Care Villa residents find comfort in companionship.

Residents relax in the afternoon.

A resident washes up after lunch.

Two residents pass the time by smoking cigarettes.

Residents rest at Care Villa.

A resident takes a shower and is helped by a young volunteer who is the son of one
of the other residents.

A man plays with a young volunteer.

A resident cleans up after lunch.

Two men joke in the afternoon.

A resident takes a shower.

Words and photos by Brennan O`Connor

In Zone C in Mae La camp – one of the poorest sections of the largest refugee camps in Thailand – around 15 men who have been maimed by landmines live at Care Villa.

Most of the residents were former soldiers in the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). They are cared for by staff from the Karen Handicap Welfare Association (KHWA).

At Care Villa they have the opportunity to learn English, participate in music classes and enroll in Bible studies. But more importantly, they enjoy companionship, which helps them come to terms with their injuries.

In January, a tentative ceasefire agreement between the Karen National Union and the government was reached. However, the deal is now being threatened after divisions emerged between the KNU and the KNLA.