MYAMAR -> THAILAND south to south

• Flows in South to south corridors

  • Outnumber south-North
  • Usually poorer less developed countries
  • As global economies to wealthier developed
  • More interconnected South south increased
  • Number fast growing economies in South increased
• South South flows now more sterconnected
• Increased employment opportunities in South resulting from improved communications and developing social/business networks
• Case Study: Myamar - Thailand

  • South South involving 1.9 million migrants
  • Thailand Asia's fastest growing economy
  • Geographical proximity significant factor
  • Currently 2-3 million foreign born workers in Thailand
• Push factors from Myamar

  • $1,400 GDP per capita in Myamar vs $10,000 in Thailand
  • Poverty
  • Wages also stagnant in Myamar
  • Escaping forced labour
  • Vulnerability to natural disasters like Cyclone Nargis
• Pull factors to Thailand

  • Labour shortages in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing
  • Introduced legal daily minimum wage
  • Large supply of low skilled jobs and relatively relaxed migration policies
  • New legislation that directly affects labour migrants
  • Freer flows of labour possible
• Restrictive administrative barriers for migrants attempting to enter often redirect to South
• Awareness of South-South migration works