The Myanmar government has sought permission from Thai authorities to allow its aircraft to land in Tak province, aiming to evacuate senior military officials who fled from Myawaddy, recently captured by opposition forces.
Myawaddy, the largest military camp in Myanmar, lies across the border from Mae Sot district in Thailand.
Scheduled tentatively from April 7 to 9, the request was forwarded through the Thai Foreign Ministry. If approved, 617 Myanmar nationals, including 67 military officers, 410 non-commissioned officers, and 81 family members, will return to the capital.
Awaiting clearance at the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, the group hopes to enter Tak province.
Reports indicate a Myanmar commercial aircraft landed at Tak airport last night, departing later with no passengers present.
Myanmar’s opposition, comprising soldiers from the Karen National Union (KNU) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF), seized Myawaddy after intense combat lasting about four days.
Tak Governor Somchai Kitcharoenrungroj ordered close monitoring of the border amid fears of fleeing Myanmar nationals, though border trade operations continue unaffected.
