I am starting to learn just how precarious the situation is along the border and the hoops that the NGOs need to go through to provide services within the camps. The Thai government has refused to become a signatory in the 1951 Refugee Convention allowing the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to manage the camps along the Thai/Burma border. The camps continue to be managed by Thai authorities and some, especially the one I will be working in, is very tightly controlled. The work of NGOs is always in question and at risk of being shut down. Because of this, I have decided to eliminate the discussion of my organization and the specific work I will be doing in my blog. Hopefully I can still give a snapshot of my experience without the specifics.
On another note, just when I thought there were no scary dogs running around in Thailand - I found those pesky jerks in Mae Hong Son. I have a feeling that being chased home by a pack of dogs is going to be a regular occurrence. Since I don't have James to scare them away, I am going to have start walking with a big stick or a backpack full of rocks! Sigh :)
Hugs,
Meighan
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