The Influx of Myanmar Migrants into Thailand and Changes of Thai-Myanmar Relationship

Abstract

This study is about the Influx of Myanmar Migrants, especially ethnic minorities into Thailand. The paper explores its reasons, resulting problems and current situations. First of all, the paper examines the relationship between Thailand and Myanmar, and then the influence of the change of the relationship between two countries upon this influx. Moreover, it finds out the reason why Myanmar labor migrants have continually increased. Finally, the paper suggests the possible solutions for the political, economical, and social problems caused by Influx or Migration. The political and social environment between Thailand and Myanmar has changed since 1988. This change has brought about various types of migrants into Thai society. In the beginning, most Myanmarese migrated by political-security reasons. Since the economic crisis in 1997 the rate of migration has increased rapidly and lasted recently, and it has caused another economical problems in Thailand. For the labor migration was accelerated because of ASEAN integration, and Myanmar unskilled workers have migrated into Thailand. But Thai government recently adopts the policy of expelling them, which makes Thai economy in need of unskilled workers difficult. The increasing influx of Myanmarese has caused various social problems in Thai society: illegal migrants, confusion resulted from the incoherent administrative system and unplanned policies of Thai government, the violation of labor and human rights on the migrant workers, the cultural conflicts between two peoples, etc. In conclusion, it is necessary that more systematic laws and institutions are urgently equipped and Thai people should cast away their prejudices against Myanmar migrants.