Myanmar airstrikes hit base opposite Mae Sam Laep, damaging Thai buildings

MAE HONG SON — 31 October 2026, Myanmar military aircraft dropped two bombs on a resistance base opposite Mae Sam Laep village in Mae Sariang district on Saturday evening, causing explosions powerful enough to shatter windows and damage buildings on the Thai side of the Salween River.

The incident occurred at around 19:00 on 31 October 2026, while Mae Sam Laep Subdistrict Administrative Organisation chief Phongpipat Meebenjamas and local officials were overseeing construction of a riverside viewpoint along the Salween River.

An aircraft belonging to the Myanmar military flew over the area and dropped bombs on the Saw Lae Tha base, opposite Mae Sam Laep pier, forcing Phongpipat and nearby residents to take shelter in a safe area.

Phongpipat said Thai military personnel had issued an earlier warning that airstrikes might occur and asked local officials to alert villagers. However, before they could take further action, two bombs struck the opposite riverbank.

The explosions sent flames and smoke across the river into Thailand. The shockwaves shattered windows in nearby buildings and caused other damage. The condition of boats docked at Mae Sam Laep pier was still being assessed.

Following the attack, members of the Sob Moei District Volunteer Defence Corps, Unit 7 (Huai Kong Kad team), Rangers Company 3608 based at Mae Sam Laep, and local administrative officials inspected the damage.

The initial survey found damage at three locations:

• Mae Sam Laep Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital: Four window panes and four door panes were shattered, while part of the ceiling collapsed.
• Salawin Conference Building, operated by Mae Sam Laep Subdistrict Administrative Organisation: Two door panes were broken.
• Mae Sam Laep village church: One window pane was shattered and part of the ceiling collapsed.

Officials said further inspections of the local school and residential properties would be conducted on Sunday to assess the full extent of the damage and arrange assistance within their authority.