Thai border communities help displaced Myanmar people

NHK World-Japan | 10 JUNE, 2022

Standing at the edge of the Moei River, a natural border that separates Thailand and Myanmar, Ko Soe Pai shouts: “Everyone who can come, please come.” He beckons to people living in makeshift tents on the opposite bank, announcing that the daily food rations have arrived. Dozens wade through the shallow river, some pulling small rafts to carry the supplies. Many are elderly and there are also some children.

More than 2,000 Myanmar people fled to the Thai side of the border in December. Although most of them have since returned to Myanmar’s Karen State, they’re afraid to go back to their war-torn villages. Instead they are camped along both sides of the riverbank enduring harsh conditions and food shortages.