Thailand Unveils Four-Point Plan to Stop Myanmar Cross-Border Shelling

The Ratchamanu Special Forces (Naresuan Force) has revealed a comprehensive four-dimensional plan to tackle gunfire and artillery rounds crossing into Thailand from fighting along the Thai-Myanmar border, a problem directly affecting security and the lives and property of border residents. The four pillars are military and border defense measures, political and diplomatic coordination, protection and compensation for civilians, and management of conflict-displaced people under humanitarian principles.

For military defense, the Naresuan Force will follow Rules of Engagement (ROE). If rounds from Myanmar land in Thailand, troops will fire smoke warning rounds toward the source to signal a violation of Thai sovereignty. If intentional firing or damage to Thai lives and property occurs, the military can respond with proportional force to pressure a ceasefire, while reinforcing positions, adding checkpoints, and increasing land and water patrols along the Moei River, including drone and aerial surveillance.

On diplomacy, the Township Border Committee (TBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) will immediately coordinate with Myanmar's military when incidents occur to demand a halt to fire affecting Thailand. Simultaneously, the Foreign Ministry and the military will lodge formal diplomatic protests urging Myanmar to take responsibility for damages and maintain border peace, while monitoring the ethnic armed conflict to anticipate spillover.

For civilian protection, priority goes to evacuation plans and drills to move residents to temporary safe zones during heavy clashes, plus constructing and improving bomb shelters in communities, schools, and homes near risk areas along the river. An urgent compensation fund or mechanism will be established for Thais affected by cross-border rounds, covering homes, property, and crops.

Refee management will follow humanitarian principles: providing safe areas for Myanmar nationals fleeing into Thailand, controlling their movement to designated zones, and strict screening for contraband and weapons. Once fighting ends and the situation eases, authorities will coordinate voluntary repatriation. The four-pronged approach aims to reduce cross-border conflict impacts, defend Thai sovereignty, and ensure safety for border communities.