Permanent Secretary Assisit issued five directives, urging governors of the four provinces—Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai—along the Thai-Myanmar border to raise the level of monitoring the Myanmar conflict situation, emphasizing the protection of the local population.
At 18:00 on 21 April 2026, Mr. Assisit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, revealed that the internal conflict in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is intensifying and expanding across multiple areas, especially opposite the Thai border in Karen State and Kayah State.
"In this situation, clashes have been observed between Myanmar government forces and several ethnic groups at multiple points, involving the use of military power, aircraft, and projectile weapons to continuously target locations. This has caused Myanmar civilians to be affected, injured, killed, and to flee toward the Thai border. At the same time, there is a risk from stray bullets or weapons falling into Thai territory, which could impact the safety of life and property of people living in the Thai-Myanmar border area."
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior stated that to monitor and prepare for impacts on the safety of people along the border and to maintain internal order, the Ministry has instructed the governors of Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai provinces to intensify security efforts in five key areas, prioritizing the safety of residents:
1. Coordinate operations and integrate efforts among administrative agencies, military, police, and security units in the area by increasing patrols, checkpoints, and blockades, closely monitoring natural routes, and tracking the situation, especially movements of armed forces or incursions. Additionally, rehearse and prepare emergency response plans in case of incidents or escalation into Thai territory.
2. Inform residents in risk areas about the situation, advise avoiding border or danger zones, prepare to implement evacuation plans in border areas, and designate safe zones or temporary shelters ready for use.
3. Strengthen security measures for communities, schools, hospitals, and important locations.
4. Emphasize management of information and communication by continuously providing accurate information to the public to reduce panic and prevent misinformation.
5. Monitor and control illegal border crossings by intensifying inspections and surveillance to prevent smuggling or illegal cross-border trade of all types of prohibited goods.