Thai troops, based at a camp in Kanchanaburi province near the border with Myanmar, were put on alert today (Saturday), as fighting broke out between Myanmar government troops and People’s Defence Force (PDF) rebels this morning.
It is reported that the rebels seized a Myanmar police station in Payatongsu district, opposite Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district, torched a truck and some police kiosks during the fierce battle.
Colonel Thatchadet Arbuarat, deputy commander of Lat Ya Task Force, said that he has ordered troops and other security officials to keep a close eye on the situation in Myanmar, near the Three Pagoda Pass border crossing.
He said that he has instructed villagers in Nong Lu sub-district to stay clear of the border checkpoint at Ban Nam Kerik for their safety.
The fiercest fighting lasted about an hour, before it tapered off. Black smoke from burning properties in the Myanmar township could be seen from the Thai side of the border.
The latest report said that the situation has returned to normal this afternoon and no refugees from Myanmar have fled onto Thai soil.
