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 regarding the safety, security, and wellbeing of both Myanmar and Thai citizens. According to the statement, there are two potential locations 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.
Following the recapture of Theecee area in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region, the KNU also released a special announcement to Thai citizens living along the Thai-Myanmar border. The statement detailed how the KNU’s Myeik-Dawei District territory was seized by the Myanmar military in 1997, leading to military conflicts and forced displacement of local residents. The KNU’s Brigade 4 expressed their belief that regaining control of the Theecee military base was essential to guarantee the security of people living in both Myanmar and Thailand.
In their statement, the KNU emphasized the necessity of taking military action against the military council to secure people’s right to self-determination and protect them from the military’s violence. The KNU also affirmed their commitment to maintaining harmonious relations with Thai people, as they have done historically, and expressed their intention to continue being good neighbors based on mutual respect and friendship. They explicitly stated their dedication to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with Thailand, emphasizing their hope for understanding from the Thai people regarding their current military operations. The statement underscored the KNU’s long-standing position of prioritizing civilian safety and their opposition to the military council’s oppressive actions, including the concerning development of nuclear facilities near civilian populations.
