Keh

In 2000, Keh opened the clinic in a internally displaced persons camp inside Burma.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

Keh became the director of the prosthetics unit, a position he still holds today.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

It wasn't until 2000 that Keh was able to re-open his clinic at the Mae Tao Clinic, a complex of medical units in Thailand serving primarily Burmese refugees.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

The two began talking, and after a few visits, Thierry invited Keh to work for the NGO.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

Keh's outlook on the conflict has changed since he began working at the clinic.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

Still plagued with the question of what he would do now as an amputee, Keh decided to take the job and help people similarly affected.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

Since no medical care was available in Karen State, Karen soldiers carried Keh to the Nam Ruak River that forms the border between Burma and Thailand, and from there Keh crossed the river by boat.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

A lieutenant for the Karen National Union KNU, a rebel group in Burma, Keh had his leg blown off by a landmine while rushing a Burmese Army camp in 1986.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

Still plagued with the question of what he would do now as an amputee, Keh decided to take the job and help people similarly affected.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011

Since no medical care was available in Karen State, Karen soldiers carried Keh to the Nam Ruak River that forms the border between Burma and Thailand, and from there Keh crossed the river by boat.

Olivia Katrandjian: Landmine Victims on Both Sides of Burma Civil War Escape to Medical Mecca in Thailand Olivia Katrandjian 2011