Thailand Urges Myanmar Junta to Reduce Violence as Refugees Flee Across Border

Thailand's Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has revealed that Thailand has sent messages to Myanmar's military junta, urging them to reduce the violence in the country. This comes as Thailand prepares for an influx of people crossing the border after the fall of the town of Myawaddy to rebel forces.

Parnpree stated that Thailand is working with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to follow through on the stalled peace plan for Myanmar, known as the five-point consensus. "Thailand wants to see peace and dialogue," the Foreign Minister told reporters, following a visit to the Thai border town of Mae Sot, which lies across the Myanmar town of Myawaddy.

The town of Myawaddy was recently wrested out of military control by anti-junta forces led by the Karen National Union (KNU) rebel group. Parnpree added that Thailand is considering alternative trade routes in case the fighting causes road closures.

On the Thai side of the border, a steady stream of people, some fearing air strikes, lined up at the border crossing to flee Myanmar on Friday. Moe Moe Thet San, a Myawaddy resident, said she and her young son crossed the border out of fear of the air strikes, which she said caused loud noises that shook her house.

"They caused very loud noises that shook my house," the 39-year-old mother said. "That's why I escaped here. They can't bomb Thailand."

The loss of Myawaddy is a significant blow to the Myanmar junta, which is already struggling with a faltering economy. Analysts say the development strengthens the rebel groups and robs the junta of vital earnings from border trade.