US Aid Cuts Will Increase Hardships in Thai Refugee Camps

Shortly after gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1948, Myanmar was plunged into civil war and many people had to flee to neighbouring Thailand where they were accepted on humanitarian grounds.

Thailand set up refugee camps for them on the border with Myanmar. Now there are nine refugee camps along the border in Thailand: Mae La, Umpiem Mai, Nupo, Mae Ra Ma Luang, Mae La Oon, Tham Hin, Ban Don Yang, and Karenni Refugee Camps 1 and 2. The largest of those camps, Mae La, across from Karen State, was established 41 years ago in 1984.