Myanmar Spring Chronicle – September 20 Overview
(MoeMaKa) September 21, 2024
Rising Negative Sentiment Towards Myanmar Migrant Workers
In Thailand, there are officially around 2 million legal Myanmar migrant workers, with estimates suggesting the number of undocumented workers may be higher. Some estimates suggest the total number of migrant workers might be between 5 to 6 million. In addition to migrant workers, there are others legally residing on tourist visas, student visas, guardianship visas for parents of school children, retirement visas for those over 50, and other categories.
Since the military coup in Myanmar, political dissidents have been arrested and jailed, leading to an increase in people fleeing to Thailand. As internal conflicts in Myanmar escalate, more people are seeking refuge in Thailand, particularly in cities like Mae Sot, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son, where large numbers of Myanmar nationals now live and work.
Recently, Thai authorities ordered the closure of six schools, including the Metta Yate School, which provided education to over 900 children of Myanmar migrant workers in southern Thailand. These schools were operating without permission. One of the reasons cited for this closure was a video uploaded to social media showing the Myanmar national anthem being sung at the Metta Yate School, which led to the closure. Some sources claim that the video created pressure to shut down the school. The school reportedly required students to sing both the Thai and Myanmar national anthems daily, which was viewed unfavorably by some Thais, as they could not accept a Myanmar national anthem being sung in a school in Thailand.
As a result of this incident, there has been increasing pressure from some groups in Thailand to impose further restrictions on Myanmar migrant workers. Proposals have emerged to require pregnant migrant workers to return to Myanmar, limit work visas to no more than 90 days, and force workers to reapply from Myanmar after the visa expires. Thai authorities have been encouraged to enforce these restrictions.
Myanmar migrant workers play a vital role in Thailand’s economy, filling low-skilled labor positions that are essential, helping alleviate labor shortages and keeping wages low. However, there are also concerns over undocumented workers taking jobs legally reserved for Thai nationals and involvement in illegal activities, which has led to calls for stricter regulations on migrant workers.
Recently, Bangkok authorities announced a directive stating that only Thai nationals are permitted to work as street vendors in the city, with migrant workers also banned from working as assistants. This directive is expected to be signed soon by the Bangkok Governor. Additionally, in the construction sector, restrictions have been imposed requiring employers to obtain permits for migrant workers involved in skilled tasks such as bricklaying or masonry. These measures aim to protect job opportunities for Thai workers, defining certain construction jobs as skilled labor.
The chairman of Thailand’s National Security and Border Affairs Committee has also called for a compassionate approach to the situation of migrant workers, particularly in light of the internal armed conflict in Myanmar. This statement came from a member of the Moving Forward Party (MFP), known for advocating Myanmar’s cause. However, the broader Thai government, military, and bureaucracy do not necessarily share this viewpoint.
Given Thailand’s close relationship with Myanmar’s military and the influence of the Thai military in politics, it is difficult to expect full support for Myanmar’s democratic struggle. Unlike the 2015-2020 period, when Myanmar had an internationally recognized elected government, there are now fewer opportunities for meaningful dialogue on migrant labor issues.
As Myanmar faces ongoing internal conflicts, economic decline, reduced employment opportunities in factories, and forced conscription, many young people are fleeing abroad, both legally and illegally, seeking better prospects. Unfortunately, there is no government in Myanmar that can effectively advocate for the rights of its migrant workers. In this situation, Myanmar nationals in Thailand have no choice but to comply with Thai laws and regulations as much as possible.