If you are wondering why many links and posts on this site relate to Burma and the Shan State the reason is simple. Many friends of Radchada Cafe come from the Shan State in South East Burma which borders Thailand, Laos and China.

Shan State is one of the most oppressed parts of Burma where atrocities committed by the Junta against the Shan people are widespread. As a result, many have fled to Thailand and try to survive here as refugees despite less than welcoming treatment by the Thai authorities. To find out more about the Shan, known as "Tai Yai" in Thai, visit some of the links above.

Probably 90% of the young men you will meet in Chiang Mai's host bars and other similar commercial gay venues come from the Shan State, as well as guys from other hill tribe minorities who are denied Thai citizenship. Although mainly straight, the Shan have had a significant effect on the gay farang scene in Chiang Mai, for this reason we try to inform our readers about the Shan people and their problems.

One organisation in Chiang Mai supporting the people of Burma is:

The Best Friend

They run a number of operations in Chiang Mai, Mae Sot and Burma to help refugees providing welfare, support and education. Why not visit the best friend library in Chiang Mai on Nimanhemin Rd Soi 13.

The Best Friend depends entirely on voluntary contributions for all their work. You can support their projects with a monetary donation or by donating books, computers or school supplies.