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