Buildings damaged by shrapnel in Mae Sam Laep, Mae Hong Son. Photo source: Thai PBS World (November 2, 2026)

Two incidents involving fighting in Myanmar were reported along the Thai-Myanmar border, causing damage to buildings and putting local residents at risk. The incidents happened in Mae Sot district, Tak province, and Mae Sam Laep, Mae Hong Son province, as fighting between Myanmar’s military and Karen resistance forces continued.

The first incident happened on October 29, 2026, when fighting in Myanmar spread across the border into Mae Sot district.

A 55-year-old Thai woman named Lamyong Nala was injured by flying shrapnel after artillery shells and explosive fragments landed on the Thai side.

She was taken to Mae Sot Hospital for treatment. The explosions also damaged several houses and buildings, leaving residents worried about their safety. The fighting took place near Myawaddy and Minletpan, where Myanmar’s military was clashing with Karen resistance groups, including the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

The Thai military responded to the incident by firing warning shots towards the Myanmar side. The Naresuan Task Force also suspended temporary import and export activities through unofficial border crossings in Mae Sot and Phop Phra districts from October 30 to November 5.

The Royal Thai Air Force also sent F-16 fighter jets to patrol the border area and monitor possible violations of Thai airspace. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed provincial governors and local security forces to closely monitor the situation and ensure Thai residents’ safety.

Another incident was reported in Mae Sam Laep, Sob Moei district, Mae Hong Son province, where stray bombs from Myanmar caused damage to 17 buildings, including a hospital, a church, and a local administrative office.

Luckily, no one was injured. However, the damage was not easy to repair, as several buildings had broken windows and fallen ceiling panels.

The destruction was caused by shrapnel from 500-pound bombs released by Myanmar military aircraft during attacks near the border.

The chief of Mae Sam Laep sub-district warned residents to reduce the volume of music and other noises in their homes so they would be able to hear approaching aircraft. Thai villagers also used Ban Huai Kong Kard School as a temporary shelter in case they needed to evacuate.

Both incidents show how the fighting in Myanmar is affecting people living in Thailand. Even though the clashes are happening in a neighbouring country, the effects have crossed the border and reached Thai homes and public buildings.

People living near the border are now facing concerns about their safety, especially when artillery shells and bombs can land on the Thai side without warning. The damage to a hospital is also worrying because it could affect people who depend on medical services in the area.

As the fighting continues, Thai authorities will need to keep monitoring the border and make sure residents are protected. Although the Thai military has increased security, people living near the border remain at risk as long as the conflict continues.

Sources

1. Thai PBS World. (2026, November 2). Hospital in Mae Hong Son damaged by stray bomb shrapnel from Myanmar. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/around-thailand/572011

2. Khaosod English. (2026, October 29). Myanmar army-Karen clashes spill across border, injuring Thai woman. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2026/10/29/myanmar-army-karen-clashes-spill-across-border-injuring-thai-woman/

3. The Nation Editorial Team. (2026, October 30). Thailand suspends unofficial border trade for seven days amid Myanmar clashes. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40072918