The Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp (KJSRC) is situated on the Thai-Myanmar border, in Piang Luang Sub-district, Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Established in 2002 during the conflict between Burmese military forces and the Shan State Army, the camp remains unrecognised by the Thai government and is not registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The camp provides a boarding house for up to 30 children, offering an environment as close to a family life as possible. The children attend local Thai schools and, in the evenings, receive lessons in English, Shan, Burmese, and computer skills at the camp. Without the boarding house, the likelihood of these children growing into independent, healthy, and educated adults would be significantly reduced, especially in a region with high levels of child exploitation and trafficking.

The boarding house, established in 2008, accommodates 25 to 30 children annually, including orphans, half-orphans, and children from impoverished families who are unable to care for them. It not only provides a safe living environment but also ensures access to education. However, the children now urgently need 25 new bed sets—mattresses, pillows, and bedsheets—as the existing ones, now ten years old, have been heavily used by former residents.

The old cotton mattresses have deteriorated over time due to prolonged use and the increasing number of children. Threads have come loose, and the cotton has bunched up into uneven lumps, causing discomfort and back pain for the children. Additionally, the wear and tear have produced dust, further impacting their ability to sleep well. The growing number of children has also led to a shortage of bedding, leaving some without adequate mattresses, sheets, and pillows.

This project aims to address these deficiencies, improving the children’s overall health by alleviating back pain, and enhancing hygiene and well-being. By ensuring a more comfortable and supportive living environment, the project will also help create a conducive atmosphere for the children’s education and personal development.