According to Thai media reports, 510 Myanmar refugees who had temporarily fled to Thailand have returned to their homes following the capture of the military council’s Mae La camp in Karen State along the Thai-Myanmar border by the Karen National Union (KNU) and People’s Defense Force units. The successful operation has marked a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the border region.
On May 16, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied forces launched a coordinated attack on the military council’s Mae La army camp near the Thai-Myanmar border, resulting in its complete capture. During the fighting, Myanmar civilians who had temporarily sought refuge in Thailand were provided with necessary accommodation and food supplies by Thai authorities. When it was time for their return, Thai officials ensured their safe transport to the Thaung Yin River.
The KNLA and its allied forces have been systematically capturing military council outposts along the Thai-Myanmar border. During March, April, and May, they successfully seized several strategic positions including Pu Lu Tu, Khlay Day, Thaw Bi Khee, Maw Phar Thu camp, Thalay camp, and Mae La camp. Notably, on the evening of May 13, KNU and PDF joint forces captured the strategic Thalay camp of the military council’s Infantry Battalion 24, followed by the successful seizure of Mae La camp on May 16. These victories represent significant achievements in the resistance forces’ ongoing campaign to liberate territory from military council control in the border region.
