VIDEO
In the Myanmar border town of Mawdaung, seized last year by resistance forces led by the Karen National Union, residents struggle to survive as junta blockades and a closed Thai border leaves them on the brink.
By VALERIA MONGELLI and LORCÁN LOVETT | FRONTIER
Mawdaung is a strategic town on the Thai border that was captured by resistance forces led by the Karen National Union in November. It was the first major town to fall to anti-junta forces in Tanintharyi Region and one of their few territorial gains across the country last year.
The fighting caused extensive damage, including a Buddhist monastery which was destroyed by regime airstrikes. About two-thirds of the population have since fled to the jungle or into Thailand, and fighting continues nearby.
Although the front line is currently holding, many families continue to leave as economic hardship deepens. Once a busy border town, Mawdaung is now largely empty, while the border with Thailand remains closed because the Thai government refuses to recognise the KNU’s rule.
As a result of junta blockades and the border closure, residents of Mawdaung complain of worsening food shortages and loss of income. The KNU says it is trying to restore basic services in the town.
