The area inside Thailand that borders Burma (Myanmar) in Kanchanaburi province is home to many ethnic groups. Human rights violations against minority ethnic groups inside Burma continue to be a major problem and account for the large number of people from Burma who cross the border into Thailand.
Many people from Burma are in Thailand without permission or have permission to stay near the border but not to travel outside the area. Few opportunities exist for these people to work or study, and they generally subsist by farming and doing day labor. They are members of the Karen, Mon, Karenni, and other ethnic groups and speak several languages. A few are Thai citizens; most are not. Many have no documentation and consider themselves to be stateless. The Mon people, represented by the New Mon State Party, have a fragile cease-fire agreement with the government of Burma, but the Karen have no such agreement.
Currently, in the border area around the Three Pagodas Pass separating Thailand and Burma (Myanmar), many people lack access to proper health care and information. Several non-government organizations are working in this area, as well as the Thai government, but despite their efforts, people fall between the gaps and do not have access to health care, health education, or public health services. Also, there are people who are unemployed in this area who are trained in health care. We plan to support these local healthcare providers so that they may assist the local people.
