Chief of Defence Forces prepares to enforce rules of engagement after Myanmar–ethnic armed group shells land on Thai soil
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2025
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Thai Defence Forces warn they may enforce rules of engagement after Myanmar–ethnic group shelling hits Thai border, injuring two and prompting civilian evacuation
The Chief of Defence Forces has acknowledged reports of artillery shells from fighting between Myanmar’s military and ethnic armed groups landing inside Thai territory. He said warnings have been issued to units on the ground and, if the incident occurs again, rules of engagement will be enforced, alongside preparations to evacuate residents from high-risk areas.
On December 6, in Songkhla province, Gen Ukrit Boontanon, Chief of Defence Forces (Supreme Commander), addressed media questions regarding artillery rounds from clashes between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups that landed in Thailand.
He confirmed receiving initial reports indicating that the shelling resulted from ongoing combat operations between Myanmar’s central government forces and ethnic fighters. He said miscalculated firing trajectories caused shells to cross into Thai territory.
The Chief of Defence Forces stated that the Ratchamanu Special Task Force, under the Naresuan Force, acted according to the rules of engagement, issuing warning shots and coordinating locally through the TBC mechanism with both Myanmar government authorities and ethnic armed forces. The purpose was to warn all sides not to allow such incidents to occur inside Thailand.
“Should this happen again,” he warned, “the Thai military will apply the rules of engagement more strictly.”
He added that although there were injuries, there were no fatalities, and preparations are now underway to evacuate civilians from high-risk border areas.
Mortar rounds from Myanmar land in Mae Kon Ken – two injured; Thai forces increase patrols
On December 5 at 12.30 hrs, a mortar round fired from the Myanmar side landed in Mae Kon Ken village, Mahawan subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province, a high-risk area located close to active fighting zones. Two people were injured.
Thai troops from the Ratchamanu Special Task Force immediately intensified patrols to assess the situation and ensure security.
Thai authorities also ordered residents of Mae Kon Ken, Village 9, to evacuate temporarily to safer areas or stay with relatives, due to ongoing instability along the border.
Fighting in Karen State forces civilians to flee toward Thai border
Continued clashes between the Karen National Union (KNU) and Myanmar military forces in Karen State have caused large numbers of Myanmar civilians—particularly Karen residents from Lay Kay Kaw and nearby villages in Myawaddy district—to flee to temporary shelters along the Moei River, opposite Mae Kon Ken village in Mahawan subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province.
