The regime has tightened security in Tachileik after a series of bombings rocked the town on the Thai border in eastern Shan State in recent days.

Soldiers have set up more checkpoints to screen motorists and pedestrians. “I think they are trying to find members of the People’s Defence Force (PDF). They are mainly checking people who have been released from prison,” a local source, who requested anonymity, told SHAN.

Another source said the regime’s armed forces had stopped her friend and checked the photos on their phone.

On Monday, the local PDF issued a statement warning civilians about the junta’s extra security measures and calling for people not to support the military.