Thai Military Tightens Border as Myanmar Fighting Threatens Villagers
Thai security forces have strengthened border defenses in Mae Sot, Tak province, as Myanmar military reinforcements continue near Myawaddy. Cross-border shelling has repeatedly hit Thai villages, injuring residents and forcing families to shelter under sandbag-protected homes. Authorities have increased patrols and outposts along the Moei River frontier.
Thai soldiers have tightened security along the border in Mae Sot district, Tak province, while Myanmar continues to reinforce its positions. Villagers remain fearful and unable to sleep in their homes, with most choosing to shelter under houses protected by sandbags against stray bullets. On November 9, reporters observed an unusually quiet day along the Thai-Myanmar border, yet Myanmar troops continued moving armed forces to forward positions. The most dangerous area is where resistance forces hold positions inside Min La Paung village in Myawaddy, Kayin State, directly opposite Huai Maha Wong village in Mae Sot. This area sits along the Moei River, which forms the border. Each exchange of fire sends heavy machine-gun rounds and artillery shells onto the Thai side, injuring several residents. Thai troops have fired illumination rounds as warnings. Many villagers suffer from anxiety; some dare not sleep in their own homes and instead spend nights under their houses behind sandbag barriers they built themselves. As the situation on the Myanmar side escalates, Mae Sot security forces have reinforced border outposts and increased patrols around villages opposite the combat zone.
