The Commander of the Ratchamanu Task Force has ordered the closure of all border crossings in Maha Wan Subdistrict after Mae Sot border residents in Tak Province were affected by the conflict in Myanmar. Additional ranger troops have been deployed to protect the local population.
At 8:30 a.m. on 3 July 2026, reporters from Mae Sot District, Tak Province, provided an update on the ongoing fighting between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), under the Karen National Union (KNU), and Myanmar government forces at Min La Pan village opposite Huai Mahawong village in villages 2, 4, and 9 of Maha Wan Subdistrict, Mae Sot District.
Over nearly one year of Myanmar troops attempting to retake this area, fighting has continued and intensified, especially in the past week. Both sides have engaged with heavy weapons and air combat. Recently, Myanmar troops from the 22nd Light Infantry Division have pushed forward, resulting in intense clashes.
This fighting has impacted Thai residents along the border in villages 2, 4, and 9 of Maha Wan Subdistrict. Thai homes have been damaged by stray bullets crossing into Thai territory. Local residents have gathered to meet security agencies to seek solutions to their hardships.
Mr. Kanpong Pipatmontreekul, Mae Sot District Chief, together with Colonel Chanakan Saengsorn, Commander of the Ratchamanu Task Force, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Atchai Aomsinsomboon, Deputy Superintendent and Head of Border Patrol Police Company 346, visited affected villages 1, 2, 4, and 9 in Mae Kon Ken to listen to residents’ concerns caused by unrest in neighboring Myanmar. They sought ways to address difficulties and provide assistance and relief.
Security measures were increased to protect locals at the Maha Wan Subdistrict Headman’s office in village 1, Mae Sot District, Tak Province. Initially, military units ordered the closure of crossings in villages 2, 4, and 9 to prevent supplies from entering the conflict zone. Ranger troops were also reinforced to reassure and safeguard the community.
Colonel Chanakan said that as chairman of the Thai-Myanmar Border Committee (TBC), he met with Myanmar’s TBC counterparts to report the issues and villagers’ hardships. The Myanmar side acknowledged the situation and pledged to resolve all problems. They stated the conflict is internal to Myanmar and emphasized they do not want it to affect Thailand.
Currently, coordination with Myanmar continues. During the meeting with villagers, their complaints were heard and documented for resolution. The military has closed all border crossings indefinitely, prohibiting passage into Myanmar until the situation improves, despite the impact on local livelihoods.