Thousands of Karen villagers crossed into Thailand last week to escape clashes between Myanmar forces and the Karen National Union.

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Thani said Thai authorities will look after the refugees in line with humanitarian principles, adding that reports saying the escapees will be sent back were unreliable.

He said Thailand has always monitored the border with Myanmar for clashes and Covid-19 cases, and is always ready to deal with refugees.

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Karen refugees will not be sent back to Myanmar: Foreign Ministry

The Karen villagers who have fled across the border to Thailand will not be deported as rumoured, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Thani Saengrat said on Tuesday.