26 June, 2026
Fierce fighting has broken out again between KNLA allied forces and Myanmar’s military junta near the Min Let Pan forest area along the Phalu village road, south of Myawaddy in Karen State. The clashes resumed on June 15 and have continued to intensify.
As a result of the ongoing fighting, stray bullets from both sides have crossed into Thailand. On June 22, gunfire struck a high school in Mae Ko Keng village, forcing authorities to temporarily close the school due to safety concerns.
On the morning of June 25, continued clashes in the Min Let Pan area led to additional stray bullets hitting a primary school and a Christian church in Mae Ko Keng village, according to a Myanmar migrant worker living there.
A local worker described the situation, saying the fighting has been intense since last week, with heavy weapons including drone attacks and sustained gunfire. Bullets reportedly hit school windows, ceilings, and walls, prompting closures and raising fears for student safety.
In response to the cross-border impacts, Thai border security forces in Mae Sot district have issued emergency alerts for nearby villages, including Phop Phra, Sao, Mae Ko Keng, and Mae Tao. Troops have been deployed to monitor the situation and maintain readiness along the border.
Due to the prolonged conflict along the Phalu–Min Let Pan route, around five villages have been affected, with more than 4,000 residents displaced. Many have been unable to return home, and agricultural activities have been suspended for nearly two years, according to displaced villagers.
