The Karen National Union (KNU) issued a significant statement on May 9th expressing grave concerns about the military council’s plans to construct a nuclear power plant using Russian technology. The statement highlighted serious concerns for the safety, security, and wellbeing of both Myanmar and Thai citizens. According to the KNU, the military council has identified two potential locations for the nuclear power plant construction: one in the central Bago Region and another in the Dawei Special Economic Zone in Tanintharyi Region near the Thai border.
This announcement came following the Karen National Liberation Army’s (KNLA) recapture of the Theechaung area in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region. The KNU detailed how the military’s seizure of the Myeik-Dawei District territory in 1997 led to ongoing military conflicts and civilian displacement in the region. The KNU’s Brigade 4 emphasized that regaining control of the Theechaung military base was essential to guarantee the security of local populations in both Myanmar and Thailand. The organization believes that military action against the military council is necessary to protect people’s right to self-determination and to free them from military violence.
The KNU has emphasized its commitment to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with Thailand and its people, as it has historically done. The organization stated that it has always lived harmoniously with Thai citizens in the past and present, and pledges to continue being a good neighbor in the future. The KNU affirmed its stance on maintaining perpetual peace and collaborative relationships with Thailand, while also expressing hope for understanding from the Thai people. The statement particularly emphasized the organization’s dedication to ensuring regional stability and protecting civilian interests, while highlighting the potential risks posed by the military council’s nuclear power plant project to both Myanmar and Thai citizens.
