Category Archives: Myanmar

Being followed in Myanmar…

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The boys that followed me in Tachileik Myanmar

The boys that followed me in Tachileik Myanmar

Out and about, i was walking the back streets and saying hello to the village people in Tachileik. I was warned before by some Thailand expats to keep an eye out for government officials who would watch me or follow me if I was taking too many photos. Did this happen, I looked but wasn’t too worried, I really haven’t had any problems so far. I have to say i have more guys trying to sell me cigarettes and “boom boom” than any one else bothering me.

It wasn’t until i got off the beaten track that I became a bit nervous in some areas of walking that is when my instincts kicked in and I new to turn and go the other way. There are just some places on earth that you really don’t want to walk towards alone or with a group.

I walked pretty far and then I herd a small voice and small foot steps approaching. I turned to see a boy standing about 3 meters from me and his friends following shortly behind him. all full of smiles. they stood together and just looked at me then  held up my hand and made a peace sign, they all smiled and returned the gesture. I snapped a photo, this one i have attached below. After the photo i turned the camera around to show them as they all huddled around the screen laughing.

I’ve been to many countries in the world so far and each time it is very refreshing to see the locals and young people so happy. This country Myanmar/formally Burma  has been through some very harsh times lately so when i see people smiling and being happy it makes me feel happy too.

 

Long neck Myanmar refugee tribal woman

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Northern Thailand near the Myanmar/Burma borderlands. Long Neck hill tribe’s woman and daughter playing a little tune for me. I’ve always been self conscious about my long neck until today. 

long neck tribal woman

Simply amazed- here I am speechless, with long neck tribal woman and child.

Over the course of the women’s life, they add heavy brass rings around the neck, pressing down on the collarbones and lifting up the head, giving way for substantial space in the vertebra… in their culture a sign of absolute beauty.

Since I was a kid I wanted to travel- I tried to get my hands on any National Geographic growing up. The research on these tribal people shows that they are not from Thailand, in fact they are from Burma and are refugees permitted by the Thailand government to stay on this side of the border. To remain in Thailand safe from the chaos that drove them across the border.

Some people have criticized this tribe for exploiting the long neck for financial gain. Here’s the catch, because they are not residents of Thailand they are not allowed freedom to live and work legally in Thailand nor are they allowed to go back to Burma or they will be executed/ or imprisoned.

We live in a beautiful but sometimes unjust world. These people are peaceful. Just trying to live. If it were you and your lively hood I’m sure you would do your best to support your family and your heritage too. I have more to say and photos to share later on the day that I spent in the village.