Mae La refugee camp, Thailand

Mae La is located along Thailand’s border with Burma where it is currently the largest of nine camps that house over 140,000 people.  Mae La itself houses more than 50,000 Burmese citizens whom fled the military dictatorship to seek refuge in Thailand.

All of the buildings in the camp are constructed of wood, bamboo and leaves.  There is no official market inside the camp because the people do not have proper jobs or much money to pay for supplies, but through their creativity, members are able to gather some supplies, such as various medicines.  During the daytime many people weave cloth, sell items from their houses, teach, and/or study.  Food rations are very tight  and not much can be grown since there is little space for fields.  Checkout the TBBC website for more information regarding food in the camp. Checkpoints, controlled by the Thai Army, are located all around the camp to keep refugees from moving freely throughout Thailand.

The runs 5km (3 miles) along the main access road and is approximately 1km (.6 miles) at its widest point. This is the equivalent of approximately 1.5 square miles which is equal to 650 football fields.  The camp sits between the main access road and a steep “cliff” that rises on the other side of a river that is north of the camp.

Altitude: 730' average (650' - 814')

Climate: Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons and temperature ranging from 4C to 42C (39F to 107F) and an average temperature of 26C (79F). The rainy season last from June to October, followed by a cool season until February. The weather is hot and sunny from March until May. The average rainfall is 2100 mm (83"). More than 85% of the annual rainfall occurs during the rainy season.

Resources: Drinking water is supplied to public tap stands from the river and naturally flowing springs. 75% of the population gets their drinking water through public tap stands after passing through collection systems, pump stations, storage tanks, and distribution networks. The majority of the remaining 25% get their water from private sources. There are a couple small fields by the river at the north end of camp that provide some rice.  Other food and supplies are brought in by various organizations (see below).

Aide:
-   Aide Medicale Internationale (AMI) is currently providing health care and water supply (potable and non-potable public water supplies)
-   Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (Smru) treats and cares for patients with malaria
-   Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) provides food and supplies for shelter

17º 07’ 57” N,  98º 22’ 46” E                                                Google Earth

 

17º07’ 57” N, 98º22’ 46” E                                                   Google Earth

17º07’ 57” N, 98º22’ 46” E                                                   Google Earth