Dr. Htet Khaing Min
As of 2024, over 4.18 million Myanmar migrants reside in Thailand, many in irregular status, working in low-wage sectors like agriculture and construction. These migrants face significant barriers to healthcare, impacting both their well-being and Thailand’s public health system. This article explores the healthcare-seeking behavior of Myanmar migrant workers, the challenges they face, and the broader implications for Thailand’s healthcare system.
1. Background of Migration
Myanmar migrants make up one of Thailand’s most significant foreign worker populations, driven by economic instability, political turmoil, and ethnic conflicts, especially after Myanmar’s 2021 military coup. While 90,000 refugees live in border camps, millions live outside in precarious conditions. Around 1.8 million migrants are in irregular status, facing exploitation and limited access to essential services, including healthcare. Migrants enter Thailand through formal channels like MoU agreements or informal routes. While MoU workers have some legal protections, irregular migrants face significant barriers to healthcare and social services.
2. Current Migrant Healthcare Landscape in Thailand
To understand the migrant healthcare system in Thailand, it is essential to examine the broader landscape of the healthcare system first. While Thailand boasts a dual healthcare system comprising public and private sectors, access to these services remains challenging for many migrants.
No comments:
Post a Comment