Fighting between junta and defence forces in Myanmar has forced over 9,000 civilians to flee into Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Province, according to a 25 July Thai media report.

The report on the Thaiger website said that a total of 9,064 Myanmar refugees are taking shelter in the three Mae Hong Son districts of Mae Sariang, Khun Yuam and Muang Mae Hong Son opposite Karenni State. The Thai authorities are currently providing some assistance to the refugees.

In June Thailand’s Thai-Myanmar Border Command Center advised Thai citizens not to venture into border areas in the districts of Mae Sariang and Khun Yuam because of increased fighting on the Myanmar side of the border.

According to the Thaiger report the Myanmar junta carried out retaliatory airstrikes with FTC-200G and K-8 aircraft in Karenni State. It said that the conflict in Karenni State puts innocent lives at risk and forces people to seek refuge which continues to pose a serious challenge for Thai regional authorities and humanitarian organisations.