A former Fulbright scholar who has studied human rights in Guatemala, Ghana, and Liberian refugee camps, Joy Agner originally came to Chiang Mai to research accessible tourism options in Thailand. However, after attending an event at The Best Friend Library, she saw an opportunity to pursue her interest in the peace movement in Burma.

Interview with the Venerable Ashin Kawida, Secretary of the International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO) and member of the All Burma Young Monks League during his visit in Berlin on 25th June 2011.

19 July is Martyrs’ Day in Burma. This is a national holiday on which the assassinations of Bogyoke Aung San and six other leaders of the pre-independance government are remembered.

Members of The Best Friend recently paid a visit to the Burmese Embassy in Berlin.

There is no official border crossing between Thailand and Burma in the area of Sangkhlaburi, as much of the territory on the Burmese side remains out of the control of the ruling regime.

Na paro param nikubbetha, nātimaññetha katthaci na kañci. Byārosanā patighasaññā, nāññamaññassa dukkhamiccheyya. Let none deceive another, nor despise any person whatsoever in any place. Let him not wish any harm to another out of anger or ill-will.

About 300 migrants from Burma (which includes around 100 children of all ages) are currently living in dismal conditions