Another question about my Burmese friend : does she have any place to turn to in case she has problems with the officers who are issuing and extending her visa? Or is there no organization that can be consulted?

With apologies to OP, but considering the number of posts, the question seems naive. "Irregularities" with visas are not unusual among girls from Myanmar who are in Thailand. Whom to turn to? It depends on how you wish to solve a visa problem, formally or informally. There are so many Burmese legally and illegally in Chiang Mai it is not difficult to get some ideas about what to do.

With apologies to OP, but considering the number of posts, the question seems naive. "Irregularities" with visas are not unusual among girls from Myanmar who are in Thailand. Whom to turn to? It depends on how you wish to solve a visa problem, formally or informally. There are so many Burmese legally and illegally in Chiang Mai it is not difficult to get some ideas about what to do.

Sorry, I don't know exactly what you mean with "There are so many Burmese legally and illegally in Chiang Mai it is not difficult to get some ideas about what to do."

I was asking for a help organization. Do you know an organization which helps Burmese people?

Temple just north of Changphuak bus station down a small street is a help centre for Burmese. I foget the name sorry, but am sure your girl will know of it.

Edit: Wat Koo Tao I think, estimate off Google maps.

Thanks!

Foundation for Local Development on Changklan Rd about 50-75 metres past Chiang Mai Land heading towards the river.

The shop always has it's metal shutters down and door closed, so you'll have to look closely, best done on foot.

I believe it is run by Dr Alan Smith and has several foreigners working there too.

Has a specific remit into helping Burmese people

Although new, you might also try talking to someone at the new Myanmar consulate located on Hasadithawee (spelling?) Road. They ought to be interested in somewhat helping their nationals.

As for the suggestion to go talk to somebody at Wat Goo Dtao (it's at the east end of Soi 6, Chang Phuak road), that could be helpful as that's the main Shan temple here in town. About a third of the way through the gate, turn right and the building just opposite the Stupa usually has a few people there that always seem to answer people's questions in a friendly manner.

Burma Study Center http://www.burmastudy.org/

Thai Freedom House (Free Bird Cafe) http://thaifreedomhouse.org/

Both these organizations are here in Muang Chiang Mai.