 In some places the border landscape between Thailand and Burma/Myanmar is rapidly changing. Here, on the other side of Moei river, a new city is emerging. Koko was a small and quiet Karen village only a few years ago. It is becoming a big city with residential areas, casinos, and soon an international airport. Thousands of Chinese workers are busy here day and night. The future of the Karen population is uncertain. |
 The River Moei marks the border of Thailand and Myanmar, workers are loading cement bags from Thailand on a long tail boat. This is for the construction of a new city, by a Chinese company, at Koko in Karen State. |
 There are many ways to cross international borders: officially on the bridge or unofficially, under the bridge. |
 Karen State, Myanmar: a temporary shelter for those in need of safety. Their village was attacked by armed groups. Although they really want to return home, for the time being they must stay here and wait. |
 Health programmes in remote rural communities rely heavily on community engagement. Here a Thai social scientist travels to a village as part of an effort to understand the social and cultural context. |
 Medical supply distribution is a big challenge during rainy season. The river will not always be smooth but is the only way to transport goods when roads are flooded. |
In some places the border landscape between Thailand and Burma/Myanmar is rapidly changing. Here, on the other side of Moei river, a new city is emerging. Koko was a small and quiet Karen village only a few years ago. It is becoming a big city with residential areas, casinos, and soon an international airport. Thousands of Chinese workers are busy here day and night. The future of the Karen population is uncertain.
The River Moei marks the border of Thailand and Myanmar, workers are loading cement bags from Thailand on a long tail boat. This is for the construction of a new city, by a Chinese company, at Koko in Karen State.
There are many ways to cross international borders: officially on the bridge or unofficially, under the bridge.
Karen State, Myanmar: a temporary shelter for those in need of safety. Their village was attacked by armed groups. Although they really want to return home, for the time being they must stay here and wait.
Health programmes in remote rural communities rely heavily on community engagement. Here a Thai social scientist travels to a village as part of an effort to understand the social and cultural context.
Medical supply distribution is a big challenge during rainy season. The river will not always be smooth but is the only way to transport goods when roads are flooded.
Landmines were planted in this family’s village, and they had to leave their home to stay in this remote area in Karen state. They feared “bortho k’ey ya” (tiger will eat me). They became displaced and now live in miserable conditions. They don’t want to move to an official relocation place. When a small outbreak of malaria was detected at this location they were invited to the SMRU malaria post for screening and treatment by the malaria outreach team.