KNU Says Relations With Thailand Unchanged Despite Myanmar Junta Warnings
Karen Information Center
Relations between the Karen National Union (KNU) and Thai authorities remain unchanged despite formal demands from Myanmar’s military junta urging Thailand to sever all contact with the ethnic armed organization, according to a KNU spokesperson.
The junta submitted a warning letter dated August 31 to the Township Border Committee (TBC), urging Thai border officials to avoid engagement with the KNU. The warning followed the opening of a new KNU trade-facilitation office in Thaw Le Hta, an area under the control of KNU Brigade 5 in Mutraw (Hpapun) District, near the Thai border.
However, KNU spokesperson P’doh Saw Kler Say said the junta's objections have had no meaningful impact on bilateral communication along the border.
“Our relationship with the Thai government hasn’t changed at all. We continue to engage with mutual respect and keep each other informed in advance,” P’doh Saw Kler Say said.
“Furthermore, junta-controlled areas are far from where the new border office was opened. Regardless of their statements, the junta lacks the capacity to take effective action on the ground.”
Despite its logistical limitations, the junta launched airstrikes around Thaw Le Hta on October 31, fulfilling threats made in its warning letter. Explosions crossed the Salween (Thanlwin) River into Mae Sam Laep subdistrict in Thailand's Mae Sariang District, injuring a resident and damaging several buildings.
Following the airstrikes, the KNU coordinated with Thai authorities to temporarily halt river-crossing jetties on both sides. Operations have since resumed.
The airstrikes followed earlier border friction on August 25, when Thai authorities temporarily restricted the transport of essential household goods from Mae Hong Son Province into Mutraw District, causing local supply shortages and price hikes.
“It wasn't a complete blockade, but Thailand restricted the quantities and transport methods of certain goods,” P’doh Saw Kler Say added. “Even so, it created difficulties for local livelihoods and trade flow.”
Tensions remain high further south in Karen State’s Myawaddy Township, where heavy clashes between junta troops and KNU-led resistance forces have frequently resulted in artillery shells and stray bullets crossing into Thai territory.
In response, Thai authorities suspended operations at several jetties along the Moei (Thaungyin) River through November 5 to manage security risks for border residents.
While the Thai central government has not formally responded to the junta’s warning letter, Thai lawmaker Sahasawat Khumkhong rejected the military regime's attempts to dictate Thai border policy.
“The Myanmar junta has no authority to dictate who Thai citizens can communicate or trade with,” Sahasawat told Thai media. “All border trade must comply with Thai law and relevant regulations. The junta cannot be allowed to issue orders or threaten the Thai people.”
Direct diplomatic friction has also escalated. On November 2, the Thai government and senior Royal Thai Army officials summoned Myanmar’s military attaché in Bangkok, issuing a stern warning to ensure that cross-border military operations do not harm Thai civilians or violate Thai sovereignty.
Comments