As refugees to Thailand the Burmese Karen Long Neck have for a long time been exploited by becoming virtual prisoners in camps set up by Thai in Northern Thailand. These are not refuge camps, but tourist destinations where they receive small amounts money for keeping their cultural identity. The men work on near by farms and the women sell Chinese made trinkets and weave all day. They are not allowed Thai status and are stuck being exploited.
Whilst other tribal cultures are on the decline, money makes them continue their traditions of wearing coils on their necks and legs and the next generation of girls are forced long this route, perhaps with no access to education.
I was on an organised tour and after visiting here I have read up a lot and will never visit one of the places again. It is a sad and shocking reality of Thailand and so many other countries where slavery and trafficking, especially of girls and women is still very much an everyday occurrence.
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