Although over 100 Myanmar war refugees crossing border to Thailand came back to Myawady on the afternoon of December 19, but they have not been allowed yet to go to their homes.

 Due to fighting between armed nationals and the military on December 15 in the Lay Kay Kaw region, thousands of people from nearby villages fled across to Thailand.

On December 19, a total of 132 children and adults retuning across the Phayarlay Gate were welcomed by the commanding officer of the Border Guard Force and other responsible persons, and it was learnt that those war refugees were from Maehtawthalay village.

Daw San Mya, living in the 5th street of Maehtawthalay village said: "We have been allowed to come back to our country, and we are happy we have been welcomed from our side. But as there is fighting going on in the village, we dare not go to our village. We will go to our relatives in Myawady. We have to stay there. Although there was no difficulty for food and lodging in Thai side we had difficulty bathing. After coming back this side there is a chance for my grandchild to take treatment in the clinic. The child has fever. Now we heard that there is fire in the village. The house is on 5th street. We took nothing when we fled. We had to flee just with the clothes we had on. Should our house get burnt down it would be very depressing. We hope this war will end at the earliest".

Most of those returning to their homes were from Maehtawthalay village, and due to continued battles between Meahtawthalay and Myittarlay Myaing villages they have to stay with relatives in Myawady,  and those with no relatives would be given shelter in Kyauklongyi relief camp.