US Aid Freeze Linked to Refugee's Death at Thai Border

[webfact]

Mae La refugee camp. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

In a tragic turn of events, the death of a refugee along the Myanmar-Thai border has been linked to a freeze on US foreign aid. The International Rescue Committee (IRC)-funded healthcare facility, recently shuttered due to the US policy shift, had been the lifeline for many refugees like Pe Kha Lau, who sadly passed away.

 

Pe Kha Lau, a 71-year-old refugee with chronic lung issues, succumbed to her condition just days after being discharged from the healthcare facility.

 

The hospital, once a crucial part of the IRC's mission to aid thousands of displaced individuals, was abruptly closed following a "stop-work" directive prompted by the US State Department.

 

This closure follows President Donald Trump's administration's decision to halt nearly all US aid pending a thorough review over the coming months.

 

The IRC has expressed devastation over the loss, while the US Embassy in Bangkok has yet to provide a statement. Amidst uncertainty, the IRC highlighted efforts by the refugee community to self-organize and maintain essential services during this transition. The Thai authorities are also stepping in to support these services.

 

The situation escalated as US President Trump and advisor Elon Musk spearhead initiatives to curtail what they describe as "wasteful" foreign expenses. However, this stands to impact countless individuals dependent on US aid for survival.

 

The US, as the world’s largest humanitarian donor, has stopped most aid operations and is in the process of dismantling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reducing its global workforce from around 10,000 to 300.

 

Umpiem camp. File photo.

 

For the refugee community in Umpiem camp, this aid freeze has been catastrophic. Pe Kha Lau’s family, impoverished and residing in one of the remote mountainside camps, relied on the IRC’s medical provision.

 

Pe Kha Lau had been hospitalised for three years, sustained by a continuous oxygen supply, which became unavailable following the hospital's closure.

Her son-in-law, Tin Win, lamented the severe impact the hospital's closure has had, stating, “Whenever she got short of breath, I would carry her right away back to the hospital and she would be fine.” Unfortunately, without hospital access, Pe Kha Lau's family faced insurmountable challenges in caring for her at home due to financial constraints—oxygen being an unaffordable necessity.

 

Authorities attempted to distribute oxygen tanks to patients, but resources were stretched too thin, leaving significant gaps in care continuity. A local Thai health official, who wished to remain anonymous, acknowledged the severity of the situation.

 

Additionally, the closure has forced makeshift solutions for medical emergencies, such as delivering babies in former school buildings under inadequate conditions. Humanitarian groups are alarmed by the global ramifications of the US aid freeze, noting its profound effects on systems designed to combat crises, including famine.

 

As Thai authorities and refugee groups strive to mitigate the consequences, the freeze has underscored the vulnerability of these displaced communities and the critical nature of sustaining international aid mechanisms. With the IRC clinic's abrupt closure, those left behind face an uncertain and challenging future, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-08

 

 

[Artisi]

Just another intelligent Trump initiative - absolutely no pre-thought or consideration regarding the outcome. 

[NickyLouie]

Ain't USA taxpayers problem anymore.

 

[hotsun]

24 minutes ago, webfact said:

Mae La refugee camp. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

In a tragic turn of events, the death of a refugee along the Myanmar-Thai border has been linked to a freeze on US foreign aid. The International Rescue Committee (IRC)-funded healthcare facility, recently shuttered due to the US policy shift, had been the lifeline for many refugees like Pe Kha Lau, who sadly passed away.

 

Pe Kha Lau, a 71-year-old refugee with chronic lung issues, succumbed to her condition just days after being discharged from the healthcare facility.

 

The hospital, once a crucial part of the IRC's mission to aid thousands of displaced individuals, was abruptly closed following a "stop-work" directive prompted by the US State Department.

 

This closure follows President Donald Trump's administration's decision to halt nearly all US aid pending a thorough review over the coming months.

 

The IRC has expressed devastation over the loss, while the US Embassy in Bangkok has yet to provide a statement. Amidst uncertainty, the IRC highlighted efforts by the refugee community to self-organize and maintain essential services during this transition. The Thai authorities are also stepping in to support these services.

 

The situation escalated as US President Trump and advisor Elon Musk spearhead initiatives to curtail what they describe as "wasteful" foreign expenses. However, this stands to impact countless individuals dependent on US aid for survival.

