Violence Erupts As Burma Awaits Vote Result/Up to 5000 refugees flee into Thailand

[Turborama]

Source: Sky News

Violence has erupted in Burma as two political parties backed by the nation's military regime look set for election triumph.

Three civilians died in clashes between anti-government rebels and government troops, in the eastern town of Myawaddy, near the Thai border, according to reports.

Other reports said 10 people were wounded and hundreds of refugees had fled into Thailand. Five villagers were also injured when rocket-propelled grenades landed on Thai soil.

Groups from Burma's ethnic minorities have warned civil war could erupt, as the military tries to impose its constitution and deprive them of rights.

The election has been marred by fraud charges and apathy, and condemned as flawed by Britain and America.

Read more: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Burma-Election-Violence-Erupts-As-Army-Backed-Parties-Look-Set-For-Vote-Triumph/Article/201011215797005?lpos=World_News_Top_Stories_Header_2&lid=ARTICLE_15797005_Burma_Election:_Violence_Erupts_As_Army-Back

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Up to 5000 refugees flee into Thailand

By FRANCIS WADE
Published: 8 November 2010

Refugees are pouring across Burma’s border into Thailand after heavy fighting erupted this morning in Myawaddy.

Estimates of the number of people fleeing vary – the UN has put the figure at 1000, while eye-witnesses say it is closer to 5,000.

Around 400 people have sought refuge in a monastery in Mae Sot close to the Thailand-Burma Friendship Bridge. A source on the border said that more people were crossing at unofficial border checkpoints close to Myawaddy.

It comes a day after Burma held its first elections in 20 years. Aid groups had predicted that the Burmese junta would step up attacks on rebel groups along the border, but it’s unlikely anyone had foreseen how quickly violence would erupt.

More: http://www.dvb.no/news/up-to-5000-refugees-flee-into-thailand/12704

[Turborama]

1. 20,000 flee fighting on Burma border

About 20,000 people fled from Burma into Thailand to escape fighting between government troops and ethnic rebels following the military-ruled nation's first vote in 20 years, Thai officials said.

At least three civilians were killed when heavy weapons fire hit the town of Myawaddy in Karen State, an official in Burma said. There was no information on any troop casualties on either side.

The violence erupted after an election on Sunday that was strongly criticised by the West because of widespread complaints of intimidation and the continued detention of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.

More than 15,000 people had crossed into the Thai town of Mae Sot, fleeing fighting just across the border in Myawaddy, said Samard Loyfar, governor of Tak province in Thailand.

More: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8121352/20000-flee-fighting-on-burma-border