In fairness we think that it is necessary to say that some of the problems that the Akha are experiencing they contribute to or have brought on themselves.
For the record we would like to say that it is high time that the Akha set themselves apart from any activities related to Drugs. This would stand to greatly improve their relationships with the Thais, leave them with far fewer problems and a much better reputation. As well, a decline in the use of Opium, Heroin and Methamphetamines would leave their families safer and in better health, better fed and less often abandoned by family members who go to prison, run away to Burma or die of overdose or drug related ill health.
We also would like to encourage as many of the young woman as we can to turn away from the lure of quick and easy money in prostitution. Although we know that there are many young girls pressed into this trade to varying degrees of consent or non consent, we still know far too many girls first hand who have made cognative decisions to go into this trade because of the quick money, the jazzy life style, the cellular and things like that, never quite coming to the conclusion that the only one who wins is the house. And AIDS is not forgiving of foolishness.
To say that all of the Akha girls in prostitution are there because they are forced in one way or another (physically or financially) as victims is quite intellectually dishonest and a major mugging of the facts. In my six years in Maesai I have repeatedly warned young women of the dangers of where they were headed and what they could do as an alternative all falling on deaf ears. These girls only felt that nothing could pay as well as prostitution and that is partially true, be it here or in the west. How can some less glamorous skill or trade where you really have to work, compete with being a star?
Do I sound harsh? Sorry, but there are plenty of beautiful and extremely poor Akha girls in Burma who do not see coming to Thailand and being a prostitute as a wise alternative.
There a far too many young Akha girls who are not at the bedside listening to other still young Akha girls who gambled and lost and are on their last day of AIDS and could say a lot about the choices one should and should not make.
Matthew McDaniel
The Akha Heritage Foundation
Akha University - Maesai
386/3 Sailom Joi Rd
Maesai, Chiangrai, Thailand
57130
E-Mail akha@loxinfo.co.th
Money can be sent to:
Via Money Wire:
Matthew Duncan McDaniel
Acc.# 3980240778
Bangkok Bank Ltd.
Maesai Branch
Thailand
Via International Bank Draft via the post office registered mail:
Matthew McDaniel
386/3 Sailom Joi Rd.
Maesai, Chiangrai, Thailand
57130
Copyright 1997 - 1998 © by the Akha Heritage Foundation