How many are there? While Thai authorities officially recognize 1.5 million Burmese migrants, local NGOs estimate the number to be over 3 million.
Found mostly in agriculture, construction, the fishing industry, garment factories, food processing factories and domestic service, these Burmese migrants constitute around 80% of the migrant population of Thailand and 10% of the total workforce of the country.
Although in jobs they are confined to the “3Ds” — difficult, dirty, and dangerous — their contribution to the Thai economy is important. Minimum wages are rarely given, yet frequent overtime and no social services, or proper insurance, are common.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.
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