The Royal Thai Air Force responded today by deploying two F-16 fighter jets from an airbase in Nakhon Sawan to Tak province. This action followed the sighting of two MiG-29 fighters from Myanmar’s air force near the Thai border in Tha Song Yang district.
The appearance of Myanmar’s aircraft coincided with an escalation in hostilities between Karen rebel forces and Myanmar government troops. According to security sources, members of the Karen National Liberation Army’s 7th Corps launched a significant attack on a Myanmar military barracks, located across from Ban Mae Salid Luang village in Tha Song Yang. The offensive is believed to be in retaliation for a drone strike that targeted the home of a Karen rebel commander the previous day.
In response to the fighting, Myanmar’s air force carried out an airstrike on positions held by Karen rebels, situated roughly 500 meters from the Thai border. This prompted the evacuation of about 100 women and children from the affected area, with the group crossing into Thailand for safety. These evacuees have since been housed in a shelter on Thai soil, where they are being provided with care and assistance.
The situation remains tense along the border, as both military and civilian impacts continue to unfold.
