The Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement on May 9 expressing grave concerns about the military council’s plans to construct a nuclear power plant using Russian technology, citing serious risks to the safety, security, and wellbeing of both Myanmar and Thai citizens. This announcement came following the KNLA’s recapture of the Theecee area in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region, and serves as a notice to Thai citizens living along the Thai-Myanmar border.
The KNU detailed how the Myanmar military’s seizure of their Myeik-Dawei District territory in 1997 led to military conflicts and forced displacement of local residents. The KNU’s Brigade 4 believes that regaining control of the Theecee military base in the Myeik-Dawei region is crucial to ensure the security of residents in both Myanmar and Thailand. The organization emphasized that military action against the military council is necessary to liberate people from the military’s violence and secure their right to self-determination.
The statement particularly highlighted concerns about the military council’s plans to construct a nuclear power plant using Russian technology. The KNU identified two potential locations for the nuclear plant construction: the central Bago Region and the Dawei Special Economic Zone in Tanintharyi Region near the Thai border. These plans have raised significant alarm regarding the safety and security implications for communities in both Myanmar and Thailand.
The KNU affirmed its commitment to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with Thailand, as it has historically done. The organization emphasized its readiness to continue being a good neighbor based on mutual respect and friendship, expressing hope for understanding from the Thai people. The statement underscored the KNU’s dedication to maintaining lasting peace and collaborative relationships with Thailand while addressing the serious security concerns posed by the military council’s nuclear power plant plans.
