Thailand Denies Rice Supply To Myanmar Military In Border Areas

Myanmar border with Thailand. (Wikimedia Commons / joaquin uy)

JAKARTA - The Thai military has denied supplying rice to units of the Myanmar military forces. In a statement issued Saturday, March 20, the Thai military confirmed any food that crossed the border as part of normal trade.

Thailand's direct assistance to Myanmar's military regime could bring the potential for widespread condemnation from around the world, given the coup that was carried out against the legitimate government.

Thai media reported that the Thai army had supplied 700 sacks of rice to units of the Myanmar army on Myanmar's eastern border, quoting an unidentified security official as saying it was ordered by the Thai government.

Thai media showed photos of what looked like bags of rice loaded onto trucks at the border. Images are seen by Reuter's showmen, some in camouflage uniforms, crossing into Thailand and checking their temperatures.

"The Thai army does not supply the Myanmar army and no contact from the Myanmar army has asked for help from us. Because they have their own honor", Naresuan Forces Commander Major General Amnat Srimak said in a statement.

"If there is anything, I think there is regular trade at regular border crossings. We do not block this if the action does not violate the law and follows customs procedures", he added.

A Thai government spokesman did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The Myanmar army did not answer calls seeking comment.

Thai media said Myanmar army units supplied near the border had been cut off by the armed ethnic Karen National Union (KNU), which controls the border area.

A KNU spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. KNU is known to have given its support to the Myanmar democracy movement and condemned the coup and the violence of the Myanmar military regime.

Border trade between Thailand and Myanmar has been severely restricted since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Residents told reporters the crossing shown in the pictures was not a normal trade route.

Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by tapping on this link.