Why in news?
Renewed fighting in Myanmar’s eastern regions has pushed thousands of civilians to cross the Moei River into neighbouring Thailand. In recent months insurgent groups captured the town of Myawaddy on the Myanmar side, prompting residents to flee across the river. Thai authorities have increased patrols and set up temporary camps to deal with the influx.
Background
The Moei River (also called the Thaungyin River) is a tributary of the Salween River. Rising in Thailand’s Phop Phra District, it flows northward for about 327 km along the Thailand–Myanmar border before joining the Salween at Sop Moei District. The river is roughly 200 to 300 metres wide and serves as a natural boundary between Thailand’s provinces of Tak and Mae Hong Son and Myanmar’s Kayin and Kayah States.
Recent developments
- Fall of Myawaddy: In April 2024 anti‑junta rebels and ethnic armed groups seized control of Myawaddy, a key trading town opposite Thailand’s Mae Sot. Fearing retaliation, hundreds of residents crossed the Moei River by boat and on foot to seek refuge in Thailand.
- Thai response: The Thai government prepared for a possible surge in refugees by setting up temporary shelters and coordinating with humanitarian agencies. While Thailand emphasised a desire for peace, it also increased border security to prevent armed spillover.
- Humanitarian concerns: Many of those fleeing are women and children who lack proper documentation. Crossings are dangerous due to the river’s currents and the presence of landmines along the banks.
Geopolitical significance
The Moei River region has long been a flashpoint due to unresolved ethnic conflicts in Myanmar. The porous border allows both civilian refugees and armed groups to move between countries. Stability on the Moei is crucial for regional trade, as Myawaddy–Mae Sot is a major commercial crossing. International humanitarian agencies have called on both governments to ensure safe passage and respect for human rights.
Source: TH
