Heavy fighting has erupted at the Thaybawboe military camp along the Thai-Myanmar border in Karen State, with military council forces continuously firing heavy artillery, according to border military sources. The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied forces launched an attack on the Thaybawboe camp starting at 6 AM on May 28, with loud artillery fire echoing throughout the area.
During the battle, a military council reinforcement column of over 70 troops attempted to reach Thaybawboe camp, but KNLA and allied forces intercepted and engaged them. The sound of explosions from artillery fire can be heard even from the Thai side of the border, causing local civilians to flee to Thailand for safety. The current fighting has forced approximately 290 Myanmar refugees to cross into Thailand, where Thai authorities have established three refugee camps to accommodate them.
Following the capture of the military council’s Blaydoe camp by KNLA and allied forces on May 23, they have also surrounded and cut off access to Thaybawboe, Hsaungzanmyaing, and Ukayittha camps. The escalating situation and potential for more intense battles has prompted local residents to seek refuge in safer areas. Thai military forces are maintaining 24-hour security patrols along the Thai-Myanmar border and remain in a state of combat readiness.
Currently, ongoing clashes continue between military council forces and KNLA allied forces across various locations in Karen State, including Myawaddy, Three Pagodas Pass, Kawkareik, Kyondoe, Papun, and Thandaung regions. Local border residents anticipate that the number of displaced civilians may increase as fighting intensifies in the region. The military situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in sustained combat operations throughout the area.
