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. The statement emphasized serious concerns for the safety, security, and wellbeing of both Myanmar and Thai citizens. The announcement revealed that two potential locations have been identified for the nuclear power plant construction: one in the central part of Bago Region and another in the Dawei Special Economic Zone in Tanintharyi Region near the Thai border.
The statement was released following the Karen National Liberation Army’s (KNLA) recapture of the Theecee area in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region. The KNU’s Myeik-Dawei District issued this announcement to inform Thai citizens living along the Thai-Myanmar border about the military situation in the Theecee area. The KNU disclosed that after the Myanmar military seized their Myeik-Dawei District territory in 1997, the region experienced military conflicts that forced local residents to flee their homes. The KNU’s Brigade 4 expressed their belief that regaining control of the Theecee military base in the Myeik-Dawei area was essential to guarantee the security of local residents in both Myanmar and Thailand.
The statement emphasized the necessity of taking military action against the military council to ensure people’s right to self-determination and to protect them from the military’s violence. The KNU expressed particular concern about the military council’s plans to build a nuclear power plant using Russian technology, citing significant risks to the safety and security of both Myanmar and Thai citizens. They specifically highlighted the two potential construction sites: one in central Bago Region and another within the Dawei Special Economic Zone in Tanintharyi Region along the Thai border.
The KNU strongly emphasized their commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence with Thai citizens, as they have done in both the past and present. They expressed their readiness to continue being good neighbors based on mutual respect and friendship in the future. The statement particularly emphasized their dedication to maintaining perpetual peace and cooperative relations with Thailand, while expressing hope for understanding from the Thai people. The KNU reiterated their position on standing with the people and their commitment to protecting civilian interests in the region.
