Thai family flees as stray bullets from Burma border clashes hit house
A Thai family fled as stray bullets struck their home during border clashes in Myanmar.
The villagers were having dinner when gunfire rang out near their house in Tak province on July 4.
CCTV footage shows the residents scrambling for cover as explosions were heard. They dropped to the ground, waiting for the gunfire to stop, while their terrified pet puppies took shelter beneath a table, .
Authorities said a 60mm mortar shell was later collected from the home owned by Somphit Khamdam, 60, and Saengduan Chiangkhaek, 51, who are relatives.
Its tail crashed through the roof of a home owned by their neighbour Booncherd Thaothep, 55, narrowly missing the village council leader as he worked at his desk.
Another house, owned by Phit Keawloon, 58, was also struck by machine gun fire.
The shaken homeowner said: 'Our house was hit by more than 10 bullets. We were lucky no one was hurt, but we are terrified it might happen again.'
Officials said clashes erupted between Myanmar Army's 22nd Light Infantry Division and resistance group Kawthoolei Army in Myawaddy in Karen State, opposite Tak in western Thailand.
The fighting was reportedly centred around a casino complex in Myanmar, where Karen National Liberation Army forces were stationed.
The Myanmar military reportedly targeted the area, causing some shells to land on the Thai side of the border.
No injuries were reported on the Thai side.
Soldiers were dispatched to the border area to prevent illegal crossings.
Myanmar has fallen into civil war following the removal of democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, with a military coup in 2021.
Soldiers responded with barbaric force on protesting civilians, leading to widespread condemnation and financial sanctions. Rebel groups and civilian militias around the country have since been locked in a series of ongoing clashes with the ruling military.
