Anutin warns Myanmar over border fighting, orders increased patrols

NONG KHAI – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Monday that Thailand has formally conveyed its concerns to Myanmar over ongoing fighting near the border, warning that the conflict must not affect Thai territory or civilians.

Speaking at Nong Khai Hospital at 13.00, Anutin responded to opposition calls for the government to issue an official statement to Myanmar following clashes between Myanmar troops and Karen armed groups along the Thai-Myanmar border.

He said the government had already taken action through both military and diplomatic channels.

Anutin said Thailand had informed Myanmar of its concerns over explosions occurring near the border on a daily basis and urged its authorities to ensure that the fighting does not affect Thailand.

He said the Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow had conveyed Thailand’s concerns to the Myanmar government on Saturday, calling for caution and urging all sides to avoid harming civilians, homes and property unrelated to the conflict in either country.

Asked how Myanmar had responded, Anutin said Thai authorities would summon officials from the Myanmar embassy to formally communicate the country’s concerns, adding that the Supreme Commander had already taken action.

The prime minister said Thailand had strengthened its border security by deploying additional personnel for patrols and increasing military readiness.

However, he stressed that Thai forces had been instructed to avoid confrontation and prevent the situation from escalating into a wider conflict.

“The fighting has nothing to do with Thailand or Thai people,” Anutin said, adding that the military must nevertheless protect Thai territory to the fullest extent possible.

He acknowledged that Thailand had already suffered some damage from the fighting, making it necessary to issue a warning to Myanmar.

Regarding Myanmar nationals fleeing across the border into Thailand, Anutin said the government would continue to provide assistance on humanitarian grounds.

He said authorities had plans to facilitate their return once the situation stabilised, stressing that the process would not amount to forcibly pushing displaced people back while fighting continued.

Most Myanmar nationals would return voluntarily when conditions allowed, he said, while those seeking to remain in Thailand without legal permission would be subject to immigration laws.

Asked about reports that Myanmar soldiers had threatened to destroy Thai warehouses if goods were supplied to the Karen National Union (KNU), Anutin said he had not heard of the alleged threats and had received no confirmed information about them.