Fighting along the Thai–Myanmar border intensified after the Myanmar military launched kamikaze drone strikes on a Karen refugee camp in Kayin State, killing one person and prompting about 200 refugees to flee into Thailand. The attack targeted a hospital at the camp on Koh Manao, according to local reports. One refugee was killed and another seriously injured during the strike. Get today's headlines by email Clashes have been ongoing for months between Myanmar military forces and the Karen National Union (KNU) in areas including Ban Minlapran, Ban Phalu Mai, Ban Phalu Noi and Koh Manao in Myawaddy Township, Kayin State. These locations sit directly opposite Ban Huai Maha Wong and Ban Mae Kon Ken in tambon Mahawan, Mae Sot district of Tak province in Thailand. The fighting reportedly involves troops from Myanmar’s Light Infantry Division 22 and Karen forces. According to local reporters, the Myanmar military launched four kamikaze drones targeting the hospital at the Karen refugee camp on Koh Manao. During the attack, frightened residents fled across the Moei River into Thailand seeking safety. Thai security forces quickly responded to manage the situation. Thai soldiers from the Ratchamanu Task Force, along with border patrol police from Company 346 in Mae Sot and local administrative officials, moved in to secure the area and control the influx. After the situation stabilised, the refugees later returned to the Myanmar side of the border. Authorities continued monitoring the situation amid concerns the fighting could spill further into Thai territory. Reports also said the Myanmar air force deployed a YAK-130 aircraft to drop bombs on Karen positions during the clashes. Drones were also reportedly used to pressure Karen forces to withdraw from the Minlapran area as the military attempted to regain control of contested positions. The escalation reflects increasing use of aerial strikes in the conflict. Anti-junta sources also reported that Myanmar troops earlier fired 120mm mortars that struck a cafeteria near a casino in Ban Phalu Noi. The attack reportedly killed four Chinese nationals, three men and one woman and injured 38 other foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens. Details surrounding the casualties and the identities of those injured have not been officially confirmed. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Khaosod reported that the situation along the Thai–Myanmar border remains tense as fighting continues between Myanmar military forces and Karen resistance groups. Thai authorities are maintaining heightened security along the frontier while monitoring potential refugee movements. Further clashes and cross-border impacts remain possible if hostilities continue. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 17 Mar 2026
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