Myanmar Threatens Airstrikes Over Thai Trade With KNU Rebels

The Myanmar military has warned Thai officials, merchants, and business operators to cease contact and stop supplying goods to the Karen National Union (KNU) at the So Le Ta border crossing opposite Thailand, threatening to attack a KNU supply depot if the trade continues.

November 1, 2026 – The Karen National Union (KNU) public relations department disclosed that the Myanmar Army, through the Myanmar-Thailand Border Committee in Myawaddy, Karen State, sent a protest letter to the Thai side. The letter warns Thai border officials, merchants, and business operators not to engage with the KNU or transport goods through the So Le Ta crossing, which the KNU controls.

The KNU stated that the Myanmar Air Force aims to cut off supply routes and border trade for the KNU's Brigade 5, and that airstrikes pose a significant threat to border stability between the two countries and the safety of Thai civilians living along the border.

The Myanmar military intends to strike a KNU supply depot located directly opposite Ban Mae Sam Laep in Sop Moei district, Mae Hong Son province, if Thailand does not cease facilitating the shipment of goods and consumer products to the KNU.

The Myanmar military document further claims that Hpapun is an illegal location under Myanmar law and that the armed group KNU has been declared an "illegal organization." It asserts that Thai entrepreneurs entering the area to conduct business are also committing illegal acts under Myanmar law.

The warning urges Thai entrepreneurs not to engage in or support any trade activities that assist the armed KNU group. The Myanmar government states it has been continuously monitoring KNU supply routes by air, both direct and indirect, and will strictly control and suppress them going forward.