The Thai military fired a warning shot into Myanmar after bullets and grenades from the neighbouring country were fired across the border at a village in Tak, a source said.
The exacerbation of the ethnic territorial conflict between Myanmar and Karen National Union (KNU) troops has continued from Wednesday night in Myawaddy province near the Thai-Myanmar border.
The Myanmar army bombarded rebel troops near Ban Pha Loo Noi with heavy weaponry to open a path for reinforcements and food supplies. The clashes prompted local villagers near the border in Tak’s Mae Sot district to hide in a bunker for safety.
Yesterday morning, stray bullets and grenades were fired into Thai territory in Ban Mae Kon Ken, prompting local villagers to rush to the bunker again. Soldiers from the 14th infantry regiment responded by firing smoke grenades as a warning to the Myanmar side.
So far, 1,818 Myanmar refugees remain at a temporary shelter in Khok Wua Maha Wan Moei in tambon Maha Wan.
Meanwhile, Suchart Setthamalinee, the National Human Rights Commissioner of Thailand, expressed concern over the unrest in Myanmar, as it has contributed to the growing number of refugees and illegal migrants crossing the border in Tak and Mae Hong Son.
Thailand has had nine refugee camps for almost four decades that are now home to almost 100,000 people.