Description and Impact

The residents of the Shan state of Burma are denied their rights to freedom of speech by the military government. The government has had trouble controlling this region and uses brutal tactics to maintain power.  Without freedom of the press, the residents are denied access to any important information that runs contrary to the government. This censorship also prevents the outside world from learning about the atrocities occurring within Burma. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are an important part of improving government accountability, by preventing an administration from hiding its actions. A strong opposition Burmese movement has formed in exile largely along the Thai border and in Chiang Mai. One important aspect of this movement is the Thai newspaper which publishes and distributes material about Burma’s Shan State both throughout the state and to the outside world.

What is the overall goal of the project? The overall goal of this project is to provide accurate and relevant information through their newspaper about the Shan State for its residents and other concerned parties. 

• Provide important information - through a network of supporters and regular correspondence with readers inside Shan State, the journalism staff collects news and photographs from inside Burma on a regular basis. The newspaper also dispatches field reporters to Shan State to cover specific issues when conditions permit and interviews people from the region when they arrive at the Thai-Burma and China-Burma borders. In addition, given the proximity to Shan State, the newspaper is able to monitor the military junta’s radio broadcasts.
• Reach its target audience – The newspaper makes a concerted effort to translate and print relevant articles in a number of different languages. The paper is distributed by a network of activists throughout Shan temples. Along with the printed version, the newspaper also publishes material on its web page and by e-mail. 

What's Included

• Homestay with a carefully-screened Thai family
• Daily meals
• Health and travel insurance
• Onsite transportation and airport pickup
• Introductory Thai Classes 
• Project funding and support
• Cultural and adventure excursions
• 24-hour support from ProWorld Thailand staff
• Access to ProWorld Thailand Office – unlimited filtered water, wireless internet