The vulnerabilities of Myanmar migrant workers during the Covid-19 pandemic in Mahachai, Thailand | |
| Author | Than Oak Soe |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-24-02 |
| Subject(s) | Migrant labor--Thailand--Social conditions Immigrants--Employment --Thailand COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2023--Thailand--Social aspects |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Migrant workers, specifically Myanmar migrant workers, in Thailand's small-scale seafood processing facilities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, further worsening their existing vulnerability. This study explores the effects of the pandemic on job loss, income reduction and deduction, healthcare accessibility and gender inequalities among migrant workers from Myanmar. The study employed qualitative research method and interviewed 20 Myanmar migrant workers (10 males and 10 females) employed in the small-scale seafood processing sector in Mahachai, Thailand. The findings indicate a significant number of job losses, decrease in income, and limited access to healthcare, especially among irregular migrant workers. Gender differences are apparent, as women experience more vulnerabilities in terms of job security and income stability. The legal status of individuals also plays a significant role in determining their vulnerability to rights violations. Undocumented workers, in particular, encounter challenges in accessing social safeguards and experience heightened employment insecurity. Coping strategies encompass financial borrowing, adherence to preventive measures, and seeking assistance from traditional healers and volunteer organizations. Community-based groups are crucial in delivering important services and distributing information. The study highlights the immediate necessity for labor rights protections and enhanced healthcare accessibility for migrant workers, regardless of their legal standing. Recommendations comprise strengthening proactive measures such as fostering public awareness and addressing gender-specific needs in order to tackle the challenges and issues encountered by migrant workers during public health crises. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Doneys, Philippe |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko;Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |