Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Thailand has closed all border crossings in Mae Sot for seven days, except the First Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge, following intense fighting across the frontier in Myanmar’s Myawaddy district. The clashes between the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 6 and Myanmar military Division 22 escalated sharply on 30 November and continued through the night, with gunfire audible in Mae Sot. Thai authorities also reported that artillery rounds had crossed into Thai territory, prompting an immediate readiness to respond.

 

The fighting is centred around Min La Pa and surrounding forest areas opposite Ban Mae Kon Ken in Tak province. Both sides exchanged fire using 60mm and 120mm mortars, along with repeated drone strikes by Myanmar forces targeting KNU positions in Pa Sak. Ground assaults by the Myanmar military resulted in prolonged engagements, with heavy weapons fired intermittently into the conflict zone. As of 1 December, exchanges were ongoing, but no damage was reported on the Thai side.

 

To protect civilians and maintain border security, the Naresuan Task Force has shut all crossing points to prevent movement of residents and other groups during the fighting. Only the First Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge at Ban Rim Moei remains open for normal passage. The closure aims to minimise risks after five mortar rounds from Myanmar landed in Thai territory on 30 November, injuring two Myanmar nationals living with Thai residents.

 

Security leaders, including Major General Maitri Chupricha, commander of the Naresuan Task Force and Mae Sot district chief Sanya Petchaset, remained on-site to oversee the situation. Units from the Ratchamanu special task force and Border Patrol Police Company 346 have been deployed along the frontier. Thai forces have been instructed to immediately return fire with live ammunition if any further cross-border incursions occur.

 

Amarin reported that authorities continue to monitor the situation as fighting shows no sign of easing. Ground and aerial attacks across the border are expected to influence security measures in the coming days. Thai forces will maintain tight control over the border while watching for any escalation or additional spillover into Thai territory.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand has closed all Mae Sot border crossings for seven days except the First Friendship Bridge due to heavy fighting across the Myanmar border.

• Mortar rounds from Myanmar landed in Thailand on 30 November, injuring two Myanmar nationals living locally.

• Thai security forces remain deployed along the frontier and are prepared to respond immediately if further cross-border fire occurs.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin  2025-12-02

 

 

Looking at the image, it looks like they are putting themselves up for target practicing. 😂