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Abstract:

Migrant workers from Myanmar face systemic employment barriers, including job inequity, unemployment and underemployment, employer discrimination, restrictive immigration policies, and language barriers. This study uses a mixed methodology that combines quantitative survey data with 40 in-depth qualitative interviews: 20 unemployed migrant workers and 20 forced laborers from Myanmar due to the lack of relevant employment opportunities in Thailand. Education (r = 0.685, p < 0.001) and work experience (r = 0.664, p < 0.001) are the strongest predictors of employment relevance, while legal status, immigration policies, and cultural barriers do not significantly affect employment outcomes. Many skilled migrants report low job satisfaction (Mean = 2.10), Insufficient income (Mean = 2.17), and long-term unemployment (Mean = 3.25) reinforce their vulnerability in the Thai labor market. Lack of recognition of credentials, limited job vacancies, and restrictions on legal work access further hinder access to work. To address these challenges, this study recommends mutual recognition agreements for foreign credentials, streamlined work permit processes, employer incentives for hiring skilled migrants, skills matching programs, and language/cultural integration training. These policy interventions are important to ensure the economic integration of skilled Burmese migrants and reduce systemic employment inequality.

Author: MON MON KO