Thailand’s Hidden Workforce: Burmese Migrant Women Factory Workers

by Ruth Pearson and Kyoko Kusakabe

Paperback, appendixes, notes, bibliog., index

Millions of Burmese women migrate into Thailand each year to form the basis of the Thai agricultural and manufacturing workforce. Mostly undocumented and unregulated, this army of migrant workers constitutes the ultimate “disposable” labour force, enduring grueling working conditions and much aggression from the ἀai police and immigration authorities.

This insightful book ventures into a part of the global economy Western observers rarely witness. Based on unique empirical research, it provides a gendered account of the role of women migrant workers in Thailand’s factories and interrogates the ways in which they manage their families and their futures.

What Others Are Saying:

“The authors give a voice to a part of Thailand’s workforce invisible to many Thais and to consumers across Asia and around the world who buy the cheap goods they produce. That voice is authentic, and paired with sound analysis of the issues raised.”—Chris Hogg, former BBC correspondent in Asia

“The labels on your clothes do not say “Made by Burmese migrant women in Thailand”, but once you have read this book you will carry that information with you. Many thanks to the authors for exposing these conditions.”—Jackie Pollock, director, MAP Foundation, Thailand

“This book reveals the hidden face of Thailand’s industrial and migration policies. It is a compelling story about ordinary women making hard decisions under precarious conditions as they live trans-border lives.”—Brenda Yeoh, National University of Singapore