A significant number of individuals displaced by the conflict in Mese Township in Karenni State, are  seeking temporary shelter at the border after they have been denied access to the Thai side, and are in desperate need of immediate assistance.

"Now the Thai side has imposed restrictions on the entry of war-displaced individuals, denying them access. These vulnerable individuals find themselves stranded in the vicinity of Pantein village near the border.

The displaced people who have arrived from Mese and Kyaukhtu side are facing immense hardship, devoid of any assistance”, a border resident told Kantarawaddy Times. The number of Karenni refugees seeking refuge on the Thai side has increased to 3,877, Thai media reported.

Among the war-displaced population, a significant portion comprises children and the elderly. Their situation is made worse during the monsoon season, making it even more arduous to secure suitable accommodation. Over 1000 war-displaced individuals stranded at border, urgently in need of aid as Thailand restricts entry.

A significant number of individuals displaced by the conflict in Mese Township, located in Karenni State, are currently seeking temporary shelter at the border after they have been denied access to the Thai side and are in desperate need of immediate assistance.

However according to UNHCR., Thailand has a humanitarian obligation under

international law  to allow people to cross the border when they are suffering such dire conditions, and fleeing from extreme danger and threats to their life June 21, 2023.

These vulnerable individuals find themselves stranded in the vicinity of Pantein village near the border. The displaced people who have arrived from Mese and Kyaukhtu side are facing immense hardship, devoid of any assistance”, a resident told Kantarawaddy Times.

The provision of healthcare support for them remains alarmingly inadequate, as recently evidenced by the unfortunate demise of an elderly war-displaced individual due to deteriorating health. This distressing incident underscores the urgent and dire need for comprehensive medical assistance and support”, the aforementioned person said.

On June 13th, the Karenni resistance forces launched a surprise attack on three outposts of the Military Council along the Thailand-Myanmar border, as well as the police station situated in Mese.

Subsequently, the Military Council has conducted relentless airstrikes and shelling in the conflict zone, showing no regard even for residential areas. As a result, over 5000 individuals, including residents of Mese and those who have fled from Hpruso, Demoso, and Bawlakhe townships, have sought refuge in the border areas of Thailand.

The majority of war-displaced individuals seek refuge in forested areas, living in a constant state of apprehension due to the constant threats of shelling and airstrikes. The Karenni source elaborated, “In the midst of the rainy season, those displaced by the war are confronted with numerous challenges in securing suitable accommodation. Among this vulnerable population, a significant number comprises children and the elderly, further exacerbating their predicament. The provision of healthcare support for them remains alarmingly inadequate, as recently evidenced by the unfortunate demise of an elderly war-displaced individual due to deteriorating health. This distressing incident underscores the urgent and dire need for comprehensive medical assistance and support”, the aforementioned person said.

On June 13th, the Karenni resistance forces launched a surprise attack on three outposts of the Military Council along the Thailand-Myanmar border, as well as the police station situated in Mese.

Subsequently, the Military Council has conducted relentless airstrikes and shelling in the conflict zone, showing no regard even for residential areas. As a result, over 5000 individuals, including residents of Mese and those who have fled from Hpruso, Demoso, and Bawlakhe townships, have sought refuge in the border areas of Thailand.

The majority of war-displaced individuals seek refuge in forested areas, living in a constant state of apprehension due to the constant threats of shelling and airstrikes.