Weaving Project

Shan refugee camp

Hidden away in the mountains, against the Thai-Burmese border, many Burmese refugees are living an uncertain existence. Many fled their native Shan state in Myanmar after persecution by Burmese soldiers, who either coerce them to join the army or deliver them into forced labour. Many of these people have suffered abuse and torture and for too many years have lead lives on the run.


Unlike other people groups fleeing Myanmar and taking refuge in Thailand, these Shan people are not granted refugee status. This in turn means that they do not receive much support from the mutli-national NGOs. A great number are living without legal papers and live with the daily fear of being deported back to Myanmar which often ends in increased persecution, torture and death.

Living in Thailand without land and without rights to live and work, their existence is highly precarious and these people are extremely vulnerable. No land - no work - no money - no food. It says a lot about what life must be like for them in Myanmar that they risk their lives to flee to this situation in Thailand.

In the north-west corner of Chiang Mai province there is a settlement camp of around 500 souls. The women are skilled weavers but have a hard time selling their products locally amid the crowded marketplace of Thai handicrafts. Blood Foundation is helping this women's group by promoting these quality products to markets in the west.

There are eleven women in this weaving group. 40% of the proceeds are spent on materials, 40% goes to the women's wages and 20% goes to general needs of the camp including medical support and cultural festivities. The extra money earned through this project is partially used to send children from the camp to extra classes run by the Thai government. Upon graduation from this program the children are granted offical Thai certificates which are required to go further with their education.

By buying these beautiful hand-made woven scarves you are tremendously helping these women to earn a decent living and receive an income which enables them to support their families towards a brighter future.

Palong hilltribe village

Blood Foundation is also offering hand made goods made by a Palong hilltribe in the Fang region of Chiang Mai province. This hilltribe also migrated from Burma and have now found safe refuge in Thailand. Unfortunately the career options for young people are still very limited and by purchasing these colourful woven bags you are helping the community and encouraging girls to preserve their traditional weaving methods.