KNU says Myanmar warned Thailand against supplying rival forces

MAE HONG SON — 1 November 2026, Myanmar’s military had formally warned Thai officials and business operators against supplying goods to the Karen National Union (KNU), threatening military attacks on a KNU-controlled base opposite Mae Sam Laep village if the trade continued, according to the KNU’s military public relations spokesman.

In a statement released on 1 November 2026, the KNU said Myanmar’s army, through the Myanmar-Thai Border Committee in Myawaddy, Karen State, had sent a formal protest letter to Thai border officials and business operators on 31 August.

The letter reportedly warned Thai traders against maintaining contact with the KNU or transporting goods through the Saw Lae Tha checkpoint, which is controlled by the group. It also threatened airstrikes against the KNU base and warehouse at the location.

The KNU said the recent bombing of the Saw Lae Tha camp was an operation by the Myanmar Air Force aimed at disrupting supply routes and cross-border trade supporting its Brigade 5.

Villagers and military observers reportedly viewed the airstrikes as a serious threat to stability along the Thai-Myanmar border and the safety of Thai civilians living close to the conflict zone.

The protest letter, identified as document No. 2, stated that Hpapun township, described by Myanmar authorities as a remote and inaccessible area, was not a lawful operating area for the KNU, which Myanmar has designated an illegal organisation.

It further warned that Thai business operators conducting trade in the area were violating Myanmar law. The letter urged Thai authorities to instruct businesspeople not to engage in or support any commercial activities that could benefit the KNU.

Myanmar authorities also said they were continuously monitoring the group’s supply and support routes from the air and would intensify efforts to control and eliminate such activities, whether conducted directly or indirectly.

The letter further warned Thai political parties and business operators against maintaining any form of relations or cooperation with the KNU, including in business, social or political activities.

The Saw Lae Tha base was previously held by Myanmar government forces before being captured by KNU Brigade 5 on 27 April 2021.

Myanmar military aircraft returned to attack the base on 31 October 2026. The extent of casualties and damage among KNU forces at the camp remained unknown as of the latest report.