CNI News
20 January 2026
Labor rights activists for Myanmar workers in Thailand are warning about the potential consequences if conflicts between Myanmar migrant workers and Thai nationals continue to escalate.
Following several recent consecutive brawls between Myanmar workers and Thai youths in Thailand, Myanmar migrants are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term negative repercussions.
U Aung Kyaw, a migrant labor rights activist, told CNI News that if conflict-prone disputes occur repeatedly, it could lead to protests demanding that Myanmar citizens no longer be allowed to stay in Thailand. He noted that because there are currently active extremist Thai nationalist movements, Myanmar migrants need to live and behave with caution and wisdom.
Migrant workers.
He stated, "We are in a situation where we must control our speech and actions. During the many decades we have lived here as migrant workers, these types of conflict-driven incidents rarely happened. The fact that they are happening now is something to be very careful about because extremist nationalist organizations have emerged in Thailand. They didn't exist like this in the past. Currently, Thai extremist patriots have been protesting heavily against Cambodians staying in Thailand due to Thai-Cambodian disputes. If a second wave of conflict starts with Myanmar nationals, and they collectively oppose us or demand we be barred from staying, our stable jobs and livelihoods could be completely destroyed. Right now, the situation in our own country isn't right for us to go back and work yet. That’s why I worry that the actions of a few individuals will lead to opposition against the many. If these brawls happen repeatedly, we will face a dire situation. As guests in this country, I want to advise that we should focus only on our goal of working and avoid getting involved in other matters."
U Min Oo, the labor officer from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News that following these conflicts, Thai citizens might develop a negative perception of Myanmar migrants, similar to their view of Cambodians. He urged Myanmar migrants to live in a way that is harmonious with their environment.
Myanmar migrants in Thailand.
He said, "After these incidents, I worry that Thai citizens will look down on Myanmar migrant workers. We saw this with the Cambodian situation; when there were clashes at the border, it impacted Cambodian migrant workers inside Thailand. Eventually, if extremist Thai patriots saw a Cambodian on the street, they would harass or beat them. We fear a similar situation. Whatever the case, since we are in Thailand, we must be careful. Our speech and behavior don't just affect ourselves; we should consider the collective impact."
Following these recent conflicts, authorities have increased inspections beyond the usual levels. According to Immigration Department records and labor activists, there are currently an estimated 6 million legal Myanmar migrants and 4 million undocumented migrants in Thailand.