 

The US, as the world’s largest humanitarian donor, has stopped most aid operations and is in the process of dismantling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reducing its global workforce from around 10,000 to 300.

 

For the refugee community in Umpiem camp, this aid freeze has been catastrophic. Pe Kha Lau’s family, impoverished and residing in one of the remote mountainside camps, relied on the IRC’s medical provision.

 

Pe Kha Lau had been hospitalised for three years, sustained by a continuous oxygen supply, which became unavailable following the hospital's closure.

 

Her son-in-law, Tin Win, lamented the severe impact the hospital's closure has had, stating, “Whenever she got short of breath, I would carry her right away back to the hospital and she would be fine.” Unfortunately, without hospital access, Pe Kha Lau's family faced insurmountable challenges in caring for her at home due to financial constraints—oxygen being an unaffordable necessity.

 

Authorities attempted to distribute oxygen tanks to patients, but resources were stretched too thin, leaving significant gaps in care continuity. A local Thai health official, who wished to remain anonymous, acknowledged the severity of the situation.

 

Additionally, the closure has forced makeshift solutions for medical emergencies, such as delivering babies in former school buildings under inadequate conditions. Humanitarian groups are alarmed by the global ramifications of the US aid freeze, noting its profound effects on systems designed to combat crises, including famine.

 

As Thai authorities and refugee groups strive to mitigate the consequences, the freeze has underscored the vulnerability of these displaced communities and the critical nature of sustaining international aid mechanisms. With the IRC clinic's abrupt closure, those left behind face an uncertain and challenging future. Thai Baht: approximately 22.35 million, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-08

 

 

Chronic lung issues? Blame that on people burning everything there, dont blame that on the US

[novacova]

If USAID hadn’t misappropriated funds then the propensities of situations like this would be less likely to occur, plain and simple. 

[KhunLA]

And if USA or it's aid funding never existed ?

 

He just stopped USAID  a short time ago.  Maybe someone should audit the books and see where the funding went.

 

It's about time the people stopped relying on US tax payer, in debt themselves, to carry the load worldwide.  Why does the world expect the USA, to borrow money, they can't pay back, to finance other countries programs.

 

" Sooner or later, you run out of other peoples money "  That time is NOW.

 

THANK YOU President Trump.

 

R I P

[Gottfrid]

Totally correct. Why do they link his death to the US? No other country is responsible for their citizens health. They are so stupid in that country that they don´t understand the effect of burning. Neither do they have the ability to form any kind of governing body. Nobody´s fault, but their own.

[impulse]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Pe Kha Lau had been hospitalised for three years, sustained by a continuous oxygen supply, which became unavailable following the hospital's closure.

 

Cruel as it may sound, what's the quality of life for someone on oxygen in a hospital for 3 years? 

 

My MIL was begging for death and relief after she'd been bedridden for 10 years.  But they wouldn't let her die out of some distorted concept of compassion.

 

Edit:  I should say, she was begging for relief after a year.  It went on for another 9 years.

 

[frank83628]

That's really clutching at straws, how pathetic.

[connda]

It's not the USA's responsibility to send US citizen's taxpayers money to take care of the rest of the world.

"But it's needed to provide healthcare for people around the world!!!"

 

Right - while US citizens, including veterans, sleep rough on the streets and have no healthcare at all. And by the way, my own country doesn't supply as much as a dime for my healthcare, so why is some refugee on the Thai border more deserving then myself? Is the US government going to step up and take care of this veteran if I get sick?  The answer is "no."  

Until the US solves the majority of its own domestic issues, not one cent of so-called "aid" should flow outside of its borders.  We are not the caretakers of the rest of the world when we can't care for our own.
After we care for all our own citizens, then we can talk foreign aid to others in a tightly controlled manner that isn't subject to the graft and corruption of previous administrations. 

[Hamus Yaigh]

2 minutes ago, connda said:

It's not the USA's responsibility to send US citizen's taxpayers money to take care of the rest of the world.

That statement definitely reflects a narrow and short-sighted view of the world. It ignores the interconnections of the global community and the long-term benefits of providing aid.

 

Such attitudes can come back to bite the US in the long run - China is laughing at you. For example, the lack of health care infrastructure in some developing countries can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, which can then travel across borders and affect Americans as well. Similarly, political instability in other countries can create economic and security problems for the US.

