Over 9,000 refugees from Myanmar, who have escaped the ongoing fighting, are now taking shelter in five villages in Mueang, Mae Sariang and Khun Yuan districts of Thailand’s northernmost province of Mae Hong Son.
According to the Mae Hong Son border command centre, the Karenni refugees are scattered across five temporary shelters being provided by Thai authorities. They include:
- 3,539 refugees in Ban Sao Hin in Sao Hin sub-district, Mae Sariang district
- 316 refugees in Ban U-Noo in Mae Khong sub-district, Mae Sariang district
- 530 refugees in Ban Jor Pradi in Mae Khong sub-district, Mae Sariang district
- 858 refugees in Ban Pa Chae in Mae Ki sub-district, Khun Yuam district
- 3,769 refugees in Ban Nai Soi in Pang Mu sub-district, Mueang district
The border command centre said that it is providing food, drinking water and other necessities to the refugees and has appealed for donations from both the private and government sectors, as well as the public, to help the refugees. More toilets and other facilities have also been provided.
The centre also said that health screenings have been conducted on the refugees, to ensure that they are clear of diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever.
It also warns people not to venture close to the border with Myanmar, as fighting between government and rebel forces continues.
