Karen National Union Urges Thailand to Keep Border Trade Open Amid Myanmar Conflict

Karen National Union Urges Thailand to Keep Border Trade Open Amid Myanmar Conflict

MYANMAR, November 5, 2026 — The Karen National Union (KNU) has accused Myanmar’s military of carrying out artillery and airstrikes against civilian areas and border crossings along the Salween River, warning that the attacks have affected more than 120,000 people.

In an official statement issued on November 3, the KNU expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and humanitarian crisis along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

The group said Myanmar military airstrikes in Mutraw District had severely disrupted border trade corridors, threatening an important source of livelihood for more than 120,000 people.

It also alleged that attacks on the Thaw Leh Hta area had affected communities across the border, including Mae Sam Laep village in Sop Moei district, Mae Hong Son province, Thailand.

The KNU highlighted its efforts to combat cross-border crime and drug trafficking, saying its Karen border forces had previously seized more than 9.9 million methamphetamine tablets in an operation earlier in 2026. The seized drugs were estimated to be worth approximately 496 million baht.

The group called on the international community, ASEAN and the United Nations to pressure Myanmar’s military authorities to stop attacks on civilians.

It also urged Thai authorities to keep essential goods moving through border trade routes and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to refugees.

The allegations and figures were presented in the KNU’s November 3 statement.