The last group of 89 refugees, who fled the recent fighting in Myanmar near the Thailand’s western border, has been sent back to their homeland by the Thai army.

Maj-Gen Sirichan Ngathong, deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, said today (Thursday) that the voluntary repatriation of the refugees, from a temporary shelter in Mae Sot district of Tak province, has put an end to the army’s mission to provide safety and safe refuge to more than 12,000 refugees housed in 15 temporary shelters in Mae Sot and Mae Ramat districts of Tak, which are close to the Myanmar border.

She said that many of the refugees, who fled recent offensives by Myanmar troops against rebel forces entrenched in border areas, have steadily returned to Myanmar of their own volition when they realised that the fighting had abated.

She said, however, that the Naresuan task force of the Third Army Region remains at the border to ensure safety for Thai villagers, especially during the Songkran festival when they are expected to celebrate.