In the Waw Lay Myaing area, about 50 miles south of Myawady, Kayin State, 307 villagers fled to Thailand on July 4, fearing a major escalation in fighting between the two sides.

“Yesterday, one person was killed and three others were injured when an artillery shell exploded,” said a resident from the Waw Lay area.

He said the villagers had fled in anticipation of a major clash between the two sides.

The Thai side is reportedly strengthening its ground and air forces to prevent any untoward incident in the Waw Lay Myaing area, according to reports from Thailand.

One refugee who fled to Thailand said, "It's safer to flee in advance. We have to flee in advance in previous battles. It's strange how people fight in this area now. It's not like in the old days, it's like they just came in and attacked you, but they announced the battle in advance, and if you stay at home and say you don't believe it, the whole family of you will go to heaven."

Waw Lay Myaing is located about 47 miles south of Myawady. Waw Lay Myaing in Myanmar and Waw Lay Village on the Thai side are separated by the narrow Waw Lay Creek, where the Thaung Rin River originates.