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Food supply

Food Security and Safety Concerns in Myanmar Refugee Camps Revealed

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study conducted at Chiang Mai University has shed light on the significant challenges faced by refugees living in a Myanmar camp near Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. The research, funded by the Targeted Research 2024 and the Mekong Lancang Cooperation Special Fund 2022, highlights the limited access to diverse food sources, inadequate food safety, and the lack of traditional knowledge on food utilization in the camp. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved humanitarian support, including the diversification of food sources and training on safe animal husbandry practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found significant limitations in food diversity, particularly regarding staple crops and culturally important vegetables, in the Myanmar refugee camp.
  • Qualitative observations and photographic documentation revealed that residents and medical staff in the camp faced challenges in accessing dietary resources and food safety.
  • The absence of elders capable of transmitting food knowledge directly impacted the preservation and practice of traditional plant food utilization knowledge in the camp.
  • Animal farming, a primary protein source, raised concerns about sufficiency, and improper food handling practices increased the risk of cross-contamination and gastrointestinal diseases.
  • The research concluded that enhanced humanitarian supports, including diversifying food sources, improving supply chain management, and providing training on safe animal husbandry practices, are critical for maintaining the well-being and stability of refugee communities in challenging border regions.
  • The study highlighted the critical role of accessible and culturally appropriate food resources in maintaining the well-being and stability of refugee communities.
  • The research was conducted by a team of authors from Chiang Mai University, including Sarana Rose Sommano, Patipon Teerakitchotikan, Tibet Tangpao, Malaiporn Wongkeaw, Chompunut Lumsangkul, Prateep Panyadee, and Soo Hee Lee.
  • The study received funding support from the Targeted Research 2024 and the Mekong Lancang Cooperation Special Fund 2022.

Statistics:

  • 17 (number of pages) of the journal article "Insights into food security and safety issues in a Myanmar refugee camp" by Sarana Rose Sommano et al. (Discover Sustainability, 2025, 6(1): 1-17)
  • The study was published in the Discover Sustainability journal, which is a peer-reviewed journal published by Springer.
  • A free version of the journal article is available on the Springer website (https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01885-4)
  • The research was conducted at Chiang Mai University's Bioactive Compound Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture.

Sources:

  • Discover Sustainability. (2025). Insights into food security and safety issues in a Myanmar refugee camp. 6(1), 1-17. DOI: 10.1007/s43621-025-01885-4
  • NewsRx. (2025, October 17). Studies from Chiang Mai University Have Provided New Data on Sustainability Research (Insights into food security and safety issues in a Myanmar refugee camp). Ecology, Environment & Conservation, 1850.

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