Residents of Karenni Refugee Camp No. 1, a refugee camp in Thailand that has been in existence for over two decades, express growing concern about the military's surveillance flights and airstrikes occurring along the border of Karenni State in recent months.
The continuous presence of warplanes and unverified rumors of a potential attack on the refugee camp have created apprehension among the residents. In response, some have taken precautions by digging bomb shelters beneath their homes.
"We've received reports that some residents in the wards are feeling concerned and have started digging bomb shelters. We don't have precise information on the number of shelters that have been dug. When I inquired with the ward administrators, they confirmed that some people are indeed digging these shelters due to their anxiety. The frequent presence of warplanes and the sound of approaching weaponry are causing distress, prompting some residents to flee," stated Naw Mu Taw, chairman of the camp management committee for the Karenni refugee camp.
Military Council troops are utilizing helicopters and warplanes to bolster their bases along the border, deploying both troops and supplies. Furthermore, airstrikes have also targeted the Karenni Army's hill-based camps situated along the border.
On July 12, airstrikes were carried out on the Daw Noe Khu IDP camp located on the border of Karenni State, situated just approximately 5 kilometers away from the Karenni refugee camp.
Consequently, the residents of the camp are experiencing anxiety due to circulating rumors that the nearby Karenni refugee camp may also become a target.
A person who dug a bomb shelter in Karenni Refugee Camp No. 1 explained, "We decided to dig these shelters because there is no assurance of security, and it's solely for our protection."
Khu Taw Reh S, Minister of Justice for the Karenni State Government (KNPP), mentioned that due to Karenni Refugee Camp No. 1 being situated within Thailand's borders, there is a low likelihood of the Military Council's troops targeting it.
According to the camp's residents, between 1997 and 1998, Karenni Refugee Camp No. 1 and certain villages in Thailand experienced airstrikes conducted by the military, resulting in damage to some homes in the area.
