Thai-Myanmar border situation improving; DKBA troops withdrawn

TAK, THAILAND, May 7 (TNA) - The situation at Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot district is improving as the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) has withdrawn their troops from the Moei River bank. The border situation became tense when the DKBA’s Lieutenant General Nakhaomuay was blacklisted by Thai government after being accused of opearting illicit drug business. Upset by the Thai government’s decision, the DKBA deployed their troops along the Moei River bank to prevent Thai and Myanmar people from crossing the border. Nevertheless, Myanmar people were seen crossing the border to buy goods at Mae Sot district and its vicinity as usual Monday morning after the Myanmar government has pressed the DKBA to withdraw their troops from riverside areas opposite Ban Mae Kon Ken and Ban Mahawan villages. Strict security measures, somehow, remained at the Ban Mae Kon Ken village as intelligence source said the Myanmar government is deploying armed forces to areas opposite Phop Phra and Umphang districts of northern Tak province after DKBA troops threatened to close local border passes there. People entering or leaving Thailand through the village is fully inspected by the Thai border patrol police. (TNA)