Thailand's foreign minister has urged Myanmar's military authorities to refrain from violent responses following the loss of an important border trading town to its opponents. The town of Myawaddy, located across the river from Mae Sot in Thailand, was abandoned by Myanmar army troops, granting control to guerrillas of the ethnic Karen National Union and pro-democracy People's Defense Forces.
Since last October, Myanmar's armed forces have faced unprecedented defeats, losing territory to ethnic fighters and guerrilla units. Civilian resistance escalated after the military seized power in 2021. Despite the setbacks, Myanmar's military has exercised restraint, with talks underway to ensure the safe return of soldiers who abandoned their last base outside Myawaddy.
There are concerns of a potential counter-attack by the Myanmar military on Myawaddy, which could lead to an influx of refugees into Thailand and disrupt border trade. Thailand has emphasized the importance of peace in the region and offered to mediate talks between conflicting parties to prevent further violence.
While explosions were heard near the bridges connecting Myawaddy and Mae Sot, the situation remained relatively calm. Thai troops monitored the area to prevent any unauthorized border crossings. The Karen National Union plans to establish administrative mechanisms in Myawaddy to ensure stability, law enforcement, and facilitate trade.
The Karen ethnic minority, long advocating for autonomy, has been engaged in a decades-long struggle against Myanmar's central government. The recent setbacks faced by the Myanmar military have drawn attention from neighboring countries, prompting discussions on the future political landscape of Myanmar.
As the situation unfolds, the international community closely monitors developments in Myanmar, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
