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In the News

Burmese refugees in limbo

The Mae La refugee camp, situated along the Burma-Thailand border, is home to around 50,000 refugees. Mae La is the largest of nine camps along the Thai border where Burmese have lived in a stateless limbo for many years.

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Pah Taw rests on a bed covered by a mosquito net at the Karen Handicapped Welfare Association dormitory inside the Mae La refugee camp in Tak province, Thailand. He lost his sight and his hands because of a land mine while he was a soldier with the KNU. The refugee camp is situated along the Burma-Thailand border and is home to around 50,000 refugees. Mae La is the largest of nine camps along the Thai border where the Burmese live in a stateless limbo for many years. Aung San Suu Kyi recently visited the camp during her first visit to Thailand in 24 years. She spoke briefly assuring that she would strive to bring about positive change and more cooperation from Thai authorities.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Pah Taw,46, sits on a chair smoking a cigarette at the Karen Handicapped Welfare Association dormitory inside the Mae La refugee camp, Thailand. Pah Taw lost his sight and his hands in a land mine explosion while he was a soldier with the Karen National Union, which has been engaged in an armed struggle with Burma's government for greater economy for almost half a century.

Pah Taw,46, sits on a chair smoking a cigarette at the Karen Handicapped Welfare Association dormitory inside the Mae La refugee camp, Thailand. Pah Taw lost his sight and his hands in a land mine explosion while he was a soldier with the Karen National Union, which has been engaged in an armed struggle with Burma's government for greater economy for almost half a century.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Burmese men enjoy cockfighting at the Mae La refugee camp in Tak province, Thailand.

Burmese men enjoy cockfighting at the Mae La refugee camp in Tak province, Thailand.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Burmese monks play a game of sepak takraw (kick volleyball) at the Thirisaridar monastery inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Burmese monks play a game of sepak takraw (kick volleyball) at the Thirisaridar monastery inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Burmese novice monks look out from a window at the Thirisaridar monastery inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Burmese novice monks look out from a window at the Thirisaridar monastery inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

A Burmese novice monk gets his head shaved at the Thirisaridar monastery inside the Mae La refugee camp.

A Burmese novice monk gets his head shaved at the Thirisaridar monastery inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

A Burmese novice monk get his head shaved at the Thirisaridar monastery inside the Mae La refugee camp.

A Burmese novice monk get his head shaved at the Thirisaridar monastery inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

A Burmese monk looks out from a viewpoint at the Mae La refugee camp.

A Burmese monk looks out from a viewpoint at the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Burmese girls take a break from their studies at the Haydayatul Uloom Islamic school inside the Mae La refugee camp on the Burma-Thailand border.

Burmese girls take a break from their studies at the Haydayatul Uloom Islamic school inside the Mae La refugee camp on the Burma-Thailand border.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Ethnic Karen Burmese students receive Burmese lessons at a middle school inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Ethnic Karen Burmese students receive Burmese lessons at a middle school inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Burmese boys hold religious texts at the Haydayatul Uloom Islamic school inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Burmese boys hold religious texts at the Haydayatul Uloom Islamic school inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Burmese wash clothes and bathe at a water point inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Burmese wash clothes and bathe at a water point inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

A pregnant woman who is in labor receives oxygen while her mother tends to her at the hospital maternity ward inside the Mae La refugee camp.

A pregnant woman who is in labor receives oxygen while her mother tends to her at the hospital maternity ward inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Burmese medical staff examine a child at the hospital inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Burmese medical staff examine a child at the hospital inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

Burmese children share a bicycle inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Burmese children share a bicycle inside the Mae La refugee camp.

Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

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