Mae La Oon
Location
Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province
Distance from Border
2 km in a straight line, 3 km down the Yuam River
Distance from Mae Sariang
– Sob Moei, approx. 75 kms/ 2½ hours driving time in normal conditions
– Mae Sam Laep, 90 kms/ 3½ hours driving time in normal conditions
Accessiblity
Car: all-year-round access; 4WD + chains required in the rainy season
Boat: access from Mae Saam Laep (or Mae Ngao with 5 hour walk)
Phone: no mobile phone coverage. Mobile phone coverage is available in a nearby village approx. 20 mins away.
Note: Due to its isolated location, arrangements can be made for visitors to sleep overnight in the camp
Camp Geography
Area 800 rai (320 ha)
Introduction and History
Mae La Oon camp is built on a hilly area around the banks of the Yuam River. The population of more than 9,000 people is 99 percent ethnic Karen/Kayin.
The camp is a result of a consolidations of smaller camps in the Mae Sariang/Salween River area over a number of years, including former sites such as Mae Yeh Hta and Mae Khong Kha.
More than 80 percent of camp residents come from Karen/Kayin State, while another 15 percent are from the Bago Region in Burma/Myanmar.
In September 2002, the camp experienced a devastating flash flood. Tragically, 26 refugees lost their lives in the flooding. There was major damage to camp infrastructure. More than 250 houses were destroyed and another 230 were severely damaged. Two high schools, eight primary schools, one nursery, four camp administration offices, five NGO offices, four reception centres and two OPD clinics were also lost. The Thai authorities coordinated with NGOs and the UN Refugee Agency to mount a rapid emergency relief effort.
Due to its isolation, the camp is off the mains electricity grid. The camp office and health, education and social centres in the camp have access to power from electric generators.
