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.
On Thailand’s border with Myanmar live around 100,000 displaced persons, who fled from violent conflict and human rights abuses more than 30 years ago.
After the military coup in February 2021 in Myanmar, not only is a return of refugees to their homeland a distant prospect, but even more people are displaced and reach Thailand.
A severe earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025. Countless people have lost all their belongings, their homes and their loved ones. They urgently need support.
Malteser International has been supporting people in need in Myanmar and Thailand for several decades. We are working at full speed with our teams and partner organizations on the ground to provide rapid emergency relief. Among other things, we provide 250,000 euros in emergency aid for the affected areas.
Every bit of help counts now. Your donation is urgently needed.
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. We began by supporting the service of a leprosy hospital for refugees near to the Cambodian border. Since 1993 until today, we have been active in providing healthcare as well as water, sanitation and hygiene to displaced persons from Myanmar in the north west of the country. From 2009 to 2017, we also supported Thai villages in the vicinity of the camps. 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.
Thitimon works as a supervisor for maternal, newborn and child health for Malteser International in two refugee camps in Thailand since 2007. She helps mothers and their babies to live a life of health and dignity. However, her job comes with quite a few challenges, because there is a high rate of high-risk pregnancies in refugee camps in Thailand.
"This puts a lot of pressure on us. When I face these challenges, I cannot solve them alone - so I ask for help," she says about complications at work. In this video, Thitimon shares her experiences, motivation and how she supports people in need.
Earthquake Myanmar: A Malteser International emergency team is heading to Yangon to support initial relief efforts. Medical teams, WASH specialists, and volunteers are already on site assessing needs and coordinating aid.
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Earthquake Myanmar: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Sagaing, Myanmar, and was felt over 1,000 km away in Thailand. Official casualty numbers are not yet available. Malteser International, with decades of experience in the region, is providing €250,000 in emergency relief for rapid assistance.
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Nine-year-old Saw October Wah, born in Mae La Oon refugee camp, treasures his toothbrush, a small but vital gift from Malteser International’s health program. He uses it daily with friends, highlighting the importance of basic healthcare. Learn more about Saw’s story.
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Naw Bu Gaw, from the persecuted Karen ethnic group, lives in the Mae La Oon refugee camp. Despite safety, food is scarce and diseases common. She often visits Malteser International’s clinic for vital medical care for her and her children.
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Ray Mo (46) has always wanted to work in healthcare. Now a Community Volunteer with Malteser International in Thailand, he was trained as part of a 30-year project boosting camp residents' self-sufficiency.
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Lah Ku Paw has lived in Mae Ra Ma Luang refugee camp near Myanmar for nearly 15 years. She joined our training project to boost self-sufficiency in healthcare and hygiene, starting as a Community Health Worker and now trained as a midwife. This is her story.
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Eh Nee K’Mwee Paw (28) and Naw Tae Paw (32) know pregnancy in a Thai refugee camp brings joy but also fear for their lives and their babies’. Thanks to Malteser International’s care before, during, and after birth, their stories have a happy ending.
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How does displacement affect mental health, and how can support be provided amid ongoing hardship? Chitlada and her team offer psychosocial services to refugees in the camps and answered our questions.
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For over 20 years, Malteser International has supported Myanmar refugees in Thai camps. Many have lived there so long they barely remember home. Amid hardships, two women’s stories in Mae La Oon camp offer a bright glimmer of hope.
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Office locations: Mae Sariang (Mae Hong Son)
Project regions: Amphoe Sop Moie District (Mae Hong Son Province)
Partner: Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
Daniel Hilbring
info@malteser-international.org
Malteser Hilfsdienst e.V.
Reference:
Malteser International
Account number: 1201200012
IBAN:
DE10 3706 0120 1201 2000 12
S.W.I.F.T./BIC: GENODED1PA7
(Pax Bank Cologne)
