Fleeing Myanmar
The escalating violence in Myanmar has led to refugees fleeing across the border into Thailand, prompting authorities to monitor the situation and prepare for a potential influx of displaced individuals.
The Tak Provincial Public Health Office reported that 735 refugees who fled the conflict in Myanmar were in Tak, including 255 children. Of those, 114 people had received treatment in local hospitals as of Monday.
The Thai-Myanmar Border Command Center in Tak reported that fighting had occurred inside Myanmar about 1.5 to 12 km (1 to 7.5 miles) from the Thai border this week involving aerial bombings. It reported no impacts on the Thai side.
As the conflict in Myanmar shows no signs of abating, analysts and activists have called on the Thai government to develop a long-term strategy to address the crisis.
Chalida Tajaroensuk, director of the People’s Empowerment Foundation, said Thailand needed to look beyond immediate issues and engage with a broader range of stakeholders.
“The Myanmar military is faltering significantly and it’s almost certain that there will be a transition to a federal system. The Thai government is lacking a long-term plan, mostly addressing immediate issues,” Chalida told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news service.
“Thailand should elevate its stance, such as hosting a special ASEAN meeting to gather opinions from various countries, involving other sectors including civil society, the media, and even organizations from Myanmar.”
She urged the Thai government to expand its humanitarian assistance, stating, “Thailand should do more than just one humanitarian corridor because the impact on the Myanmar people is much greater. Multiple aid locations should be established across the country.
“We should look beyond Myawaddy and even engage in talks with the National Unity Government, as it’s clear that the military government cannot sustain itself any longer.”
Ruj Chuenban in Bangkok contributed to this report.
BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service.