More than 1,800 people displaced by the battle for Mawtaung Town on the Thai-Myanmar border are in urgent need of blankets, mats, and medicine, according to the displaced persons themselves and those assisting them.

The displaced persons (IDPs) stated that they are unable to return to their homes because the military junta is continuing its airstrikes following the capture of Mawtaung Town by resistance forces.

Residents began fleeing toward the border area starting on November 1, when the military junta closed the entrance gate to Mawtaung Town. Later, when the battle for Mawtaung Town officially began on November 11, the majority of the remaining townspeople also fled.

An aid worker assisting the displaced said that many of those who fled urgently to the border area did not bring blankets or sleeping mats, which are now critical needs.

“Since it is cold at the border, blankets and mats are necessary. As there is only one person providing medical treatment, and the number of displaced people is very high, the resources are unequal,” the aid worker stated.

A woman assisting with food preparation said that the Thai village head is responsible for cooking the morning meal boxes for the IDPs, while the Myanmar community handles the evening meal. She explained that the Thai village head provides the money for the meal boxes, and the Thai residents in the ward do the cooking.

The same woman also mentioned that temporary toilets and shower facilities—which the IDPs need—are being constructed, and necessary supplies are being provided through the assistance of Myanmar nationals residing in Thailand.

The IDPs reported that these temporary facilities were constructed because Thai authorities estimate that the displaced people may not be able to return home for over two months.

They also noted that they are in need of milk powder and baby supplies, as there are children under one year old among the displaced population.