* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Photography by Damir Sagolj for Reuters
Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi visited Mae La, the biggest refugee camp along the Thailand-Myanmar border where tens of thousands of her compatriots have found shelter after fleeing Myanmar.
Wa Ha, an 82-year-old Muslim refugee carries food at the camp near Mae Sot town, June 3, 2012. Asked about Aung San Suu Kyi's visit to the camp, Wa Ha said: "I like her and I have hope in her but not sure if she can change anything for me. I'm too old and I just want to die here. Life and death are better here in the camp than in Myanmar."
U Tin Saung, his wife Myint Myint Yee and their son Kyao Pauk - refugees from Yangon in Myanmar - at their home in the camp, June 3, 2012. Asked about Aung San Suu Kyi's visit, U Tin Saung said: "There is no hope for Myanmar. Only hope for our souls. I think military will not allow Suu Kyi to have power and will make coup. Then they will be more cruel."
Naw Lah Htoo (C), 40-year-old ethnic Karen refugee sells vegetables at the camp, June 3, 2012. Asked about Aung San Suu Kyi's visit, Naw Lah Htoo said: "I love Suu Kyi and I love my country but I never want to come back. I don't know nothing about politics and I just want to stay here."
Munane, 90-year-old ethnic Karen refugee who begs for rice for herself and her disabled granddaughter whose parents have died, sits inside a home at the camp, June 3, 2012. Asked about Aung San Suu Kyi's visit, Munane said: "If I'm younger I would go back to Myanmar. I believe Suu Kyi can change the country."
Ethnic Karen refugees Yae Min Sein, his wife Mu Lao Cheing and their children Meo Chit Oo (L) and Kyae San Win, outside the camp hospital, June 3, 2012. Asked about Aung San Suu Kyi's visit, Yae Min Sein said: "I saw her yesterday. She can't do much alone. In the future, only if other countries help Myanmar will change to better."
Wailin Aung, 24-year-old ethnic Karen refugee is seen through the gate of a home at the camp, June 3, 2012. Asked about Aung San Suu Kyi's visit, Wailin Aung said: "I don't understand politics but I don't want to go back to Myanmar. Never."
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
