Bangkok: The Third Army Region commander has taken decisive action by ordering the firing of 120mm smoke shells as a warning in the Mae Sot border area. This response came after ongoing fighting in Myanmar led to five 60mm shells inadvertently landing on the Thai side, causing damage to one Thai home and injuring two Burmese individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, at 9:12 a.m. on November 30, 2015, Lt. Gen. Worathep Bunya, Commander of the Third Army Region, received an urgent report from the commander of the Naresuan Task Force. The report detailed the situation along the Thai-Myanmar border, where clashes were occurring between the Burmese government and ethnic minorities across Mae Sot District in Trat Province. The Rajamanu Task Force discovered five 60mm rounds had crossed into Thai territory amidst the conflict.
Lt. Gen. Worathep Bunya, after evaluating the situation, communicated with the Army Commander to seek immediate approval for a responsive measure. Consequently, the Rajamanoon Task Force was authorized to fire four smoke rounds using a 120mm mortar. This action was taken to signal caution and prevent further encroachments. The general situation along the border remained stable following this measure.
Preliminary investigations indicated that on the affected Thai side, a house sustained damage from shrapnel, and two Myanmar nationals, a woman and a child, were injured. Both individuals received medical attention and are reportedly in stable condition.