For hundreds of years, semi-nomadic peoples have crossed into the region now recognized as the Kingdom of Thailand from as far away as Tibet, Myanmar (Burma), China and Laos. Know in Thailand as chao khao or 'Mountain People', these peoples are now located predominately in the northwestern mountains of Thailand, each with their own language, customs, mode of dress and spiritual beliefs. The Tribal Research Institute in Chiang Mai, Thailand estimates the total population of chao khao to be around 550,000 from over 20 different ethnic groups. Largest amongst these are the tribes of the Lisu, Lahu, Akha, Karen, Kayah and Hmong and Mien peoples. Shan people are not recognized in Thailand as chao khao as many now reside in urbanized, permanent locations. Shan villages are thought to be the original inhabitants of the region.

In 1984 tens of thousands of refugees from Myanmar's ethnic minorities began to flow into Thailand, rapidly filling camps set up for them on Thailand's western border. Over 131, 000 people are registered in these border refugee camps, separate from the population of Thailand's chao khao. Still today, more that 16 years after the first camps were established, refugees continue to flee from war-affected border-lands in Myanmar. Despite cease-fires between ethnic minority groups fighting for independence and greater autonomy for their states, and the central Burmese authorities, the State Peace and Development Council, ethnic minorities in Myanmar remain at risk from torture, forced labour and mass forced relocation.

Over 77% of the refugees living in the Thailand refugee border camps are Karen, as well as tens of thousands of refugees from the Karennis and Mon ethnic minorities. An estimated further 'hidden' 100,000 displaced Shans have fled the Shan state in Myanmar following massive forcible relocation projects that were accompanied by killings, forced labour and other human rights abuses. The Shans have never been recognized as refugees or permitted to establish refugee camps and have become absorbed in the illegal migrant economy in Thailand.

Such massive outflows of refugees have created an enormous burden for Thailand, straining to provide adequate schemes for health and education for refugees with limited resources themselves. Under recent domestic pressure Thai security forces have barred attempts by thousands of refugees to cross the Myanmar/Thai border. Since 1997 the Thai military have actively deported refugees back to Myanmar, where many have been kidnapped by Burmese soldiers and forced to work as porters for the military. Those living in refugee camps have been blamed for some of Thailand's social problems such as drug trafficking, environment degradation and epidemic control.

Under Thailand's national law all asylum seekers are termed 'illegal immigrants' and legal refugee protection, including the terminology of a refugee does not exist. Refugee camps are publicly called 'temporary shelters' and refugees are referred to as 'displaced persons fleeing fighting'. In practice Burmese refugees are recognized as de facto refugees and as a group with genuine claims to asylum in the border camps. The Thai government is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees. Presently the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar denies any responsibility for the refugees, alleging the armed ethnic groups have caused the human rights violations the refugees are fleeing.

With the permission of the Thai government, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) began permanent operations in Thailand's refugee camps in 1998, where it now carries out refugee status determination and provides support to refugees. Many Non-government and Aid Organisations actively work in the refugee camps, providing programs for education, work training and health schemes in an attempt to build independence as well as adequate standards of living for the refugees.

Thailand desperately needs international assistance to ensure the refugees are given protection and an appropriate level of treatment. Mass flights of refugees are an international responsibility - countries such as Thailand that happen to be the nearest point of safety should not be left alone to bear the responsibility. While many in Thailand would like to see the refugees returned to Myanmar, it is recognized in the government that until security and peace can be guaranteed in Myanmar, refugees will remain in the Thai border camps.


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