Thai fighter jets flew over the border as a civil war rages in Myanmar.

The F-16 aircraft were deployed while Thai government officials were visiting Mae Sot in Thailand's Tak province neighbouring Myanmar on April 23.

Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with defence executives to discuss security along the border.

The Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge, a checkpoint connecting Thailand and Myanmar, had been closed for several days as pro-democracy forces took over the key border town of Myawaddy.

Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree said: 'Currently, the situation in Mae Sot is improving. Myanmar refugees are receiving good humanitarian care, and there are those who are voluntarily returning to their homes in Myanmar.

'As for the Thai people living here, a plan to evacuate is in place in case the fighting escalates, but it is not yet needed at this time.'

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang said Thailand has warned both the Burmese junta and resistance fighters against using Thai territory 'for their own sake'.

He said in an April 22 interview: 'Today, we were able to have a discussion and send a message to the Myanmar junta and ethnic groups regarding whether there are planes to be flown in the area.

'We would have the capacity to intercept those planes. It was a friendly message, but meant as somewhat of a warning.'

Interior Minister Anutin said: 'We ask border residents to trust that the government will protect your lives and properties.'

The high officials' visit came as guerilla rebel troops and Burmese soldiers fought for control over the strategic town of Mywawaddy in Myanmar.

Pro-democracy forces composed of civilians and local militias claimed they have seized the town, but reports on Tuesday, April 23, said the junta has launched a counteroffensive to retake the base.

Myawaddy has long been held by the junta and serves as a vital trade corridor between Myanmar and Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had told Reuters that the country would continue to remain neutral on the conflict - despite developed countries imposing sanctions - and instead appeared to prioritise a deal that would benefit Thailand economically.

Myanmar has fallen into civil war following the removal of democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, with a military coup in 2021.

Soldiers responded with barbaric force on protesting civilians leading to widespread condemnation and financial sanctions. Rebel groups and civilian militias around the country have since been locked in a series of ongoing clashes with the ruling military.

Aung San Suu Kyi has since been jailed for 33 years on politically motivated charges and is likely to die behind bars unless the army is toppled - a tragic end the politician hailed by Barack Obama as an 'inspirational icon of democracy'.