More than 4,000 locals have been displaced and more than 700 have fled to Thailand following two days of fighting near Lay Kay Kaw about ten miles south of Myawaddy, according to reports from Thailand.
Fighting between the Tatmadaw and Karen ethnic armed organization began on December 15 in Lay Kay Kaw, a town that symbolizes peace.
On the morning of December 16, more than 700 locals fled across Moei River to the Thai side of the border after clashes broke out between the Tatmadaw and the Karen National Liberation Army at a place between Mae Htaw Thale village and Pahikalaw on the way to Lay Kay Kaw.
The fighting has displaced more than 4,000 people; 700 of whom have fled across the river to Thailand.
More than 700 Myanmar refugees have been housed in a warehouse on the bank of the Moei River, and Thailand has stepped up border security.
A refugee who fled to Thailand said, “The fighting occurred near Mae Htaw Thale village, which is located on the way to Lay Kay Kaw. I also heard sound of heavy guns firing. We are scared because it is close to the village. So we crossed the river and fled to Thailand."
Security has been tightened at the entrance of Mae Taw Thale village and people were not allowed to travel due to the fighting.
"The army was inspecting at the bridge, which is the entrance to Mae Htaw Thale village. Civilians cannot go. Only military vehicles can go , so they had to turn around," said a market vendor.
