WHY WE COME

Compared to most of its neighbors, Thailand is an example of economic success and political stability, religious tolerance and ethnic pluralism, and freedom of expression. Because of this, over the past quarter-century, Thailand has played host to hundreds of thousands of Myanmar, Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese and other nationals, many seeking temporary refuge from persecution or conflict in their own countries, others seeking economic opportunities unavailable at home. Yet, due to the high pressure the press put on Thailand while the country hosted refugees from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, Thailand has made full-access to the Karen camps difficult to journalists, the UN and private aid organizations.