Mae Sot, Thailand

I'm in Mae Sot, Thailand, halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai and towards the Burmese border. It's a really interesting mix of Burmese monks, Thais and NGO workers (there are something like 30 NGOs in this area, as its so close to Burma). And it seems all the NGO workers are staying at my hostel, so I've met lots of cool people. Mae Sot is really the Thailand I came here to see -- as far as I can tell there aren't many (or any) tourists. Its somewhere between small city and large village, with just a few traffic lights.

I dropped the bag of kids clothing/shoes Charity Begins gathered for me in New York at Dr. Cynthia's clinic, a medical clinic near the border that treats Burmese refugees who have crossed over for the day. The Thai police could technically shut it down anytime, as its operating illegally, but so far they've chosen not to. Dr. Cynthia is a Burmese woman who started the clinic to treat the students involved in the 1988 gov't uprising. The clinic does medical procedures, often to treat malaria, as well as eye surgeries, deliveries and education. I was able to distribute the entire bag of clothing and shoes, piece by piece, to the kids who were being treated there, and will hopefully be able to swing by again later in the trip to teach english.

Also, I had a long conversation with a monk today - he had to flee Burma in 2003 after leading a hunger strike, and is moving to the United States in a few months (after you cross the border and register to be a refugee, you can either stay in the Thai camps, or apply for resettlement. Its a really controversial topic, because the Burmese who pass the interviews are always the educated or accomplished ones, which takes all the smart, accomplished Burmese out of Burma). He wanted to know about the United States, and whether people care about the plight of his people. So he's telling me his life story and he's only 24 and has been through more than a person who's four times his age. It really makes you realize what a charmed life we all lead.

Anyways, sorry for the somber post. This town is depressing and inspiring at the same time, because there is so much conflict here, but also many people who are trying to make a difference...