Kayan Mother

This photo was taken at one of the many Kayan Village (Tourist Traps) around Chang Mai.
The ethics around this practice are much debated as the Padaung People are categorized as "conflict refugees" after fleeing Mymar & without citizenship have limited access to basic services and are unable to move out the villages. Seen as economic migrants and not "real" refugees the Padaung People are therefore forced into depending on tourism by living in villages such as this.
Our visit was part of a tour organised by a local guide, who also gave money & food directly to families we met as entrance fees are rarely distributed. We were lucky enough to arrive very early and had the village to ourselves but certainly left with more questions than answers
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