Our work in Thailand began in the Maehongson province of northern Thailand. Adjacent Myanmar (Burma), the province is heavily influenced by eight ethnic minority Hill Tribes. Some of the tribal members have assimilated into Thai communities, some remain in scattered ethnic villages and tribal refugees from Myanmar occupy a string of refugee villages near the border.

 

As of 2017, we have focused our assistance on the refugee village of Huay Pu Keng, a Kayan tribe village accessible from Maehongson city. Of the villages we've worked with, Huay Pu Keng, exhibited the greatest need. As a small organization we felt it was best to narrow our efforts to where we could do the most good.

 

The school at Huay Pu Keng receives some support from the Thai government. Unfortunately it is not enough to hire all the teachers needed or supply some of the basic materials necessary for learning.

 

The children are eager to learn and education is highly valued by the villagers. Many of the children rely on donations for clothing, and some arrive at school in the same clothes each day. Some carry rice from home to supplement the small meals provided by the school, some have none.

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In 2022 we expanded our support to Kayan tribal members still in Myanmar. Displaced by civil war, these internally displaced people have lost their homes and livelihoods. CTH provides funds to purchase tents, food, and medical assistance.