Locals flee to Thai border after Myanmar military storms Dawei Twsp villages

By DMG 24 May 2022

DMG Newsroom
24 May 2022, Dawei 

Hundreds of locals have fled to the Thai-Myanmar border after junta troops stormed villages near the border in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region, according to ground sources. 

The displaced people (IDPs) fled to the Myanmar-Thai border after soldiers from the Myanmar military’s Dawei-based Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 103 and LIB No. 382 stormed five villages along the Dawei-Myittar-Hteekhee road on May 23, said a member of a relief group operating in the area. 

“A 200-strong Myanmar military contingent raided five villages, forcing 300 villagers to flee to the Myanmar-Thai border,” the aid worker added. 

Scores of Wahtaw village residents attempted to cross over into Thailand but were stopped by the Thai Border Guard Force, according to local aid workers. 

“More than 160 villagers who tried to enter at the Thai border were denied entry by the Thai Border Guard. As a result, the displaced people are taking refuge on the Myanmar side. We are trying our best to supply the displaced people with clothing and food items. The displaced people are in need of shelter,” a social worker said. 

More than 300 displaced people are reportedly taking shelter on the Myanmar side of the border. 

Altogether over 3,000 people have been displaced by fighting between the Myanmar military and anti-regime forces in Dawei Township, according to aid workers in Tanintharyi Region.