The Shan people, part of the Tai Yai ethnic group spanning from southern China across parts of Southeast Asia, call a northern portion of Myanmar their home. Their once-independent region having the namesake "Shan State", however, does not ensure their rights and autonomy. Currently being pushed from their homes by the ruling military junta in Myanmar, many Shan have fled to Thailand in order to seek safety and opportunities for their families.
Being stateless and lacking national identity cards, life in Thailand is difficult for Shan migrants. Stateless families do not have access to public services and infrastructure, and the children of stateless families cannot attend public school. Most Shan migrant workers resort to day labor such as building construction and working the fields of fruit plantations.
Fang District, Chiang Mai Province was chosen as an area of emphasis for the UPLift Project due to the large number of Shan migrants (one local estimate was placed at 80,000 people) and the obstacles of acquiring basic health services, schooling, and opportunities for gaining income.
