Lashio Residents Unlikely to Seek Refuge in Thailand Despite New Myanmar Conflict

(CTN News) – Tak-based Naresuan Force believes people from the main town in northern Shan State are likely to escape only temporarily if at all.

Thailand’s Naresuan Force does not expect a large influx of refugees from Lashio, where a new round of fighting has broken out between Myanmar’s military and ethnic forces.

Lashio is the major town in northern Shan State.

The Naresuan Force, which is headquartered in Tak province and provides security along the Thai-Myanmar border, said in a statement on Tuesday that residents of Lashio may temporarily leave their houses but will return as soon as the fighting stops.

“These folks own residences and businesses in Lashio. According to the statement, they will not need to seek refuge in Thailand.

The Naresuan Force published the statement in reaction to social media pictures showing large groups of people leaving Lashio.

The posts have allegedly raised concerns among Thai netizens that the latest development in the neighbouring country will place a strain on border provinces, which have previously struggled with thousands of refugees when conflicts flare in Myanmar.

The Naresuan Force stated in its statement that Lashio is a long way from the Thai border, and that the path to the border is dangerous due to three areas controlled by ethnic groups.

The shortest path from Lashio to Thailand is approximately 576 kilometres long, crossing a border in Chiang Mai province.

“The Naresuan Force and related security agencies are monitoring the situation closely, and have prepared plans in case Myanmar refugees were to enter Thailand via the different border towns,” a press release stated.

Thailand has made a big commitment to tackling Myanmar’s protracted situation, giving humanitarian help of 9 million baht.

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa delivered the crucial statement at the 57th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Post-Ministerial Conference in Vientiane, Laos. The US$250,000 commitment will benefit the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management (AHA Centre).

Source: Nation Thailand