Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand - What Companies Need to Know
19 March 2024
On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, IHRB and the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB) hosted a business-focused webinar aimed to address key issues encountered by workers from Myanmar in Thailand, providing insights necessary for companies to conduct due diligence and ensure the protection and respect of their rights.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), migrant workers contribute up to 6% of Thailand’s GDP, with workers from Myanmar constituting almost half of the migrant workforce in the country.
Recent disruptions in Myanmar, such as the COVID-19 pandemic followed by the military coup, have heightened the need for Myanmar workers to seek employment in Thailand. However, their vulnerability exposes them to abusive practices by recruiters who charge them up to ten times the recruitment fees set by state governments.
During the webinar, advocacy experts and leaders of organisations for the rights of migrant workers discussed the challenges faced by Myanmar migrant workers and provided recommendations for businesses to protect them.
Moderators:
- Guna Subramaniam, Asia Regional Manager, Migrant Workers Programme, Institute for Human Rights and Business
- Vicky Bowman, Director, Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business
Speakers:
- Sein Htay, Advisor, Migrant Workers Rights Network Committee
- Hnin Wut Yee, Director, Labour Rights Foundation
- Ohnmar Ei Ei Chaw, Director of Programmes, Issara Institute
