The Palong tribal people have long fled from their native soil in Burma seeking safety and refuge in the protected mountains of Northern Thailand. Although now distant from the bloody crossfire between the SPDC and the Shan State resistance armies, they face the new challenge of expatriation in a less than welcoming nation. It is here they remain stateless, separated and in staggering populations estimated at less than a combined 250,000. Burdened by lack of social support, local prejudice and the common woes of extreme poverty, special homes for children can be found among the villages in hopes of providing increased safety and greater access to education. Such homes struggle to sustain even in what income can be earned themselves, received from their ethnic community and graciously given from few and far between NGO’s.
This home in particular is seen amidst a forced relocation as Landlords raise rents in the areas immediately surrounding Chiang Dao. Constructed of little more than bamboo and second hand tie-wire, the home is fortunate to salvage easily.
