Since the Department of State has waived the application of the material support provision to refugees in Thailand's Tham Hin refugee camp, the first group has already begun resettlement here in the U.S.

The U.S. is planning on eventually accepting 9000 refugees from the camp, one of the most crowded and beleugered in Thailand, this year. At least 80 of them will be arriving soon here in Portland, OR. Catholic Charities is managing the resettlement process here in Portland, but they are still waiting on word of when their actual arrival date will be.

Odds are many of them will arrive with little more than a suitcase full of clothes which will quickly prove inadequate for a wet northwestern winter. Although, more than a few refugees have left Malaysia with suitcases weighed down with precious packets of laphet thok, which might help take the edge off the dreariness. If you're in the area and would like to help by donating clothes, food, furniture, or school supplies, or volunteering, you can contact the Catholic Charities office at (503) 231-4866.