Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – A bomb exploded at a gasoline station on Saturday in downtown Myawaddy on the Burmese side of the border opposite Mae Sot. No one was injured, according to local residents.

The bomb exploded at the station located on the Asia Highway at about 10:45 p.m.

Local Burmese authorities believe the bombers were members of a break-away faction of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), and it was an effort to intimidate local residents, a source who is close to township police told Mizzima.

After the bomb blast, security in the town was increased by deploying members of the Border Guard Force (BGF) and army units. Check points were established Saturday night on the Asia Highway.

Similarly, a bomb exploded at the 7-Star teashop near the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge on February 28, which killed two people and injured two more.

A local resident said people were frightened by the bombings and tried not to go out if possible.

In the Myawaddy area, there are many armies including units of the regime-backed DKBA, Karen National Union forces, the Hautharaw peace group, and break-away DKBA troops who have  refused to become part of the BGF, and Burmese regime troops.