On December 8, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) released a statement emphasizing their desire for peace as the primary solution to conflicts surrounding the Thai-Myanmar border.

This statement followed an announcement by the Thai Royal Army on November 25, demanding the relocation of approximately nine UWSA military bases located in the Mae Hong Son district near the border by December 18.

In the statement, UWSA expressed that they are not enemies of the Thai Army and condemned false military reports intended to provoke tensions.

Furthermore, UWSA acknowledged that the Thai Army’s request to relocate nine areas within Wa Region 171 was legitimate but should be resolved through intergovernmental discussions. UWSA has reportedly notified the respective national leaders and highlighted that, while the Thai Army has increased its presence in the area, the UWSA has maintained its usual stance. These details were shared by UWSA’s external relations officer, U Nyi Ran, with Wa News Land, a local media outlet.

Despite Thai news agencies reporting rising military tensions between the Thai Army and UWSA over the border dispute, UWSA has firmly stated that the disputed territories belong to them. The Thai Army, however, asserts that these areas are under Thai sovereignty and has demanded that UWSA vacate the bases by December 18.

According to trusted UWSA sources, the disputed areas along the Thai-Myanmar border near Mae Hong Son province are currently under significant tension. Thai news agencies also reported on November 25 that the Thai military had issued this demand.

UWSA rejected the Thai Army’s demand to withdraw from locations including Doi Hamah and Naung Lyan, along with five other military bases, asserting that these territories are not part of Thailand.

Thai Army spokesperson Col. Thirathsun Batsiri assured that there is no imminent risk of direct confrontation between the two forces. Thai Army Chief General Panakorn Plodtat has instructed the 3rd Infantry Division to clarify the situation at the border to the public as of November 26, according to Thai media.

Additionally, the Thai Army has been directed to explain to its citizens that there is no danger of an intense clash with UWSA. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue at the local level, said a spokesperson from the 3rd Infantry Division, which oversees security in northern and northeastern Thailand. This was confirmed by a report from BBC News on November 27.

Regarding the disputed military bases, Thai military spokesperson Ranjan Mahapan explained that the situation is being addressed step by step through mechanisms established for border management, involving both regional and national levels.