The Thai authorities helped 318 Myanmar refugees who had been sheltering in Thailand for three days to return to their homes in Kawthaung Township in Tanintharyi Region.

The refugees were returned from Ranong port in Thailand on 23 September.

“The Thai authorities are repatriating the refugees because there is less fighting and the situation is more stable in Myanmar. After spending three days on the Thai side, it was discovered that they [the refugees] were facing some challenges regarding their livelihoods”, said U Aung Naing, who was assisting the Burmese refugees in Ranong.

The 318 refugees were from the villages of Maliwan, Khamaukgyi, and Chaungwa in Kawthaung Township and they had crossed the Panchang River to seek refuge in Kra Buri District in Ranong Province, Thailand on 19 September, according to volunteers who were assisting them.

Another volunteer said: “The Burmese refugees who sought shelter in Thailand have now returned to their homeland… Almost all of them have returned as the Military Council in Myanmar has retreated.”

According to reports in the last few days, junta artillery fire in Kawthaung Township has caused civilian casualties. Also, junta troops have arrested at least 30 residents from villages in Kawthaung Township where they were carrying out operations.