Despite orders prohibiting armed movements in Payathonzu Township, members of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), which controls the area along the Thai-Myanmar border, continue to carry weapons in public.
On October 24th, the DKBA’s No. 2 Tactical Command, led by "Lay Wah Plo," issued a directive banning its personnel from carrying firearms within the township except while on duty. The 12-point order also required armed members to notify the DKBA liaison office before entering the town, prohibited the wearing of uniforms and carrying weapons during civilian activities, and warned against causing disturbances or intimidation within the township.
“They (DKBA) members go everywhere, whether it’s just to shop at the market or anywhere else, fully dressed in uniform and armed with weapons and ammunition. That’s likely why they issued this directive. However, despite the announcement, their movements remain unchanged, just as before. There has been no change,” said a local resident.
Reports from local sources indicate that DKBA members have not complied, and continue to openly carry firearms in the area.
Payathonzu Township is marked by the presence of multiple armed groups, and residents frequently witness mortar shelling, gunfire, and face threats.
The directive was likely issued in response to rising tensions, according to a local source.
“Various armed groups, including some with unofficial Chinese involvement, are active in the area. While some Chinese nationals carry weapons with DKBA approval, these activities have sparked recurring conflicts. Recently, an unidentified group fired shots, injuring a young local. Mortar and small arms fire occur almost daily, both day and night. This directive might have been issued to control these situations,” the source said.
Currently, the DKBA, led by Commander Saw Aye Wan, is the dominant armed group in Payathonzu Township.
The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army(DKBA), a splinter group from the Karen National Union (KNU), signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with the government in 2015. It continues to participate in the military junta’s peace initiatives.
