Tsunami Affected Non-Citizens Populations in the South

Ethnic minorities in the south have not been eligible for domestic relief funds or international funds that are available to other Tsunami affected populations. These monies are channeled through the Thai government and non-citizens face constant roadblocks and difficulties:

1. They are unable to receive compensation in the case of a deceased relative.
2. They are ineligible for government-sponsored temporary or permanent housing.
3. They have no rights to newly allocated lands.
4. They cannot receive government loans or microcredit opportunities.
5. They cannot receive scholarships and loans for education.
6. Many employers will only hire documented Thais. Immediately following the tsunami there was a great deal of looting blamed on the Burmese migrant labor force and thus all non-citizens are mistakenly associated with this.
7. Because of travel restrictions on non-citizens, unemployed tsunami victims are unable to travel in search of work or new homes.
8. Non-citizens face continued labor exploitation in the aftermath of the tsunami.
9. Because of increased sensitivity towards Burmese laborers, non-citizens (sea people and displaced Thais) face a heightened risk of deportation.

For more information on the effects of non-citizen status click here.

For more information on Mirror Art Group's work with Tsunami affected populations click here.