According to a source from the Karen National Union (KNU), Thailand has warned that it will return fire if more artillery shells by the Myanmar Military Council landed again in Thailand.

A KNU official said the warning came after the artillery shells fired by the Military Council exploded on the Thai side of the border on December 16 and 17.

“They said they would return fire if it was more than that. Heavy artillery was rampant on the other side. We, the refugees, have to flee,” he said.

Thai authorities have said that they will retaliate if the lives and property of Thais are compromised.

One refugee was injured during the shelling. The Thai military has also deployed troops along the Thai-Myanmar border and they are conducting patrols.