Myanmar Border Clashes Send Stray Rounds Into Thai School

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath 

Heavy fighting between Myanmar military forces and the Karen National Union (KNU) has intensified near the Myanmar–Thailand border, sending stray bullets into a school in Tak province and forcing the emergency relocation of kindergarten pupils. The clashes resumed after several days of reduced hostilities, raising concerns for communities in Mae Sot district. Thai soldiers have reinforced positions along the border as safety measures were rapidly enacted for nearby residents.

The renewed conflict was reported at 10:00 on 11 December 2025, centred around Min La Pan village in Myawaddy township, opposite Huai Maha Wong and Mae Ko Ngen villages in Mahawan subdistrict. Throughout the night of 10 December and into the following morning, Myanmar troops used continuous mortar and small-arms fire in heavy engagements with KNU forces in an attempt to retake Min La Pan. The exchange resulted in at least three small-calibre rounds landing inside or in front of classrooms at Ban Mae Ko Ngen School on the Thai side.

Thai soldiers from the Rachamanu Special Task Force and school staff inspected the site after the incident and recovered the stray rounds. Additional ordnance, including a 60-mm mortar shell and an RPG round, also landed on the Thai riverbank along the Moei River, though no injuries were reported. Authorities noted that the situation posed a significant threat to civilians, prompting heightened security measures.

Thai border units have since maintained strict security along Mae Ko Ngen and Huai Maha Wong villages to prevent any violation of Thai sovereignty. The protection efforts focus on shielding border residents from spill-over fire and monitoring the ongoing clashes across the river. Local community leaders have coordinated closely with military authorities to ensure rapid communication should the situation escalate.

Ban Mae Ko Ngen School had previously relocated most classes to nearby temples and halls deemed safer during earlier bouts of fighting. Only the kindergarten level had continued on-site lessons. Following the latest incident, school officials immediately moved the kindergarten pupils to secure locations, continuing all teaching outside the school grounds until the situation stabilises.

ThaiRath reported that authorities are expected to continue monitoring the conflict as Myanmar forces and KNU fighters engage in intermittent but intense exchanges. Further adjustments to safety protocols for Thai communities may follow depending on developments across the border. Officials will maintain high alert while assessing risks posed by ongoing hostilities in Myawaddy township.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy Myanmar–KNU clashes sent stray bullets into a Thai school, prompting emergency relocation of kindergarten pupils.

• Additional mortar and RPG rounds landed on the Thai riverbank, though no injuries were reported.

• Thai forces have strengthened border security to protect residents and prevent violations of sovereignty.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Thairath 2025-12-12