CHAO: Burmese migrant workers have been denied tsunami relief supplies in Thailand. Although locals have received compensation, shelter and new homes, the Burmese have been left to fend for themselves.
STORY: This small rubber plantation is home to a few dozen children, families and the worst tsunami to hit South Thailand.
Almost all of the brave youngsters know someone killed during last year’s disaster. The unprecedented damage and deaths of 5,400 people have left painful scars.
But to their horror, they are excluded from the Thai government`s relief efforts. Over 70 billion baht (US$1.71 billion) has been spent on helping local Thais put their lives together, while the rest just have to rely on international aid groups or pay the damage by themself.
UN children`s agency UNICEF runs 10 schools across Phang Nga province for Burmese childrens. Without them, children would miss out on an education and be forced to work.
Mark Thomas, UNICEF: “Even though these areas were thought to be relatively affluent, there`s still great problems here, especially when it comes to migrant minority communities.”
The UN estimates 36,000 labourers from Myanmar are paid meagre wages in fishing, rubber and construction industries. It says no government is willing to take responsibility leaving these people stateless refugees.
Many Burmese migrants live in shabby huts made from scrap metal and wood.