Blogs from Mae Sot, North-West Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 6

Mae La is located in Tha Song Yan District, about 8 km from the border and approximately 57 km away from Mae Sot, an hour by car. It is also known as ‘Beh klaw’ in Karen, which means ‘cotton field’. It is hard to believe that nestled in this foothill of mountainous landscape and cliff escarpment is a refugee camp. Mae La has a village like atmosphere with picturesque views. It is a bustle of activity with schools, a market, stalls and many tea/coffee shops. However, while it appears like a town, these people do not have the luxury of freedom we take for granted. They are confined to this village waiting in hope to return home. There are approximately 150,000 refugees living in the 9 camps along the Thai-Burma border with Mae La being the ... read more

I have spent the first couple of weeks at my new workplace learning about the different resettlement policies and processes, how each host country accepts and prepares refugees for resettlement and what teaching and educational material are used for their cultural orientation. My activities have included visiting the: •Processing Centre - this is where refugees stay during their resettlement interviews, medical examination and before they are about to depart for their new host country. The PC holds information sessions to prepare refugees for their resettlement interviews, medical examinations and pre-departure procedures. It has a library, childcare centre and English classes. •Hospital and medical unit - this is where refugees have their medical examination and TB screening as required for their visas. For my own personal experience it has been enlightening to see families wh... read more

This Municipal Market is located right next to my work. I have to weave and dodge through the traffic each morning, not to mention cope with the assortment of smells. At the beginning it used to make my stomach churn, especially the smell of the meat, but I have now mastered the art of breathing through my mouth and not nose as I ride through the market. I have had many near collisions with traffic being quite erratic and coming from all directions. Often I have to walk my bike through as it gets me there faster. At least I have fresh fruit and vegetables right there at my disposal and what is sold makes for great viewing as I ride past. I originally thought the turtles, sparrows and eels were sold for consumption but I ... read more

On my first day of work (a week after arriving in Thailand) they drove me down to see the Thai-Burma border and the cheapest "ferry" in the world. As I was looking out for this "ferry" and they kept referring to it, I finally understood their joke. This so called "ferry"is the tyre featured in the picture. Up on the bridge is immigration but if you want to bypass that and go between the countries you can use the ferry instead. I don’t think you will require a visa on this ferry, nor need a valid passport! The man featured with the musical instruments makes them himself and is a real character. I am sure he is a rocker from way back and he can play the instruments very well. I am currently working in Mae ... read more

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