Thai Army spokesperson Colonel Thirathorn Sonboonsiri stated that there is no risk of intense clashes between the Thai military and the United Wa State Army (UWSA), as reported by Thai news agency Khaosod.
General Pornsak Poolplod, a senior officer in the Thai military, instructed the 3rd Army Regiment on November 26 to clarify border situations to the public. Additionally, he directed officials to reassure the Thai people that there is no immediate danger of severe confrontations with the UWSA.
According to the spokesperson of Thailand's 3rd Army, efforts are being made to resolve issues regarding UWSA camps located near the Thai border through lower-level discussions. The Thai military remains focused on ensuring security in the northern and northeastern regions. In a statement to the BBC on November 27, a 3rd Army representative, Major Rankun Mahapanya, explained that border disputes are being addressed through local and national mechanisms. He emphasized, “Current issues along the Thai-Myanmar border are being resolved at the local level, with discussions extending to higher government levels.”
Recent reports from Thai news outlets suggested heightened military tensions between the Thai army and the UWSA due to disputes over UWSA camps along the border. Thailand has called for the withdrawal of nine UWSA camps from areas it claims as Thai territory by December 18. However, the UWSA maintains that these territories belong to them, escalating tensions along the border near Mae Hong Son Province.
In response to the situation, UWSA representative U Nyi Ran stated on November 26 through the Wa Voice Network that the group had reported the matter to Myanmar's government. He acknowledged the Thai demand to withdraw nine camps in the UWSA’s Southern 171 Region but clarified that the issue requires intergovernmental negotiations, saying, “This matter is not solely up to us. It’s a state-level issue that must be discussed between nations. We have already informed our national leaders about the situation. While we’ve learned of increased Thai military activity, our operations remain normal.”
