Over 3,000 Civilians Displaced in Thayet Chaung Township Amid Heavy Fighting

August 20, 2025

HURFOM: More than 3,000 residents from Saw Phya and nearby villages in Thayet Chaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, have been forced to flee their homes following intense clashes between junta forces and allied resistance groups. Displaced families are now urgently appealing for food, shelter, and medicine as their situation grows increasingly dire.

At around 11 a.m. on August 19, heavy fighting erupted near Saw Phya village and continued for nearly four hours until 3 p.m. Villagers from Saw Phya, Moe Ywe Kone, Kin Shay, and Kyauk Hlay Kar fled in large numbers to seek safety. The number of casualties from both sides remains unconfirmed.

“Even before this, the junta had restricted the transport of rice, food, fuel, and medicines into this area, so there were already shortages. Now, with these armed clashes intensifying, the situation has worsened. Many IDPs are surviving only on rice porridge. Cases of children and elderly people falling ill are increasing. We are appealing for humanitarian aid as quickly as possible through any available support,” said a group of local youths assisting displaced villagers.

Since the beginning of August, junta troops have intensified their operations in Thayet Chaung Township, sparking repeated clashes with resistance forces. On August 14, fighting near Uttu village resulted in junta soldiers reportedly burning at least five civilian homes. Local residents said the military also destroyed livelihoods, deepening the suffering of already vulnerable communities.

Families who fled remain displaced with little access to essential supplies. As conflict spreads and restrictions on aid tighten, the needs of these civilians grow more urgent by the day.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News