After a rather long year (marred with tax exams) last year I managed to wangle nearly 4 weeks off and spent it in Thailand. After a week in Bangkok I travelled up north to Chiang Mai, Pai, and Mae Hon Song and then west to Mae Sot. Of particular interest in Mae Sot is the Burmese Quarter where a large Karen Burmese refugee population scratches out a living as best they can. I also welcomed in the Karen new year with friends at Umpian Refugee Camp.