BANGKOK — Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday expressed concern for Thai residents along the Thai–Myanmar border, warning that fighting across the border must not spill into Thailand.
Speaking at 10:10 at the Interior Ministry, Anutin said a regular meeting had issued several directives on managing border security amid ongoing clashes in Myanmar. He said he was concerned about the situation in all aspects.
Asked about Thai residents affected by stray ordnance landing on Thai soil, Anutin said authorities were responding through all available channels, including diplomatic engagement and measures to ensure public safety.
He said Myanmar authorities had confirmed the incidents were part of internal fighting and not an intentional violation of Thai territory.
“We are not accepting this. If there is fighting, it must remain on their side. Our country must not be affected,” he said.
Separately, on 20 April at 11:00, the Myanmar Air Force deployed Yak-130 and MiG-29 fighter jets to carry out air strikes near a hospital operated by the Karen National Union (KNU) and nearby civilian homes in Hpapun township, Karen state, about 500 metres from the Thai border.
One bomb landed across the border in Thailand along the Salween River near Ban Mae Waen, triggering panic among Thai residents, who fled the area in fear.