Thailand's acting Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said Sunday that the continuing fighting between the Myanmar army and ethnic Karen rebels near Thai-Myanmar border has caused an influx of refugees to seek refuge in Thailand.

Chidchai, who is also Justice Minister, said Thailand will shoulder the burden to provide food and shelter for those displaced people in designated areas. He said the fighting in Myanmar, however, sometimes has spilled over into Thai territory, the official Thai News Agency reported.

Chidchai's remarks were made in responding to reports that Myanmar government troops had launched offense against several bases belong to the Karen National Union (KNU), a rebel movement of ethnic Karen which has been fighting for their independence for over 50 years.

Karen bases under attack are located opposite Tha Song Yang district in the northern province of Tak and across the Moei River.

The Karen first rebelled against Myanmar's civilian government after the departure of British colonial forces. But after a Myanmar-led military coup d'etat in 1962, the ethnic minority continued to oppose the rule of successive military governments.

Last week, more than 1,000 ethnic Karen crossed border into the northern Thai province of Mae Hong Son following reported fighting in Myanmar. They sought refuge at a border camp in Mae Hong Son's Sop Moei district and are currently staying at Mae La Luang temporary shelter.

Source: Xinhua