Latest fighting in Kayin State forces 2,000 from displacement camp on Thai-Myanmar border 

By Admin 27 Feb 2023

DMG Newsroom
27 February 2023, Lay Kay Kaw

Some 2,000 people sheltering at a displacement camp in Lay Kay Kaw, near the Thai-Myanmar border in Kayin (Karen) State’s Myawaddy Township, have been forced to flee to the banks of the Moei River due to fighting between junta troops and allied resistance forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). 

The internally displaced people (IDPs) are said to be in need of emergency relief supplies.

Fierce clashes took place along the Myawaddy-Waw Lay road between junta troops and KNLA-led resistance forces from February 22-24, and Pa Law Ta displacement camp was hit by stray bullets and artillery strikes, forcing displaced people there to flee the camp.

“Clashes took place after revolutionary forces ambushed junta troops coming from Myawaddy. We helped relocate locals after the camp was hit in the fighting,” said a volunteer assisting the IDPs.

A 40-year-old man suffered a minor head injury, according to one displaced resident.

“We had to flee to the Moei River banks after the camp was hit by bullets. A man was hit in his head. Around 2,000 people have fled the camp,” the IDP said.

Those uprooted remain at the riverbank and need shelter and food supplies, according to a volunteer helping displaced people in Lay Kay Kaw.

One volunteer said: “They need food supplies and materials to make makeshift tents. We are doing our best to supply them.”

More than 10,000 people were displaced by the fighting between junta troops and KNLA Brigade 6 in Lay Kay Kaw in late 2021. Some had returned to their homes, but were displaced again by continuing military hostilities. Thai authorities forced about 1,000 people taking shelter in Thailand back to Myanmar in December of last year.