 

[impulse]

4 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

That statement definitely reflects a narrow and short-sighted view of the world. It ignores the interconnections of the global community and the long-term benefits of providing aid.

 

Such attitudes can come back to bite the US in the long run - China is laughing at you. For example, the lack of health care infrastructure in some developing countries can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, which can then travel across borders and affect Americans as well. Similarly, political instability in other countries can create economic and security problems for the US.

 

 

If I got the sense that's where the money is actually going, I may feel differently.  But that's not the way it's looking at first blush.

• $1.5 million to “advance diversity equity and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities”

[connda]

7 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

That statement definitely reflects a narrow and short-sighted view of the world. It ignores the interconnections of the global community and the long-term benefits of providing aid.

 

Such attitudes can come back to bite the US in the long run - China is laughing at you. For example, the lack of health care infrastructure in some developing countries can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, which can then travel across borders and affect Americans as well. Similarly, political instability in other countries can create economic and security problems for the US.

 

Again - the US can't take care of the health of its own citizens first.  Until it can, it's not the responsiblity of the US to care for the rest of the world.  Using your own logic, the lack of proper healthcare for all of its citizens can "lead to the spread of infectious diseases."

My guess is that between 2020 and 2023, maybe even to the present, you have worn a mask and taken all of the Covid shots, and have had Covid at least once.  Maybe if the US didn't fund so many gain-of-function labs in the past we wouldn't have so many infectious diseases.  Lab leaks, deliberate or accidental, imho probably cause the vast majority of novel epidemics.

And using your own logic, the US should be supplying me with the same healthcare as they do refugees on the Thai border in order to prevent "the spread of infectious diseases," as being a US citizen, I'm the one most likely to travel cross-border and bring sickness into my own country.  And yet?  They don't.  So enough - we're polar opposites in our beliefs and that will never be resolved. I'm glad the Trump Administration and DOGE have shut off the spigot of US funding, and hopefully when they turn it on again it's "America and Americans First" and then we can discuss the rest of the world.

[HappyExpat57]

2 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

Ain't USA taxpayers problem anymore.

 

Typical MAGA response.
"Can't see it from the porch of my dilapidated single wide."

[HappyExpat57]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

And if USA or it's aid funding never existed ?

 

He just stopped USAID  a short time ago.  Maybe someone should audit the books and see where the funding went.

 

It's about time the people stopped relying on US tax payer, in debt themselves, to carry the load worldwide.  Why does the world expect the USA, to borrow money, they can't pay back, to finance other countries programs.

 

" Sooner or later, you run out of other peoples money "  That time is NOW.

 

THANK YOU President Trump.

 

R I P

If it's not the USA, then it's Russia or China.

Or, is this an alternative you prefer?

[hotsun]

1 hour ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

That statement definitely reflects a narrow and short-sighted view of the world. It ignores the interconnections of the global community and the long-term benefits of providing aid.

 

Such attitudes can come back to bite the US in the long run - China is laughing at you. For example, the lack of health care infrastructure in some developing countries can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, which can then travel across borders and affect Americans as well. Similarly, political instability in other countries can create economic and security problems for the US.

 

China was laughing, when democrats were in charge. Now theyll have to wait another four years to take advantage

[KhunLA]

13 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

If it's not the USA, then it's Russia or China.

Or, is this an alternative you prefer?

How about TH taking care of their own.   Where's all the relocation money, tourist are charged to visit the interment camps ?

 

RU & CN aren't dumb enough to borrow money to give away.

[impulse]

35 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Typical MAGA response.
"Can't see it from the porch of my dilapidated single wide."

 

Shows you what you know.  Mine's a double wide. And the politically correct word is "vintage"

 

[Yagoda]

40 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Typical MAGA response.
"Can't see it from the porch of my dilapidated single wide."

Typical racist Democrat response.

[connda]

40 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Typical MAGA response.
"Can't see it from the porch of my dilapidated single wide."

Talk about a bitter, hate-filled progressive.  We're back to how the Left handles itself. When you're incapable of posing an intelligent counter-argument, you default to ad-hominid attacks, slurs, and defamatory hyperbole. 
It's sad to see such bitter hatred consume someone.  I'm sorry your life sucks so badly. 

[thaipo7]

3 hours ago, Artisi said:

Just another intelligent Trump initiative - absolutely no pre-thought or consideration regarding the outcome. 

What?  He is getting the outcome he wants.  Your the one who had never considered the outcome of the Corruption going on.

