Bangkok, Thailand, September 02, 2011 — T. F. Rhoden had an eye-opening experience during his year in the refugee camps dotting the Thai-Burmese border. In his book "Burmese Refugees: Letters from the Thai-Burma Border" (ISBN 0615471072), he attempts to create awareness of the mistreatment of Burmese refugees along this border in Southeast Asia.
Bangkok, Thailand, September 02, 2011 — T. F. Rhoden had an eye-opening experience during his year in the refugee camps dotting the Thai-Burmese border. In his book "Burmese Refugees: Letters from the Thai-Burma Border" (ISBN 0615471072), he attempts to create awareness of the mistreatment of Burmese refugees along this border in Southeast Asia.
During his year along the border of Burma, Rhoden provided aid to the refugees in his camp by teaching English, helping to write resumes and improving interviewing skills. While spending time with the refugees, he asked if they would give him their first-hand accounts and stories through letters so others could understand their current situation uniquely through their eyes.
The letters depict the harsh reality that is imposed by the Burmese military junta, a group of militaristic leaders who have had control of the government since 1962. These stories document people from the 8888 generation, the 2007 Saffron Revolution and other ethnic struggles that oppose the militaristic regime.
"Burmese Refugees" includes narratives from 31 diverse individuals who are all united by similar struggles and the simple desire to have a more representative government in their homeland. Each unabridged letter honestly retells the life and struggles which the refugees are forced to endure daily. It explains how they became asylum seekers, and describes what their life is like in the camps. Despite their harsh surroundings, they even share what they envision for themselves and their country in the future.
"It is refreshing to read a book about Burma that registers and elucidates the pains, the sorrows and the aspirations of the characters with equal measure through empathy, fairness and an eye for significant details often overlooked by the characters themselves," says Pascal Khoo-Thwe, author of "From the Land of Green Ghosts: A Burmese Odyssey."
Rhoden hopes this book will bring awareness to the harsh treatment of refugees in this troubled area. He intends for his readers to be inspired by the refugees' hopes for the future of their country and themselves while dealing with living conditions which are beyond surreal.
"Burmese Refugees: Letters from the Thai-Burma Border" is available for sale at all major book retailers and online.
About the Author
T. F. Rhoden spent time in the Thai-Burma border working with refugees on resettlement issues including the culture of the area, writing resumes, working on interviewing skills and teaching English. The idea for this title came directly from his experiences living and working in a refugee camp for a year.
Contact :
T. F. Rhoden
Digital Lycanthrope LLC
Bangkok, Thailand
815 752 3809
[email protected]
http://www.digitallycanthrope.com