Blast From Myanmar Clash Injures Three in Thailand

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

Tension along the Thai–Myanmar border reached its highest level yet, on 5 December 2025 after heavy fighting between Myanmar military forces and anti-government groups sent gunfire and explosives across into Thai territory. A large explosive shell landed in Mae Kon Ken village in Mae Sot district, Tak province, injuring three Thai residents, including one man left in critical condition. Thai authorities immediately deployed forces and issued warnings for villagers to seek safe shelter.

The incident unfolded around midday as the Myanmar Army’s Light Infantry Division 22 launched a major assault on anti-government fighters positioned at the Pasak base in Myawaddy township. The base lies near the entrance to Nilarpan village, directly opposite Mae Kon Ken, separated only by the Moei River. Witnesses reported the fighting occurred just metres from the border, placing Thai communities at heightened risk.

Myanmar troops reportedly advanced in large numbers using heavy weapons, machine guns and small arms to strike positions held by opposing fighters. The anti-government group responded with heavy machine-gun fire and grenade launchers, resulting in over an hour of intense combat. Clouds of smoke drifted over the frontier until gunfire subsided temporarily, though the situation remained volatile.

During the exchange, multiple bullets fell on the Thai side, and one large heavy-weapon projectile struck Mae Kon Ken near Wat Huai Maha Wong. The explosion caused significant damage and injured two residents immediately. One victim, 68-year-old Som Champa, was hit by shrapnel while sheltering inside his home, collapsing in a pool of blood before being rushed by Mahawan rescue workers to Mae Sot Hospital in critical condition.

Thai forces from Task Force Rachamanu fired four smoke rounds across the river as a warning and to signal concern over stray fire entering Thai territory. Community leaders broadcast urgent messages telling residents to evacuate to safe areas due to fears of renewed fighting, with reports suggesting Myanmar forces might attempt another assault on the Pasak base again later in the evening. Residents, including children and the elderly, moved quickly to designated shelters.

Khoasod reported that initial assessments found that several houses and vehicles in Mae Kon Ken were damaged by the blast and stray rounds. Thai military, border patrol police and local defence volunteers have formed a joint security line along the border to protect Thai sovereignty and monitor further developments. Authorities continue to assess risks and maintain high alert as fighting on the Myanmar side shows no sign of easing.

Key Takeaways

• A heavy-weapon blast from Myanmar’s conflict injured three Thai civilians in Mae Sot.

• Thai forces issued smoke-round warnings and urged villagers to take shelter.

• Damage to homes and vehicles has prompted reinforced security along the border.

Related Stories

Thai-woman-injured-by-stray-bullet-amid-Myanmar-KNU-clash

Thailand-close-border-crossings-for-7-days-amid-Mae-Sot-fighting

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-06