Kayah People; Karenni; Padaung; Kayah State

The Kayah, also known as Karenni, Red Karen, or Padaung, are a Sino-Tibetan people who live in the mountains of eastern Burma. The state is bordered by Shan State on the north, Thailand on the east, and Kayin State on the south; the capital is Loikaw. The Karenni have been battling the central government of Burma for years, and many have become refugees on the Thai border (in the Mae Hong Son area) or remain in Kayah State as internally displaced people. Kayah State is still closed to foreign travelers.