Shan border clinic told to move out

Shan border clinic told to move out

Human Rights

On 16 April, "Maw Paw", head of the Shan clinic near the border in Mae Fa Luang district, Chiangrai province, was told by a Thai military officer that due to complaints by authorities along the border he had to move out his "hospital".

The 12 bed hospital was begun on 25 January 2001, soon after the Burma Army offensive on the Shan State Army when hundreds of people on the border area were displaced.

It was later to include 5-bed labor room (LR), a laboratory and a lecture hall.

"Although it was initially meant for people coming from Shan State, every 2 out of 3 patients are from the surrounding villages in the Thai territory," said Maw Paw.

Beginning 21 January, the clinic buildings were dismantled to be transported across the border.

1. Akha refugees, 2001

2. "Khem Khamkhong" (Salween Gold needle) hospital begins, 25 January 2001

3. A new building being added in 2003

4. The hospital staff

5. The hospital is taken apart and moved, 21 April 2004

6. Thai officers observe the relocation of the hospital