Myanmar soldiers cronfronted Thai soldiers in Tak ,two injured

TAK, 31 January 2011 (NNT) Myanmar soldiers sneaked into the Thai territory last night hoping to surround a group of Democratic Karen Bhuddhist Army (DKBA) members but instead running into Thai soldiers in Phop Phra district of Tak province just a kilometer away from the border. The confrontation resulted in two Thai privates shot in the arms but no injury reported among the Myanmar soldiers.

Local residents of Phop Phra informed the Thai Army of an armed group of Myanmar soldiers crossing the border into Thailand not too far from Mokhoe Thai village in Pobpra district. Thai soilders rushed to the location in a humvee before the Myanmar soldiers sprayed the bullet at the car as soon as they saw it. Private Benjapol Powkanta and Private Winai Duamrong were shot in their right arms during the confrontation. The rest of the group fired back at the Myanmar soldiers until they retreated. Both privates were taken to the hospital in Mae Sot district afterwards.

According to the report, it is possible that the Burmese soldiers had entered Thailand in an attempt to surround the DKBA before luanching an attack on them.