3 sides to every story - A profile of Muslim communities in the refugee camps on the Thailand Burma border

Description: 

"...The social dynamics of the refugee camps along the Thailand Burma border have shifted considerably in the past several years to the point where they now display significant diversities in ethnicity, religion and cultural practices. In order to better inform itself of these changing dynamics, in 2009 TBBC undertook research to gain a fuller understanding of one of the more distinct groups within this shifting landscape ? that of the Muslim communities. This report is the result of that process, and provides analysis and ways forward to ensure the programme reflects sensitivities to their practices and preferences. The Muslim sector of the refugee populations along the Thailand Burma border is a significant and distinct minority centred, for the most part, in the Tak camps ? namely, Mae La (ML), Umpiem Mai (UM) and Nu Po (NP); with a very small community also in Mae Ra Ma Luang (MRML). The population consists of three main sub-sects, representing divergent relations to the wider refugee community ? both in terms of geographical origin, political persuasion and social inclusion. A singular classification of the root causes and motivations for their entry into the camps is not possible ? as they range from genuine cases of asylum to the capitalisation on economic opportunities ? although one summarising their lifestyle practices and preferences is more feasible, as specific and wide-ranging commonalities exist across the communities..."

Source/publisher: 

Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC)

Date of Publication: 

2010-07-00

Date of entry: 

2010-11-27

Grouping: 

  • Individual Documents

Category: 

Language: 

English, Thai

Local URL: 

Format: 

pdf

Size: 

1.17 MB