Myanmar airstrikes send munitions into Thailand as foreign ministers discuss border security

Thailand foreign minister met with his Myanmar regime “counterpart” on July 11 to discuss border security, trade and environmental concerns ahead of a rare gathering between Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers and a senior Myanmar regime official in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 12. The Bangkok meeting marks the first in-person talks between ASEAN foreign ministers and senior Myanmar regime officials since the military seized power in 2021. Thailand has sought to position itself as a bridge between Myanmar and ASEAN. Following earlier bilateral talks in February, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow called on Naypyidaw to reduce violence and prevent attacks on civilians. The diplomatic discussions on border security took place as Myanmar military airstrikes on Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) positions in Myawaddy Township sent munitions landing on Thai territory. Myawaddy is located 81 miles (130 km) east of the Karen State capital Hpa-An. The regime deployed YAX-130 and Y-12 aircraft over three days to bomb KNLA positions near Myawaddy’s Minletpan village, located along the Myanmar-Thailand border directly across from Mae Sot district in Tak province. The bombing intensified with 500-pound bombs before the area fell quiet overnight into July 11. Thai soldiers were deployed along the border after artillery landed inside Thailand on July 10, with residents in Mae Sot expressing fears of being struck. The Tak Border Area Command Center for Thailand Myanmar Relations confirmed munitions landed in Moo 4 and Moo 9 of Mahawan subdistrict. Police cleared the explosives while military, administrative and community leaders briefed residents. Task Force Rachamanu filed a formal protest through the Township Border Committee, urging caution over weapons use near the border, Thai media reported. The Naresuan Task Force is coordinating the response to protect Thai sovereignty. Task Force Rachamanu, the 35th Ranger Regiment Task Force and the 34th Border Patrol Police Task Force in Mae Sot remain on standby with personnel and weapons ready. The Royal Thai Air Force is prepared to scramble fighters should Myanmar Air Force jets violate Thai airspace. Karen forces are believed to have suffered casualties from the airstrikes, though Thai officials are still verifying details. Homes on the Myanmar side of the border also sustained damage. Regime forces launched the counteroffensive to regain control of Minletpan after the KNLA seized it from the pro-regime Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) in November. Thai officials stressed that Thailand is not a party to the conflict and does not support either side using Thai territory to further their aims. Residents who spot suspicious objects or possible unexploded ordnance are urged to report them immediately. The post Myanmar airstrikes send munitions into Thailand as foreign ministers discuss border security appeared first on DVB.