[Patong2021]

3 hours ago, Artisi said:

Just another intelligent Trump initiative - absolutely no pre-thought or consideration regarding the outcome. 

 

It is unfortunate. However, please explain why the USA is responsible for paying for the medical care for these people? China is a major  presence in the region. Where is its aid money? What about India, Iran , Russia and the Gulf states? They too have many of their people in the area, more so than the USA, so they should be. contributing.

[harryviking]

Remember to put all these deaths on Trumps shoulders. He is a moron and an ignorant fool and have no clue what i he is doing. I guess that Fascist Musk is whispering all kinds of evil stuff in Trumps ears. I really hope it all comes back to haunt them and bite the US where it hurts the most!!

[Patong2021]

54 minutes ago, hotsun said:

China was laughing, when democrats were in charge. Now theyll have to wait another four years to take advantage

They are having a field day becaus eof the presence of the pimply faced kids who have destroyed any semblance of security  for the government's IT systems.

[harryviking]

1 minute ago, Patong2021 said:

 

It is unfortunate. However, please explain why the USA is responsible for paying for the medical care for these people? China is a major  presence in the region. Where is its aid money? What about India, Iran , Russia and the Gulf states? They too have many of their people in the area, more so than the USA, so they should be. contributing.

True. But there is another way. Slower and more thoughtful! Abrupt shutoff is a bad idea.   

[Patong2021]

Just now, harryviking said:

Remember to put all these deaths on Trumps shoulders. He is a moron and an ignorant fool and have no clue what i he is doing. I guess that Fascist Musk is whispering all kinds of evil stuff in Trumps ears. I really hope it all comes back to haunt them and bite the US where it hurts the most!!

 

Again, I ask, why it is the USA's responsibility? Yes, Musk is an evil man, but that is a side issue. Where is it either the legal or moral obligation to care for people who have no relationship to the USA and in a country that has hitched its wagon to the Chinese choo choo train.

[ignore it]

3 hours ago, Artisi said:

Just another intelligent Trump initiative - absolutely no pre-thought or consideration regarding the outcome. 

Yeah

 

And what about all those trannies in Brazil or wherever?

 

With USAID cut who is going to make sure their make-up lessons and catwalk strut practice can continue?

[thesetat]

14 hours ago, Artisi said:

Just another intelligent Trump initiative - absolutely no pre-thought or consideration regarding the outcome. 

And how many americans die daily due to their lack of medical care? Because their budget is 1000 times less than USAIDs budget was. 

Absolutely no pre-thought to your post about one death when so many die daily in the US for the exact same reason. Lack of funding. You seem to only find your pity for someone when it is to go against something Trump has done. 

 

Many more Americans die because of a lack of health insurance than previously thought, concludes a new state by state study by Families USA, a non-profit organisation that advocates health care for all Americans.

More than 26 260 Americans aged 25 to 64 died in 2006 because they lacked health insurance—more than twice as many as were murdered, Families USA said. In the seven years from 2000 to 2006 an estimated 162 700 Americans died because of lack of health insurance.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2323087/

[harryviking]

Just now, Patong2021 said:

 

Again, I ask, why it is the USA's responsibility? Yes, Musk is an evil man, but that is a side issue. Where is it either the legal or moral obligation to care for people who have no relationship to the USA and in a country that has hitched its wagon to the Chinese choo choo train.

Then why started at all?? If the US want to behave and be like those more or less dictatorships that could not care <deleted> even about their own population?? It must be clear to the rest of the world that America is now retracting from a civilized place to a fascist driven place for selfish ignorant imbeciles! They really voted in the right people for exactly that!!

[Yagoda]

15 minutes ago, connda said:

Talk about a bitter, hate-filled progressive.  We're back to how the Left handles itself. When you're incapable of posing an intelligent counter-argument, you default to ad-hominid attacks, slurs, and defamatory hyperbole. 
It's sad to see such bitter hatred consume someone.  I'm sorry your life sucks so badly. 

The life of the Socialist/Leftist is one of hate and misery. Imagine, living your life constantly obsessed with the "oppressor" and the "victims".  Cant even enjoy a cup of coffee, "what? Is that coffee free trade harvested by peasant cooperatives and roasted using solar power? No? You slimy Trumpette, take your jackboot off the necks of the peasants, how dare you exploit, shut it down..."