Thailand is an emerging country that in recent years has experienced an extremely fast pace of economic growth. At the same time, recurring political unrest and profound inequality create divisions among the population. Thailand is extremely prone to natural disasters, as the overwhelmingly destructive tsunami in 2004 illustrated. On Thailand’s border with Myanmar live around 110,000 refugees, who fled from violent conflict and human rights abuses more than 20 years ago. Although signs that Myanmar is democratizing and opening up indicate that a return may be possible in the future, the situation remains unresolved.
Malteser International has been working in Thailand since 1979, and focuses on improving the provision of basic medical care for disadvantaged and marginalized population groups. Malteser International began by supporting the service of a leprosy hospital for refugees near to the Cambodian border. Since 1993, we have been active in providing water, sanitation and hygiene to refugees in the north west of the country, near to the border with Myanmar. Since 2009, this work has also encompassed the Thai villages which lie in the vicinity of the camp. From 2005 to 2008, Malteser International provided emergency relief, as well as support with rebuilding, to communities in the south of Thailand that were affected by the Asian tsunami.
Malteser International Locations: Mae Sariang
Kai Pohlmann
+49-(0)221-96441-234
Email: kai.pohlmann(at)malteser-international.org
Malteser International has been working to provide better living conditions for thousands of Myanmar refugees living in Thailand since 1993. Many refugees that were children when they arrived have grown up and had children of their own. Maintaining a functioning society is a key challenge, as is preparing for their possible return to Myanmar in the near future.
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