Mae Sot:Thailand has temporarily suspended movement through natural border crossings in Tak province for seven days following heavy clashes and drone strikes in neighboring Myanmar.

According to Thai News Agency, tensions along the border remained high after Myanmar military forces launched multiple overnight drone strikes against opposition forces in Myawaddy district, Karen State, directly opposite Mae Sot district in western Thailand. Both sides are actively reinforcing troops and weaponry near the frontline.

In response, Major General Prasarn Henprasert, commander of the Naresuan Task Force, ordered a temporary halt to informal trade and border traffic through non-approved channels south of the 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge across Mae Sot and Phop Phra districts from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5.

The security measures follow incidents of stray ordnance and gunfire crossing into Thai territory, damaging several homes and injuring one Thai resident, who is currently in stable condition. Authorities have set up checkpoints and intensified patrols to secure the area.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that local authorities and security personnel have been instructed to ensure full protection for border communities, adding that Thailand will step up self-defense measures if necessary to safeguard its residents.