Thai Police Prepare Border Evacuations as Myanmar Conflict Escalates
Thailand's national police chief has ordered border forces in Tak province to prepare for possible evacuations of vulnerable residents as fighting intensifies in neighboring Myanmar. Police Region 6, provincial police, and border patrol units are to monitor the situation, coordinate with other agencies, and tighten immigration checks. Authorities also urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information that could cause panic.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn expressed concern for the safety of residents along the Thai-Myanmar border, particularly in Mae Sot and Phop Phra districts of Tak province, which are affected by the fighting on the Myanmar side. He directed Tak Provincial Police, Police Region 6, and Border Patrol Police to maintain close surveillance, protect border communities, and stand ready to evacuate vulnerable groups — including children, the elderly, and the sick — to safe areas if necessary. At the same time, immigration police must intensify screening of people entering and leaving the country. All units are to integrate with neighboring agencies and local communities to maintain peace and reassure the public. Deputy spokesperson Pol. Lt. Col. Parampa Patanawat advised the public to verify information before sharing, avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, and not to forward messages that cause panic.
