Three Myanmar air force planes were seen dropping bombs on a village in Myanmar close to the Ban Phu Nam Ron permanent border checkpoint in Muang district on Wednesday.
About 10am, two twin turbo-prop Y-12s dropped about 30 bombs on the Ban Ticki community, no more than two kilometres from the checkpoint in tambon Ban Kao, about 10am, according to local officials.
The Chinese-built aircraft circled the area for about an hour, they said.
About 2.13pm, a Myanmar air force K-8 light attack jet aircraft was seen dropping two large bombs on Ban Ticki, followed by the sound of machinegun fire, before leaving. The bombs were said to be 1,000 pounders.
There was confirmed damage to the community. The Karen National Liberation Army’s 4th Brigade was still assessing the full impact, and any casualties.
Officials said Thai communities along the border were not affected.
However, at least 300 Myanmar people had already gathered at Mai Kadok on the Myanmar side of the border, near the checkpoint, hoping to take shelter in Thailand. None had been allowed in at last report.
Thai officials provided them with meals and drinking water.
Thai security forces were maintaining peace and order in the area.
Muang district authorities issued instructions for the preparation of temporary shelters for use in the event of a refugee influx. Volunteer defence units and local security forces were setting up checkpoints near the customs gate to prevent unauthorised entry and maintain public order.
The situation remained tense and was being closely monitored.