Understanding the Crisis Behind the Cause
Why these children need our help
The Karen Conflict
The Karen people are an ethnic minority in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Since 1949, they have been fighting for autonomy against the Myanmar military — making this one of the world's longest-running civil wars.
Thousands of Karen villages have been destroyed. Families have been torn apart, parents killed, and children left orphaned or separated from their loved ones. The 2021 military coup in Myanmar has only intensified the violence.
75+
Years of Conflict
106K+
Refugees in Thailand
19.9M
Need Aid in Myanmar
6.3M
Children in Need
Life in the Refugee Camps
Mae La refugee camp, established in 1984, is the largest Karen refugee camp in Thailand. Over 90% of its 40,000+ residents are ethnic Karen fleeing persecution.
- 31% increase in refugees since the 2021 coup
- Refugees cannot work legally outside the camps
- International aid has been cut by 40% since 2023
- Many have lived in camps for over 30 years
Why Children Become Orphaned
The children at Bilay House and Samson House are primarily conflict orphans. Their stories are heartbreaking but understanding them helps us serve them better.
Parents Killed in Conflict
Military attacks on Karen villages have killed countless parents, leaving children with no one to care for them.
Separated During Flight
Families fleeing violence often get separated. Children end up alone, unable to find their parents again.
Extreme Poverty
Some families, unable to feed their children, make the painful decision to leave them at orphanages.
Loss in the Camps
Parents who died from illness or malnutrition in the refugee camps leave their children behind.
The Funding Crisis
In 2023, the Thai government cut funding to refugee camps along the border. International aid organizations have also reduced support. The result? Orphanages that were already struggling now face critical shortages.
40%
Aid reduction since 2023
Rising
Food prices in Thailand
Critical
Supply shortages
This is why direct, grassroots support like CharityRiceRuns matters more than ever.
The Orphanages We Support
Bilay House Orphanage
Our primary partner since Rice Run 1. Located in Ratchaburi Province, it cares for 59 children who fled conflict in Myanmar. Founded and run by Bilay, a Karen refugee living with polio, with medical oversight from our partner Dr. Mowae (MD, BSBC).
Since Rice Run 4
Samson House
Our partner since Rice Run 4. They care for 17 migrant refugee childrenfrom Myanmar. Particularly in need of kitchen supplies.