Patrick Chesnet takes a look at Burmese migrants in this three-part photo feature. This final segment is called: “Daily Life.” [Note: View part one and two.]
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.
Support Fair Observer
We rely on your support for our independence, diversity and quality.
For more than 10 years, Fair Observer has been free, fair and independent. No billionaire owns us, no advertisers control us. We are a reader-supported nonprofit. Unlike many other publications, we keep our content free for readers regardless of where they live or whether they can afford to pay. We have no paywalls and no ads.
In the post-truth era of fake news, echo chambers and filter bubbles, we publish a plurality of perspectives from around the world. Anyone can publish with us, but everyone goes through a rigorous editorial process. So, you get fact-checked, well-reasoned content instead of noise.
We publish 2,500+ voices from 90+ countries. We also conduct education and training programs
on subjects ranging from digital media and journalism to writing and critical thinking. This
doesn’t come cheap. Servers, editors, trainers and web developers cost
money.
Please consider supporting us on a regular basis as a recurring donor or a
sustaining member.
Will you support FO’s journalism?
We rely on your support for our independence, diversity and quality.
Comment