BANGKOK (ANN/STRAITS TIMES) – Thailand granted permission to the Myanmar junta for a special flight to evacuate its personnel after several hundred troops near the strategic Myanmar border trading hub of Myawaddy surrendered to resistance forces on Monday.
The losses in Myanmar’s Kayin state mark the latest in a series of defeats since October 2023, compelling the military regime – which seized power through a 2021 coup – to relinquish control in key border areas such as Rakhine state and Shan state.
The Karen National Union (KNU), an ethnic armed organisation operating along the Thai border, announced on April 6 via Facebook that over 600 military officers and their families from the junta surrendered after their base was overrun by KNU and allied fighters.
Confirming the development, the Thai government stated on April 8 that it had received a request from Myanmar’s junta-run foreign ministry to approve three special flights between Yangon and Mae Sot – the Thai town adjacent to Myawaddy – from April 7 to 9, for the transportation of passengers and cargo. However, it did not specify the nature of the passengers and cargo involved.
“Given the urgency of the situation and the need for the evacuation of Myanmar personnel and their families to safe areas, the government has decided to approve Myanmar’s request on humanitarian grounds,” stated Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Subsequently, the Myanmar military authorities canceled the request for the remaining flights scheduled on April 8 and 9.
Responding to online accusations of siding with the junta in Myanmar’s ongoing crisis, Thailand’s foreign ministry emphasised its commitment to providing assistance to all parties in Myanmar based on humanitarian principles, without discrimination.
Thai Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jakkapong Sangmanee refuted claims of transporting soldiers, clarifying in an April 8 Facebook post that it was a diplomatic request to bring in a civilian aircraft for the transport of diplomatic supplies.
Thailand had previously sent aid to Myanmar via the Myawaddy-Mae Sot border on March 25 as part of broader efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor, involving the Thai and Myanmar Red Cross societies, the latter being under junta control.
KNU spokesman Padoh Saw Taw Nee informed The Straits Times on April 8 that the organization now controls 80 per cent to 90 per cent of Myawaddy town, prompting some residents to flee amid concerns of retaliation and airstrikes.
A meeting is scheduled by the Thai government on April 9 to determine its next steps.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has sought to limit the Myanmar regime’s access to jet fuel.
With established ethnic armed groups and “people’s defense forces” opposing the military junta, battles in Myanmar have become multi-fronted, leading to attempts by the junta to replenish its ranks through conscription, driving young people to flee military service.
Since the coup, over 2.5 million people have been displaced, and Myanmar’s economy is projected by the World Bank to grow just 1.3 per cent in 2024.
Despite efforts by ASEAN to facilitate a solution to Myanmar’s crisis, progress has been elusive.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, speaking to Reuters on April 7, remarked on the weakening strength of the current regime and the need for negotiation despite their remaining power and weaponry.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop as the new UN special envoy on Myanmar on April 5, filling the vacancy left by Singaporean Noeleen Heyzer’s departure in June 2023.
