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 well-being of both Myanmar and Thai citizens. This announcement came following the Karen National Liberation Army’s (KNLA) 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’s Myeik-Dawei District territory fell under Myanmar military control in 1997, leading to military conflicts and forcing local residents to flee their homes. The KNU’s Brigade 4 now believes it is essential to regain control of the Theecee military base in the Myeik-Dawei region to guarantee the security of residents in both Myanmar and Thailand. The organization emphasizes that military action against the military council is necessary to protect people’s right to self-determination and to free them from the Myanmar military’s violence.
The KNU has expressed particular concern about the military dictatorship’s plans to build a nuclear power plant using Russian technology. Currently, two locations have been identified for the potential construction of nuclear facilities: one in central Bago Region and another in the Dawei Special Economic Zone in Tanintharyi Region near the Thai border. This development has raised significant alarm regarding the safety and security implications for communities in both Myanmar and Thailand.
In their statement, the KNU emphasized their historical peaceful coexistence with Thai people and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining good neighborly relations based on mutual respect and friendship. They expressed their dedication to fostering permanent peace and cooperative relations with Thailand, while seeking understanding from the Thai people. This demonstrates the KNU’s clear position on regional security and peace-building efforts, highlighting their role in protecting civilian interests against military aggression while maintaining positive international relations with neighboring countries.
