Although Thailand has reopened its border gates at the Thai-Myanmar border in the Myawaddy area, residents still cannot cross due to ongoing clashes nearby.
On December 9, heavy clashes between the military junta and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) were still happening near Myawaddy, including areas such as Hpalulay, Minletpan, and the Kyawwarboe mountains.
Therefore, only two of the more than eight small river-crossing gates on the Myawaddy- Mae Sot border have reopened for trade.
“Only Thabawtboe and Amohpya gates are open. The 5 Bath gate and Hpalu gate are still closed because of the Chinese. Civilians mainly use the two open gates, but Thai soldiers are checking them. Civilians can still pass. Other places remain closed because heavy weapons are still landing there,” a Myawaddy resident said.
In November, during clashes between the military junta and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), some artillery shells landed inside Thailand, injuring several residents.
Therefore, the Thai military closed the border gates from December 1 to 7, reopening them on December 8.
However, the area around Minletpan is still tense. Karen armed groups have restricted movement, and the presence of migrant workers from fishing compounds has also led to continued closures.
Due to these restrictions, some residents in border areas are finding it difficult to travel, though Thai soldiers are trying to help where they can.
The Karen National Union (KNU) warned on December 5 that the situation in Minletpan, where artillery shells are landing inside Thailand, is causing fear and concern among people living along the border.
