Myanmar Air Strikes Near Border Prompt Civilian Evacuation Fears

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews

Fighting along the Thailand–Myanmar border intensified on 28 January 2026, after Myanmar military aircraft bombed a Karen National Union (KNU) base opposite Mae Sot district in Tak province, causing blasts to be heard inside Thailand. The escalation has prompted Thai villagers near the frontier to prepare to flee their homes at short notice amid fears of heavier clashes.

At about 11.00am on 28 January 2026, reporters monitoring the border situation said clashes were continuing between Myanmar army Light Infantry Division 22 and KNU forces. The fighting took place at Min La Pan village in Myawaddy township, Myawaddy district, Kayin State, directly opposite Ban Mae Kon Ken and Ban Huai Maha Wong in Mahawan subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province.

Myanmar troops reportedly used heavy weapons against KNU positions and attempted to seize the base by ground assault. They also deployed unmanned aerial vehicles, including explosive-laden “kamikaze” drones, to strike KNU strongholds on an ongoing basis. On the morning of the same day, the Myanmar Air Force sent a YAX-130 aircraft to drop four bombs on the Min La Pan area, with loud explosions audible as far as Mae Sot.

On the Thai side, residents of Ban Mae Kon Ken and Ban Huai Maha Wong, Moo 9, were placed on round-the-clock alert. Villagers have packed essential belongings and remain ready to leave immediately to stay with relatives if the fighting intensifies.

One affected household is that of Somkab and Mon Champa, both aged 69, who live at house number 343 in Moo 9, Mahawan subdistrict. They have prepared clothing, bedding, mattresses and blankets so they can evacuate without delay. Their home was previously damaged during earlier fighting, and Mr Somkab was injured in a past incident.

Mrs Mon said through tears that the repeated clashes have made it impossible for her to work, forcing frequent movement between her home and safer areas. She added that damage to the house, including shattered windows, has not yet been repaired by any authority. She appealed to Tak provincial officials to visit the area and provide assistance to affected residents.

Thai security forces have reportedly submitted formal notifications through the Thai–Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC). Warning shots using flares have also been fired as part of border security measures, according to local reports.

SiamNews reported that the situation remains volatile, with no indication that fighting across the border will subside in the immediate future. Thai residents in frontier villages continue to monitor developments closely while preparing contingency plans in case of further escalation.

Key Takeaways

• Myanmar forces carried out air strikes using a YAX-130 aircraft on 28 January 2026 near the Thai border.

• Explosions from four bombs were heard in Mae Sot district, Tak province.

• Thai villagers have packed belongings and remain ready to evacuate at short notice.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siamnews 2026-01-29