Paduang Women in a Zoo Says UN

The UN yesterday said that the Long Necked women on the N.W. Thai border with Burma were like exhibits in a Zoo, and called for a boycott to save them from exploitation.

For years the Paduang tribeswomen have been a major lure for foreign tourists, who, by their purchases and contributions to their welfare, have helped provide a modest income for these refugee women and their families.

Boycott?

Yesterday, however, the United Nations made a dramatic intervention, when they made allegations that the women are being exploited.

Furthermore, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) reports that for the past two years, the Thai authorities have refused to allow a group of 20 long-necks to leave the country, and this despite firm offers to resettle them in Finland and New Zealand.

Along with the allegations is the suspicion that the women are being kept in Thailand because of the central role they play in the local tourism industry.

Many people who have visited the area would call this an unfair view of the situation. Years ago these long-necks left Burma in a bid to find a safe haven. Thailand offered that, albeit with reservations, and if they have not got complete freedom of movement, they have at least attained a much better life than they had in Burma.

Life in New Zealand - better or not?

The long-necks have been told that life in New Zealand will be more pleasant, living as free spirits. My own feeling is that as long as these people continue to wear the brass rings round their necks (and they mostly want to do this), they will continue to be a sight for people to look at.

Apparently, a few of the women are considering removing the rings which for years they had been told was impossible. It used to be thought that removing the rings would cause the neck to break.

The case is still out. One can only hope that the women are being advised well.