Thailand's foreign minister has urged Myanmar's military authorities to refrain from violent responses following the loss of an important border trading town to its opponents. The town of Myawaddy, located across the river from Mae Sot in Thailand, was abandoned by Myanmar army troops, granting control to guerrillas of the ethnic Karen National Union and pro-democracy People's Defense Forces.
Since last October, Myanmar's armed forces have faced unprecedented defeats, losing territory to ethnic fighters and guerrilla units. Civilian resistance escalated after the military seized power in 2021. Despite the setbacks, Myanmar's military has exercised restraint, with talks underway to ensure the safe return of soldiers who abandoned their last base outside Myawaddy.
