Update on New Arrivals, Thai/Burma border
While the main headlines from Burma are about the closing arguments in the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi and the ASEAN meeting in Phuket attended by the US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, the plight of those who fled from fighting led by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and SPDC soldiers against the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) along the Thai/Burma border continues.
Thai authorities have stated that the people who have fled the fighting and now taking shelter along the border can remain until the end of the rainy season (October/November) at which stage the authorities will re-evaluate the situation.
At this stage it is being said that if the situation on the Burmese side of the border is deemed to be unsafe for people to return it is most likely that the new arrivals will be sent to Mae La which is the largest refugee camp along the Thai/Burma border.
The images here show some of the construction taking place at the Safe Haven Orphanage site and the children being able to continue their school lessons despite their recent upheaval.
Click on one of the thumbnails below to view a larger image.
Continuing offensive
One month on, due to ongoing fighting led by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and supported by Burmese army soldiers against the Karen National Liberation Army’s (KNLA) battalions and general headquarters, situated along the Thai/Burma border, it is still not possible for those who fled to Thailand in early June to safely return to their homes.
Refugees are currently taking shelter in seven sites along the Thai/Burma border between Mae Usu and Mae Tawo, but Thai authorities have stated they would like to consolidate these into 3 sites for ease of providing aid and to be able to better control and monitor the situation.
However, this is proving to be difficult due to security issues. A DKBA commander, San Pyote (aka Soe Myint), was ambushed and killed by an unknown armed group while traveling by longtail boat on the Moei River on June 26 and the DKBA have threatened retaliation (more about this story at The Irrawaddy). There have also been other reported incidents of DKBA soldiers crossing the border into Thailand and killing Karen villagers.
The pictures shown below were taken at one of the sites where mainly women and children have fled the fighting.
Click on one of the thumbnails below to view a larger image.
