MAE HONG SON: Since June 13, over 3,600 people from Kayah state in Myanmar have sought refuge across the border in the province of Mae Hong Son following clashes that occurred in Mese township, located opposite Mae Hong Son's Ban Sao Hin in Mae Sariang district.
The clashes were between the Myanmar military and the combined forces of Karenni Army, the People's Defence Forces and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force. Rebel forces had attacked the Mae Jae police station and three military bases in the state, and the military responded by deploying a fighter jet.
The clash led to a flood of refugees entering Thailand's Mae Hong Son, said provincial governor Chettha Mosikkharat on Saturday.
According to a fourth announcement by the Provincial Border Operation Centre on Friday, the clash was ongoing. So far, 3,669 refugees have fled to two temporary shelters in Ban Sao Hin in Mae Sariang district and Khun Yuam district's tambon Mae Khee, it said.
It added that as of now, 3,076 refugees are in Ban Sao Hin, with one death reported due to an illness, while 594 are stationed in Ban Pha Khe in tambon Mae Khee.
The operation centre will cooperate with other agencies to rescue the refugees according to humanitarian principles. The kingdom is neither involved in nor supporting any clashing sides, the announcement said.
Meanwhile, Mae Sariang's district chief asked for donations of necessary items, especially food, for refugees via the Red Cross Organisation.
According to Surachate Phuinoi, those from Myanmar who took refuge in the shelter in Ban Sao Hin are of all ages. Some of them are pregnant, unwell, or even have a disability to the point that they are unable to take care of themselves.
Compounding the situation, the number of refugees seeking shelter is steadily increasing, overwhelming the capacity of the shelter to accommodate and adequately provide for all individuals.
Members of the public who are interested to give donations can call the provincial sub-district Red Cross at 063-903-2081 for more details, said Mr Surachate.