Mae Sam Laep:Mae Hong Son CCTV footage has captured the moment a bomb dropped by the Myanmar military landed near Mae Sam Laep village, causing significant alarm and damage on the Thai side.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred on October 31, 1969, when the Myanmar Air Force launched an attack on the "Sawle Tha" camp located on the Salween River, opposite Mae Sam Laep village. This area is under the control of the Karen National Union (KNU) 5th Brigade. During the attack, two 500-pound bombs were dropped, resulting in the blast pressure and shrapnel affecting the Thai side. The attack damaged 18 houses and several government buildings, including the Mae Sam Laep Sub-district Health Center, a church, and other local infrastructure.
The attack has prompted Thai security forces to prepare a formal protest, and the head of the Mae Sam Laep Subdistrict Administrative Organization is urging the government to negotiate with Myanmar to cease the airstrikes. A proposal has also been made to establish a 10-kilometer safety zone along the border to prevent future incidents.
Despite the shock and damage, the atmosphere in the area is gradually returning to normal. Shops have reopened, passenger boats are operating, and the Mae Sam Laep Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital continues its services. However, trade remains slow, and the overall mood is subdued as residents remain cautious.