Anutin Promises Humanitarian Support for Myanmar Nationals Fleeing Border Clashes
Anutin Promises Humanitarian Support for Myanmar Nationals Fleeing Border Clashes
BANGKOK, November 3, 2026 — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned Myanmar that ongoing fighting near the shared border must not spill into Thai territory or threaten civilians, saying Bangkok has formally raised its concerns through military and diplomatic channels.
Speaking at Nong Khai Hospital at around 1pm on Monday, November 2, Anutin said Thailand had strengthened border patrols and increased military readiness following reports of explosions near Thai territory on a regular basis.
However, he stressed that Thai forces had been instructed to avoid confrontation and prevent the conflict from escalating.
Thailand raises concerns through military and diplomatic channels
Anutin was responding to calls from opposition politicians for the government to issue an official statement following clashes between Myanmar military forces and Karen armed groups along the Thai-Myanmar border.
He said the government had already communicated its concerns to Myanmar through military and diplomatic channels, making clear that fighting and explosions near the frontier must not affect Thai territory or civilians.
According to Anutin, Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow conveyed Thailand’s concerns to Myanmar’s government over the weekend.
They urged all parties to exercise caution and avoid causing harm to civilians, homes and property unrelated to the conflict on either side of the border.
Anutin added that Thai authorities would also summon Myanmar embassy officials to formally communicate the government’s concerns.
Thailand increases border patrols but seeks to avoid confrontation
The prime minister said Thailand had deployed additional personnel to patrol border areas and strengthened military preparedness in response to the situation.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that Thai forces had been instructed not to provoke a confrontation with Myanmar’s military.
“The fighting has nothing to do with Thailand or Thai people,” Anutin said, while stressing that the military must protect Thai territory as fully as possible.
He acknowledged that Thailand had already suffered some damage from the fighting, making it necessary for the government to formally warn Myanmar against allowing further spillover.
Humanitarian assistance for people fleeing Myanmar
Anutin also said Thailand would continue providing humanitarian assistance to Myanmar nationals crossing the border to escape the violence.
The government has plans to facilitate their return once the situation stabilises, but he stressed that displaced people would not be forcibly sent back while fighting continued.
He said most Myanmar nationals were expected to return voluntarily when conditions allowed.
Those who choose to remain in Thailand without legal permission, however, would be handled in accordance with the country’s immigration laws.
