According to the second Secretary of the Karenni National Women Association (KNWO), Maw Pray Myar, over 3,000 Karenni internally displaced persons (IDPs) who sought refuge in Thailand from Mese Township following the onset of fighting on June 13, still require assistance, with a particular focus on supporting pregnant women and nursing mothers.
"Pregnant women rely on their medications and emergency healthcare, while some breastfeeding mothers struggle to get enough food. Additionally, there are mothers who need to buy milk bottles because they can't produce enough milk. It is important to address these needs promptly,” said Maw Pray Myar.
According to reports from Thai news sources, a total of 3,342 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought refuge in Thailand due to the ongoing fighting between Mese Township and the border area. The Thai authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance to these individuals.
Presently, over 3,000 IDPs from Mese are being housed in Nan Phar Khel, Nan Mann Chaung, Nan Mann Khee, and Saw He areas.
According to Maw Pray Myar, Thailand has provided necessary accommodation, shelter, food, and items for cooking and eating to over 3,000 Mese IDPs, while Karenni social organizations have also offered assistance; however, additional help is still required as the current support remains insufficient.
"We still require help. While Thailand accepts IDPs, they require shelter, essential supplies for daily living, and food as usual. We, Karenni State organizations have teams dedicated to providing food aid, as well as general aid teams. However, given the urgency of the situation, we are unable to reach them as quickly as needed,” said Maw Pray Myar.
The majority of the IDPs are women, elderly individuals, disabled individuals, and children. Given that it is currently the rainy season, there is an urgent need for emergency medicine to prevent illnesses among the displaced population.
With over 3,000 IDPs seeking refuge in Thailand, there are still others who remain at the border, posing challenges for aid delivery through the Thai border gate, according to those providing aid to the IDPs.
