Picture courtesy of TNR

 

Heavy fighting erupted along the Thai–Myanmar border opposite Mae Sot district in Tak province on 12 December 2025, forcing Thai villagers to flee for safety after gunfire crossed into Thailand and damaged homes. Bullets struck two houses in Mae Kon Ken village as clashes between Myanmar junta troops and Karen resistance fighters raged just across the Moei River. Thai security forces also took custody of 10 Chinese nationals who crossed the river during the fighting and surrendered.

 

The violence broke out at around noon when a large contingent of Myanmar junta soldiers from the 22nd Light Infantry Division launched an assault on Karen resistance positions. The resistance fighters were entrenched in Pa Sak forest along the Moei River, on the route to Minletpan town in Myawaddy Township, directly opposite Mae Sot. The attack involved heavy weapons, including grenade launchers and heavy machine guns, placing nearby Thai communities at immediate risk.

 

Mae Kon Ken village residents scrambled to find shelter as the sound of sustained gunfire echoed across the border. Two houses on the Thai bank of the Moei River in Mahawan subdistrict were later confirmed to have been hit by machine-gun rounds of unknown origin. Border Patrol Police were notified after residents fled their homes once the shooting subsided.

 

Mr Somsak, 53, whose home was struck, said he and his wife were inside the house when they heard gunfire from the border. He said military-grade bullets pierced the house and landed around it, prompting him to take cover beneath the building until the gunfire stopped. After escaping unharmed, the couple immediately left the area and reported the incident to authorities.

 

During the height of the fighting, 10 Chinese scammers based in Minletpan town crossed the Moei River into Thailand. They surrendered to Thai security forces guarding the border in Mae Sot district and were subsequently arrested. Authorities said they would be prosecuted according to international standards, while assistance would also be provided.

 

Thai Newsroom reports indicate the situation may worsen, as Myanmar junta troops have reinforced their positions with additional heavy weaponry. The offensive is aimed at seizing and suppressing all border towns currently under insurgent control ahead of Myanmar’s planned general election. Thai authorities continue to monitor the situation closely due to the proximity of the fighting to civilian areas.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Cross-border gunfire from Myanmar fighting damaged two Thai homes and forced villagers to flee on 12 December 2025.

• Myanmar junta troops from the 22nd Light Infantry Division used heavy weapons against Karen resistance fighters near Mae Sot.

• Ten Chinese nationals crossed into Thailand during the clash, surrendered, and were arrested by Thai authorities.

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Thainewsroom 2025-12-14

 

 

 

Oh my god they are getting it on both sides not good

Thailand the new war holiday destination.... East border, south border and west border.... Expensive THB and overpriced but free war

On 12/14/2025 at 6:37 AM, ozz1 said:

Oh my god they are getting it on both sides not good

Don't forget down south...

Trump will say he has stopped the war.  Number 9.

New slogan for TAT.

Amazing war land.

OK now waiting on south Thailand !

1 hour ago, xtrnuno41 said:

OK now waiting on south Thailand !

 Different circumstances but the same devastating effect - IEDs hidden in litter bins. buildings, buried under the road and railtracks, also hidden in bushes to kill and maim the Thai Military! This southern conflict has been going on for years.

 

reference Google

 

Over 700 Thai soldiers have died in the southern insurgency since it reignited in 2004, with the total number of security forces (soldiers and police) killed exceeding 1,000. Overall, the conflict has claimed over 7,700 lives, including civilians and insurgents. 

9 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 Different circumstances but the same devastating effect - IEDs hidden in litter bins. buildings, buried under the road and railtracks, also hidden in bushes to kill and maim the Thai Military! This southern conflict has been going on for years.

 

reference Google

 

Over 700 Thai soldiers have died in the southern insurgency since it reignited in 2004, with the total number of security forces (soldiers and police) killed exceeding 1,000. Overall, the conflict has claimed over 7,700 lives, including civilians and insurgents. 

Yes, I know. This would be a good opportunity for the south.

It is lack of solving problems in the country, same as with Cambodia.

Im aware you cant have different rules in country. Thai ways rules.

It is Thailand. But discriminating will not work.

Thai government is doing wrong in their ways, but no way out in compromising 

At least is what i red.

War on three borders... news just in, the Thai baht strengthens against the dollar and out-performs regional currencies.

Two houses hit by stray bullets.
That's practically nothing.
The same thing happens every night in the Parisian or London suburbs and nobody cares. 
Can we deduce from this that Thais are quick to flee at the first sign of danger ?

Hey!  All quiet on the Laos border 🙂.  Try not to wake us up....