2010-11-10 06:47

GENEVA -- The United Nations said on Tuesday around 15,000 refugees had fled Myanmar after clashes broke out between the government troops and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) in Myawaddy area in the east part the country.

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the outpouring of refugees started right after the Myanmar elections on Sunday.

"Some told our staff they felt their lives were at risk after their houses were attacked, while others said they fled the sound of fighting," reported the UN refugee agency.

The refugees had fled into neighboring Thailand, where they were relocated at a site near Mae Sot airport. The UN affiliated International Organization for Migration (IMO) and the UNHCR, together with the Thai government, had set up temporary shelters for refugees.

The UN expected that more people will flee to Thailand with the ongoing fighting.