Blow for Myanmar’s military as rebels say hundreds have surrendered at key border town

Thailand PM says army is weakening after junta requests permission to land evacuation flight from Myawaddy across the border

Myanmar's embattled junta has evacuated personnel from a key border position after hundreds of soldiers surrendered to opposition groups, in another humiliating defeat for the army.

The military is now on the brink of losing control of Myawaddy, in Karen state, one of the most important border crossings in Myanmar and crucial to the flow of goods between the country and Thailand. It has been controlled by the military for decades.