Thousands flee into Thailand following clashes in Myanmar

BANGKOK: The intense clashes in Myanmar's conflict-torn Kayah state has forced more than 5,000 people to flee into Mae Sot, a Thai border town some 15 km from where air strikes reportedly took place last Thursday evening.

Bangkok Post quoted Tak province governor Somchai Kitcharoenrungroj as saying 5,358 villagers from Myanmar had crossed the Moei River to seek refuge on Thai soil.

"Security officials have also extended humanitarian assistance to refugees sheltering in Mae Sot and Phop Phra districts, where those injured are being treated by medics," he said.

Following the clashes along Thailand-Myanmar border, Thai enforcement authorities have also stepped up patrols and enforcement along the border.

Besides that, Tak's provincial administration also warned residents keep their distance from the border as there has been reports of stray bullets and grenades from across the border in Mae Sot and Phop Phra district.

Earlier, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said on Sunday he is "horrified" over credible reports of an attack on civilians in Myanmar in which 35 people were killed.

Griffiths was referring to an incident that reportedly took place on Friday (Dec. 24) in eastern Kayah state.

Meanwhile, The Border Consortium (TBC), a group of international NGOs that providing food, shelter and other forms of support to the refugees in camps in western Thailand, called on the Thai government to protect and assist thousands of people fleeing violence in Myanmar.

"It should stop pushing back people seeking refuge in Thailand or attempting to cross the border as their lives are in danger. Fighting, shelling and airstrikes continue in Kayin state, including in the areas where people have fled. Any returns must be truly voluntary, based on informed consent and carried out in safety and dignity.

"We also urge the Thai government not to push people back to Myanmar because of COVID-19 outbreak... trying to contain the pandemic is not a justification for pushing people back to unsafe and dangerous situations," TBC said in a statement.

TBC urged Thai government to establish clear and systematic screening procedures along the border area, in coordination with the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) to allow people fleeing to seek asylum.

Besides that, it also urged the Thai government to allow UNHCR and humanitarian organisations to independently screen arrivals from Myanmar to identify and support the most vulnerable groups including separated and unaccompanied children, pregnant women, elderly and people with disabilities.

-- BERNAMA