On December 22, Mr. Parinya Sairot, District Chief of Mae Ramat, Tak Province, directed Mr. Prasert Wachirayanuwat, Deputy District Chief, to lead security forces, including the Mae Ramat Territorial Defense Company and Task Force 3506, in patrolling natural border crossings and relaxed checkpoints in Ban Wang Pha, Mae Ramat District. The operation aims to prevent the spread of cholera from Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy, Myanmar, where the disease is heavily affecting the population.
Thai officials have advised residents along the border to avoid contact with illegal border crossers and provided public education on cholera to prevent panic. Mr. Prasert confirmed that patrols and public awareness campaigns are conducted daily. Myanmar has not sent any patients to Thailand but has requested medical supplies. Myanmar reports approximately 300 cases and three deaths, with efforts underway to control the outbreak.
Local sources reveal that most infected individuals in Shwe Kokko are Chinese nationals and Myanmar workers living in an area with a high population density, casinos, and unregulated entertainment venues. These zones are under the control of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), allied with the Myanmar military.
Meanwhile, two cholera patients are being treated at Mae Sot Hospital. Thai health authorities are investigating and implementing strict disease control measures to prevent further spread. Officials remain optimistic about containing the outbreak.