Talks are underway between local Thai and Myanmar authorities following a report that on Thursday, Myanmar security forces fired warning shots at a Thai border patrol boat travelling along the Salween River in Mae Hong Son’s Mae Sariang district, a border source said.
According to the source, Thai local officials and security authorities have looked into the report and found the incident took place when the Thai border patrol police boat was traveling along the river.
Myanmar security forces reportedly fired the warning shots to keep the boat away from a Myanmar military base opposite of Ban Tha Ta Fang area in tambon Mae Yuam.
No injuries were reported in the incident, according to the source.
Following the incident, Thai officers from the 7th Infantry Regiment contacted Myanmar security forces to inform them of the shooting, and talks are underway to ensure a better understanding.
According to local media reports, villagers reported gunfire from the Myanmar military base on the bank of Salween River on Thursday. Myanmar troops reportedly fired two shots at a Thai boat showing two national flags.
The vessel was reportedly escorting a villager’s boat along the Salween River. After the shooting, the Thai border patrol police boat reportedly docked at the Myanmar military base for about 30 minutes.
The incident came amid escalating tension between Myanmar security forces and ethnic Karen insurgents in the area.
Humanitarian groups say Myanmar forces have also opened fire on boats carrying aid to the displaced in recent weeks.
