Thailand to allow Myanmar refugees in only if lives are threatened: Anutin

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Monday that Thailand would offer humanitarian aid to those fleeing the violence in Myanmar, but generally would not admit them unless their lives were in immediate danger. Following a National Security Council meeting, Anutin informed authorities to prepare humanitarian assistance for any individuals who crossed the border into Thailand due to the conflict.

These instructions were given to the governor of Tak province and officials in Mae Sot district, which shares a border with Myanmar. However, Anutin clarified that those seeking refuge would be sent back to Myanmar should conditions improve. An assistant army commander-in-chief reported that no one had entered Thailand in relation to the recent situation.

The National Security Council evaluated the security conditions along the border and concluded that, barring severe threats to life, entry into Thailand for temporary shelter would otherwise be denied. Anutin emphasized that Thailand would continue providing humanitarian aid as circumstances warranted. This comes amid ongoing clashes between Myanmar's military and resistance forces in Karen State, close to the Thai border.

Recent weeks have seen ammunition from the fighting spill into Thailand, heightening concerns about border security. The Thai government has maintained that humanitarian assistance would be provided where necessary, contingent upon the seriousness of the threat faced by the individuals.