Thailand says it has asked Myanmar junta to reduce violence

Thailand has sent messages to Myanmar’s junta to reduce violence, its foreign minister said on Friday, adding preparations are underway for an influx of people crossing into the country after the fall of a border town to rebels.
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said Thailand was also working with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to follow a stalled peace plan for Myanmar, known as its five-point consensus.
“Thailand wants to see peace and dialogue,” Parnpree told reporters, following a visit to Mae Sot, which lies across the Myanmar town of Myawaddy that was wrested out of military control by anti-junta forces led by the Karen National Union rebel group.
He added Thailand was considering alternative trade routes in case of road closures caused by the fighting.
A steady stream of people, some fearing air strikes, queued at a border crossing to flee Myanmar on Friday.