Since early September, more than 600 Karenni refugees, who had fled to Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province due to the conflict in Mese township, Karenni (Kayah) state, have now returned to Mese township, according to individuals familiar with the situation.
The war-displaced individuals who are returning home consist of both voluntary returnees and those returning under pressure from Thai authorities, say local aid workers.
U Banyar, Secretary 2 of the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC), stated, “I’d like to first highlight that some people choose to return voluntarily due to the difficult living conditions (in Mae
Hong Song), while others are forcibly repatriated. The primary reason is the Thai government’s imposition of stricter restrictions on humanitarian aid from international organizations. The overall living conditions have become increasingly uncomfortable, prompting some individuals to ponder whether returning home might be a preferable option.”
The Karenni war-displaced individuals who are currently returning home are those who sought refuge in Thailand due to the intense fighting that occurred in Mese township in June.
Starting from early September, they have been gradually returning in separate groups, and as of September 10, the number of returnees has exceeded 600. It is reported that the war-displaced individuals who are returning to their hometowns are returning specifically to the original IDP camp in Mese township, and have not yet resettled in Mese township itself.
However, there is growing concern about the security of the war-displaced individuals, primarily because of the frequent clashes between the two sides in Mese township and the presence of reconnaissance aircraft from the Military Council, as reported by those offering assistance.
U Banyar also pointed out that while the Karenni war-displaced individuals at the border are primarily reliant on food supplies from Thailand, they still encounter restrictions placed by Thai authorities on food imports. The Karenni Aid Secretary of IEC continued, “The second concern is related to food. Thailand has continuously faced limitations in terms of food access on the Myanmar side of the border.Returning to our homeland might result in encountering similar food shortages. The transportation of supplies from the local area to Mese remains problematic due to persistent conflicts along the route and the steep costs involved. Consequently, we find ourselves heavily dependent on Thailand for our sustenance.”
According to someone assisting war-displaced individuals, when they transport food to the refugee camps along the Thai-Karenni border, they must secure permission from Thai authorities, and their ability to travel is solely dependent on obtaining this permission.
A person providing assistance to war-displaced individuals stated, “Depending on the contributions we receive from others, be it rice, oil, or salt, we rent a vehicle and arrange for their transportation to the designated area. Securing permission from the Thai authorities is a crucial step in this process. If granted permission, we proceed to deliver these essential supplies at the border.”
He went on to explain that there are over 4,000 war-displaced individuals located at the border in Mese township, and there are growing concerns about potential food shortages due to the increasing number of returnees.
At this time, Sao Hin Village, situated in Mae Sariang Township within Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand, accommodates the highest number of Karenni refugees who have sought refuge from the war. Furthermore, those who have chosen to return to their homeland primarily hail from Sao Hin Village, alongside certain war-displaced individuals from several other villages.
Regarding the IEC, it has reported that they are actively engaged in meetings and negotiations with international organizations concerning the provision of humanitarian aid for Karenni war-displaced individuals.
Starting from June 13, following the Karenni joint forces’ attacks on Military Council camps, including the police station in Mese township, approximately 5,000 war-displaced individuals, which include Mese residents, were forced to seek refuge in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand.
