FMT in partnership with The Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) brings you Covid-19 “healers” from Thailand.

As a refugee from Myanmar’s beleaguered Kachin state, Johny Adhikiari, 34, knows firsthand the challenges faced by migrant labourers in Thailand.

The country is home to about three to four million Burmese migrants, fleeing conflict, war and political turmoil in their native Myanmar.

Before moving to Chiang Mai, Johny lived for about a decade in Mae Sot, a bustling border town that is home to one of the largest centres for migrant workers in Thailand.

It was in Mae Sot that Johny got involved in supporting schools for both migrant workers and their children.

The pandemic has had a severe impact on Thailand’s economy, which has left many migrant workers without income. In addition, strict border controls have made it difficult for migrants to return home.

Johny and his fellow migrant workers have responded quickly by operating a free food delivery service, supported by donations and a team of volunteers.

Johny and his team have made numerous deliveries to ethnic minority migrants belonging to “hill tribe” communities.

Many of them were previously employed in tourist-oriented elephant sanctuaries and exotic villages, but are left with few options due to the shutdown of the tourism sector.

In 1992, Vincenzo Floramo began to live a nomadic life between Asia, South America, North America and Europe. For seven years he was based in Thailand, where he was committed to exploring, learning and connecting with others. Through photography he connects with the diverse expressions of human experiences that he has encountered in his travels. The last six years he has spent most of his time travelling between Burma and Thailand. Visit his profile here.

‘The Other Hundred Healers’ is an initiative by the non-profit organisation GIFT. The 240-page, full-colour, hardcover book can be purchased here at US$40 per copy for a minimum order of 20 copies.