The psychological state of children in Myanmar and Thailand

Myanmar has faced long-standing political and ethnic conflicts, exacerbated by the military coup in 2021, leading to significant internal displacement and migration.

The military coup in 2021 further destabilized the country and escalated violence.Thousands of children have been displaced due to military attacks on villages, especially in ethnic areas. Many schools are either destroyed or closed, and children face barriers to access quality education, especially in conflict zones. Many children have been separated from their families due to violence or displacement, leaving them highly vulnerable to trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse.Children on the move face severe barriers in accessing healthcare, food, and shelter due to the ongoing conflict and disruption of services.

Children affected by Myanmar airstrikes

There have been numerous casualties among children in Myanmar due to airstrikes, particularly since the military coup in February 2021. The Myanmar military, also known as the Tatmadaw, has increasingly used airstrikes and aerial bombardments in its operations against ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy resistance forces, resulting in significant civilian casualties, including children. Areas such as Sagaing, Kachin, Karen and Chin are the areas most affected by airstrikes and children. The military reportedly targeted a school and surrounding villages, displacing many families and causing casualties. The strikes not only killed but also caused lasting psychological trauma to survivors, especially children.

Thailand has long been a destination for migrants and refugees, many of whom come from neighboring countries, including Myanmar. In 2024, Rights Beyond Border conducted Workshop on Psychological First Aid for new arrival children in five Migrant Learning Center. There are 528 children who assessed their levels of depression, anxiety, and stress by using DAS assessment. Of which, 196 children had severe and very severe levels of anxiety. Key contributing factors to high risk anxiety include internal challenges such as adaptation difficulties, gender and ethnic discrimination, homesickness, and trauma from the Myanmar conflict. Rbb has now MOU with Chiang Mai University to provide psychological care for children. They are providing online psychological counselling and  psychological support training  and camp for children and capacity building activities for teachers and caregivers.