Myanmar Military Clash Sends Stray Bullets Into Thailand

Heavy fighting erupted on the Myanmar side of the border near Mae Sod district in Tak province on July 8, with Myanmar's Light Infantry Division 22 and supporting special forces units launching sustained bombardments and machine gun fire at opposition forces hiding in the villages of Minlaepan and Phaloo in Myawaddy Township, Kayin State. The battle, occurring just across from the Thai village of Huay Maha Wong in Mae Sod district, saw opposition forces employing ambush tactics in forests and drone strikes that resulted in casualties on both sides.

As the fighting intensified over several hours, multiple military rounds crossed the border and struck civilian homes in Huay Maha Wong village. The house of Sunantha Chiang Khaek, 57, was hit twice by bullets that pierced the roof and shattered windows. The homeowner described sheltering under the house with her husband as gunfire rained down, stating that though no one was injured, they were terrified and prepared to evacuate immediately if more fire crossed the border.

Colonel Chanakon Saeng Si, commander of the Rak Manoo special task force, said fighting is expected to intensify and urged residents to evacuate to prepared shelters. Thai authorities have banned civilians from approaching the border zone. The Rak Manoo unit, Rangers, Mae Sod district administration, and Border Patrol Police have deployed armed personnel carriers along the border and established checkpoints to prevent smuggling and protect Thai citizens.