The Ministry of Public Health is actively providing humanitarian aid to more than 3,000 individuals who have fled the escalating conflict in Myanmar and found refuge in Thailand’s Tak province. According to Dr Sopon Iamsirithaworn, inspector-general of the ministry’s Health Region 2, the care being offered is based on humanitarian principles, with local authorities and security agencies ensuring the refugees’ safety and basic needs such as food and drinking water.
According to Dr Sopon, medical staff from Wang Takhian Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital have set up first-aid stations focusing on treating minor injuries and preventing disease outbreaks among the displaced population. The Tak Provincial Public Health Office is also prepared to provide additional support with medicines, medical supplies, and emergency equipment to nearby hospitals when required.
Violent clashes near the Thai-Myanmar border, especially around Myawaddy, escalated over the weekend. The Thai-Myanmar Border Command Center detailed ongoing engagements involving small arms, machine guns, grenade launchers, drones, and military aircraft, all occurring merely 2–3 kilometers from the Thai border. Although some bullets have struck homes on the Thai side, there have been no reported casualties in Thailand.
While the first Friendship Bridge between Thailand and Myanmar remains open, facilitating normal civilian traffic, the second Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot has been temporarily closed due to the unrest. In response to the influx of refugees from the Myawaddy area, Thai authorities have established six safe areas in Tak, currently accommodating 3,027 individuals, ensuring they are provided a secure environment amid the ongoing conflict. (NNT)
