Myanmar resistance seizes border town; Thailand braces for refugees

KNU to take on administration of trading hub as Thai foreign minister visits

20240412 Mae Sot

A Thai soldier looks on as people line up at a border crossing to flee Myanmar early on April 12, in Mae Sot, Thailand. © Reuters

GWEN ROBINSON, Nikkei Asia editor-at-large

MAE SOT, Thailand -- Myanmar's resistance forces led by the Karen National Union began consolidating control of Myawaddy township, a trading hub near the border with Thailand, following days of fighting with the military regime.

In a statement issued on Friday, the KNU, one of Myanmar's largest and oldest armed ethnic groups, said it would establish administrative mechanisms in the township and maintain cross-border security "in line with best regional practices," while preventing illicit businesses, contraband and human trafficking.

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