Myanmar MiG-29, Striking Rebel Positions, Crosses into Thailand

A Myanmar Air Force MiG-29 jet crossed into Thailand’s air space over Phop Phra district on June 30.

Fighting intensified between Myanmar government troops and Karen soldiers in Myawaddy border town, opposite Ban Wao Lay Tai village in Phop Phra district of Tak province, on Thursday. Around noon, the Myanmar MiG-29 intruded about 4-5km into Thailand, over areas between Ban Wao Lay Tai and Ban Wao Lay Nua villages, Bankok Post reported citing a border source.

The intrusion of the jet and loud explosions in Myanmar caused panic among villagers in the two Thai border villages, prompting them to take shelter in bunkers. Two local schools also suspended classes.

The source said many Myanmar villagers continued to flee into Thai territory in Phop Phra district following intensified junta attacks in their country.

Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) reportedly sent two F-16 fighter jets to patrol along the border in Phop Phra district after the MiG-29 crossed into the country’s airspace after launching air strikes on ethnic rebels along the border. It soon disappeared from the RTAF’s radar systems.