackdown joined forces with ethnic rebel groups in pursuit of autonomy.
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