Thandwe residents flee as fighting escalates

By Admin 23 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
23 May 2024, Thandwe

Half of Thandwe’s residents have fled the town as fighting escalates in the township of the same name between the regime and the Arakkha Army (AA).

Many residents are fleeing to Yangon, and bus and air ticket prices have increased as a result.

“Most people are fleeing to Yangon. Some are also fleeing to Gwa, which has not yet experienced fighting. So many people are fleeing to Yangon that it is difficult to get an air ticket,” said one Thandwe resident.

A flight ticket from Thandwe to Yangon sells for 450,000 kyats now, and the express bus fare has increased to 250,000 kyats.

While many well-off families have left Thandwe, low-income families remain as they can’t afford to flee.

Fighting has been raging north of Thandwe since April 14, and clashes are moving closer to the town.

“The AA has seized a junta base near Shwe Hlay Bridge. They fought fiercely near Tha Htay Chaung yesterday,” said a Thandwe resident.

Civilian casualties inflicted by junta air and artillery strikes continue to increase in Arakan State.

One woman was killed and a child sustained serious injuries when an artillery shell hit Paya Maw Village on Wednesday.

“We are at greater risk as the regime is targeting civilians,” said the Thandwe resident.

The AA has warned people about the junta’s aerial and artillery attacks, urging them to dig bomb shelters and flee the conflict zone.