BANGKOK, Thailand: As rebels continued to clash with a weakened junta military that has suffered a series of defeats in border areas, this week, Thailand's military has increased security along the western town of Mae Sot bordering Myanmar.

While the sound of explosions and heavy fighting rang out from across the border in Myawaddy, machine gun-equipped Thai army vehicles patrolled the streets of Mae Sot.

Myawaddy is a strategically vital trading outpost that is being attacked by the Karen National Union (KNU) and allied anti-junta groups.

In a statement last week, the KNU said its troops had attacked a junta camp near Myawaddy, forcing the surrender of some 600 security personnel and their families.

According to civil society group Karen Peace Support Network, around 2,000 people have been displaced within Myanmar by the latest round of fighting between the rebels and the military.

After taking power in a 2021 coup by deposing the country's elected civilian government, Myanmar's military junta has faced a series of setbacks against an alliance of ethnic rebel groups and a civilian militia movement.

The junta has already lost control of large areas along Myanmar's borders with Bangladesh, China, and India.

Following months of relentless fighting, the junta's well-armed military has been depleted, with most of its battalions falling below their recommended troop levels, and it is now pushing a conscription law to recruit more soldiers.