Thai police have arrested a middle-ranking officer of the Myanmar junta who fled into Thailand following a large prison break in Karenni (Kayah) State. While initial Thai media reports identified the detainee as Second Lieutenant Paing Soe Thu, the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) has clarified that the officer actually holds the rank of major and was being held as a high-profile prisoner of war (POW).

“Based on our initial findings, we understand that one of the escaped POWs holds the rank of major,” Banya Khun Aung said.

Approximately 80 inmates escaped from Prison No. 2 in Mese, Karenni State, at around 1:00 am on 18 January, taking nine small arms with them during the breakout.

On 18 January, the police station in Pratu, Mae Hong Son Province, apprehended a junta military member who had fled into Thai territory.

A local source noted that although Mese shares a border with Thailand, reaching the Thai side on foot within a single day is extremely difficult.

“It is close to the border, so it’s near Thailand, but it’s hard to say exactly which route he took. It makes you wonder if he managed to hitch a ride on a passing vehicle,” the source said.

According to Thai media reports, Paing Soe Thu, who is currently in custody, has been handed over to the Thai military by the police.

The Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC) is still being contacted to provide further details regarding the efforts to recapture the remaining escapees from the Karenni prison.

The IEC issued a statement on 18 January explaining that the Karenni State Police and relevant township administration teams are currently implementing security measures to recapture the fugitives. They urged the public not to panic over rumours and assured them that timely updates would be provided.