We found Than Hlaing, a medic trained by Dr. Cynthia, who had become a friend on my earlier trip. There were supposed to be other organizations staffing this camp of 7,000 refugees, but on the three days we visited Huay Kaloke, Than Hlaing was the only medic there. He had been there Jan. 8, when Huay Kaloke was attacked. The guerrillas poured diesel fuel on the leaf roofs and flicked their plastic cigarette lighters. In seconds, flames roared.
Shots burst through air, red streaked across the moonless sky.
Children danced and clapped. They had never seen such fire before. Than Hlaing grabbed his stethoscope and some medicine and ran toward the hospital. Five automatic rifles stopped him. He made up a lie, so he could escape.