Myanmar requests Thai clearance for evacuation flights

The Myanmar government has formally requested clearance from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs for evacuation flights destined for the Mae Sot district of Tak. The purpose is to evacuate 617 military personnel and their families from Myawaddy, which is now controlled by rebel ethnic forces.

The request, submitted last night, seeks clearance for flights scheduled from Sunday to Tuesday, April 9. Despite the urgency, a Myanmar Airways ATR 72-600 aircraft landed in Mae Sot at 9:20 pm yesterday but departed empty after waiting for an hour without any evacuees arriving.

Tensions rose amid reports of Myanmar officials and their families being detained at Shwe Kokko by ethnic troops. However, despite the escalating situation, the Myawaddy-Mae Sot border crossing operated as usual today.

Major General Narongrit Panikabut from the 4th Infantry Division confirmed this development, stating that the Myanmar government sought assistance to transport vulnerable individuals and important documents out of Myawaddy.

Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee also addressed the situation on social media, confirming Myanmar’s request for permission for a civilian plane to land for evacuating civilians and their belongings. He noted that such diplomatic requests for transportation of diplomatic materials are customary procedures in such situations, as reported by Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced discounted domestic flights for the Songkran holiday. Approximately 20% discount will be applied to early morning and late-night domestic flights during Songkran, aiming to provide an affordable travel option for holidaymakers.

This initiative is in response to Transport Minister Suriya Juangruangreangkit’s call for reduced airfares during holidays and festive periods.