Refugees from Burma in Thailand and Repatriation Preparedness: Issues of Dialogue, Representation and Trust Sophie Zupper MSc Thesis 15 January 2016 International Development Studies 10898255
[email protected] Supervisor: Dr. Lidewyde H. Berckmoes Second Reader: Dr. Enrique Gómez-Llata Cázares MSc International Development Studies Graduate School of Social Sciences Sophie Zupper 10898255
[email protected] 15 January 2016 Supervisor Dr. Lidewyde H. Berckmoes Programme group: Anthropology of Health, Care and the Body Graduate School of Social Sciences University of Amsterdam
[email protected] Second Reader Dr. Enrique Gómez-Llata Cázares Programme group: Governance and Inclusive Development Graduate School of Social Sciences University of Amsterdam
[email protected] Local Supervisor Ariana Zarleen Co-founder and Programme Director Burma Link
[email protected] Word Count: 26,894 Cover Photo: Mae La Refugee Camp in Tak Province, Thailand, July 2015, by S. Zupper ii Acknowledgements This thesis would not be lying in in front of you as it is right now if it was not for a number of people who supported me throughout the process of preparing for the research, navigating the field in Thailand, and analysing and writing after my return to the Netherlands. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the refugees who made this research possible. Despite the terrible events they experienced and the conditions they live in I was met with outstanding hospitality and eagerness to help wherever I went. I thank them for taking the time to participate in sometimes lengthy interviews and answering all questions I had, often beyond expectations, sharing meals and inviting me to their homes.