Burmese migrants, Phuket, Thailand 2012. It is estimated that over two million Burmese refugees live in Thailand, with a high percentage living on the popular island of Phuket. Behind the expensive hotels and beaches packed with tourists hides a large community of Burmese migrants trying to carve out a living in the fishing industry while living in the filthy slum of Rashada Pier. These Burmese have fled the oppressive militant government of their country and are illegally smuggled over the...
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Burmese migrants, Phuket, Thailand 2012. It is estimated that over two million Burmese refugees live in Thailand, with a high percentage living on the popular island of Phuket. Behind the expensive hotels and beaches packed with tourists hides a large community of Burmese migrants trying to carve out a living in the fishing industry while living in the filthy slum of Rashada Pier. These Burmese have fled the oppressive militant government of their country and are illegally smuggled over the northern Thai/Burma border by Thai traffickers with the promise of a better life. Many Burmese arrive without proper documentation or have their passports and identity cards stolen and sold by the trafficker. With no identification these migrants are unable to return to Burma. They are bound to their landlords and bosses and are often victims of police bribes. Because of the poor Thai/Burmese relations and loss of identity these migrants are not technically allowed refugee status. This leaves them with no rights to schooling for their children or healthcare for their families. They are forced to live in limbo without a country.
Tida Burmese woman hired someone to bring her with her children over the Thai/Burmese border but he took her money and deserted her. She is now raising eight children in the Burmese camp with no opportunity for them to have healthcare or education. She realizes that she has no way that she will ever make it back to her native country.
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