Putao—the quiet, picturesque northern tip of Myanmar—was once known simply as a land of peaceful farmers and simple living. But since the 2010s, a troubling shadow has fallen over this isolated region. Human trafficking, scamming, forced labor, and exploitation—once unheard of in this land—are now every day news only to pear hearts, tearing apart families, hopes, and futures.
Yet in the middle of this, Myaw Lint Yar (HOPE) is standing in the gap, reaching out to rescue and restore the lives of those who have been caught in the tide of modern human trafficking and slavery.
A Growing Crisis
The search for jobs and opportunity has driven thousands of youth from Putao into the hands of traffickers. Many leave with the promise of good work in Thailand, Malaysia, or China, only to disappear—forever.
In 2012, the tragedy of Jay Cha and Ngwa Nar gripped the hearts of many in Putao. Lured with the promise of work in Malaysia, their lives were swallowed by the trafficking networks along the Myanmar–Thai border. Years later, their families still suffer in silence. “Even today, my father still dreams of my sister,” shared Jayli, her big brother in a traumatic look. “The pain never goes away.”
Stories like theirs multiplied. Thousands of youths ended up in China, Thailand, and Malaysia—many traffickked, exploited, detained, undocumented, or trapped in debt bondage. Two recently deported girls from Malaysia shared, “We saw many Lisu and Rawang youths from Putao in camps and jails where we were detained for months.”
Now, almost all youth have gone from Putao region. This is a heart breaking storm of change.
HOPE Steps In
Dr. Simon Thaung, Executive Director of HOPE, described the desperate situation: “Last time, we rescued two boys forced to work six months without pay in a Thai fishing factory. Before that, we helped free a group of trafficked girls from scam operations in Myawaddy. Every month, we’re called into action. We can’t save everyone—but for each one we do, it means a life restored.”
HOPE works quietly through a network of faith-based organizations across Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, even Laos. These efforts take courage—and resources. But every time a young man or woman is rescued, repatriated, and restored, something powerful happens.
Hope is born again.
The Journey of Ah Khi. From Forced Labour to Bakery business man.
Ah Khi, only 22, with his friend, left his remote village near Putao hoping for a better future. Instead of a job, he ended up enslaved on a Thai fishing boat—working 20-hour days with no rest, no pay, and no way home.
Through HOPE’s network—quietly working between churches, community groups, and trusted contacts— Ah Khi was rescued and brought to safety. After weeks in a church-based shelter in Myawaddy, he returned to Myanmar and eventually back to Putao, his native land.
Today, Ah Khi is starting a bakery shop with a small business skills that he learned in Yangon. “I thought I’d never see my family again,” he shared. “Now I’m building a new life—and I don’t have to leave Putao to do it.”
The Starfish Story in Real Life
HOPE calls its rescue efforts “Starfish Saving”—inspired by the story of a man returning washed-up starfish to the sea. When asked why he bothered, he said, “It makes a difference to this one.”
For every youth rescued from slavery, forced labor, or exploitation, that difference is real: a life brought back from the brink. A family restored. A community strengthened.
“We can’t help everyone,” says Simon. “But every life we save matters—to them, to their families, and to God.”
What’s Next?
The rescue is only the beginning. Survivors need care, training, and a real chance to rebuild their lives. That’s why HOPE provides:
🛑 Safe houses and repatriation – networks through faith-based partners.
🛑 Trauma counselling and spiritual care- for healing and recovery.
🛑 Skills and vocational training- at the HOPE Vocational Learning Center in Mulashidi, Putao and Yangon.
🛑 Awareness Sessions – in local villages to prevent trafficking in the first place.
But HOPE needs more support. Funds, awareness, and compassionate partners are vital if more lives are to be rescued and restored.
Will You Help Save the Next Starfish?
The crisis is real. The need is urgent. But with every youth that is rescued and restored, the tide begins to turn. In the words of one survivor, Ahkhi, “I have hope again. And I want others to have it too.”
To learn more or partner with HOPE in this mission of rescue, healing, and restoration, contact: [HOPE Office, Mulashidi, Putao, and hoperays@gmail.com]
🛑 This feature news presents true stories gathered through interviews with Simon, survivors, and their relatives for awareness raising and advocacy purposes.
Recent Comments