Seeking opportunities elsewhere: Exploring the lives and challenges of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand

Delving into the lives and challenges of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, this report sheds light on the dynamic landscape of migration through the surveys of 2,249 Myanmar migrants who have travelled to Thailand since February 2021.

With an estimated 2.5 million migrants in Thailand, the study emphasizes the critical role migrant labour plays in the country’s economic fabric. Highlighting the struggles faced by documented and undocumented migrants, the report explores disparities in working conditions, benefits, and health care access. It shows distinct differences between the experiences of men and women, with undocumented females encountering lower pay, longer hours, and limited support systems. The study underscores the need for comprehensive reforms, including flexible visa options, improved health care provisions, and improved workplace conditions, to foster a more equitable and supportive environment for Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.

Encouraging collective action, our study calls on the private sector, civil society, and governmental departments in Thailand to collaborate in implementing reforms. By addressing these challenges head-on, meaningful contributions can be made to a more just and supportive environment for Myanmar migrant workers seeking opportunities in Thailand.

This publication was originally published by UNDP - Seeking opportunities elsewhere: Exploring the lives and challenges of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)

Summary Scrolly - Home page (mdo-migration-report.vercel.app)

Data Dashboard - SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES ELSEWHERE: EXPLORING THE LIVES AND CHALLENGES OF MYANMAR MIGRANT WORKERS IN THAILAND_dashboard – UNDP MDO (undp-mdo.org)