The military junta has launched ground and air offensives to regain control of Mawdaung town, home to a Thailand-Myanmar border trade gate in Tanintharyi Township, according to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).
Since early May, a military column of around 500 troops has reportedly advanced from Myeik toward Moetaung along the main road while carrying out offensives with air support.
“The military junta is launching offensives toward Mawdaung, but we cannot yet provide detailed information. The Mawdaung border trade gate was closed after we captured it previously, and it had also been closed before the seizure. The gate remains closed until now. Their force is estimated at around 500 troops, but we still do not know which battalions or divisions are involved,” said Padoh Saw Eh Nar, spokesperson for KNU Brigade 4.
Mawdaung border trade town, located more than 60 miles southeast of Tanintharyi town and connected to Thailand’s Sing Khon border checkpoint, was captured by the KNU in mid-November 2025.
However, military junta troops remain stationed in Theinkhun village, located more than 40 miles west of Mawdaung town, although no clashes have been reported there so far.
“I think this operation is related to the 100-day project. We only recently started hearing about renewed fighting. The clashes are now close to the town. Fighting is taking place near Thaephyu between Tanintharyi and Mawdaung. The military junta is also using aircraft. For now, we have not had to flee yet, but if anything happens, we are preparing to escape to the Thai side,” said a resident identified as Ko Myo Lay.
The border gate had been closed since 2025 due to fighting. Although Thai authorities reopened their side of the crossing on April 17, the KNU has continued to keep the gate closed, according to local residents.
Despite the closure, humanitarian assistance and trade for local livelihoods are still continuing in the area, residents said.
