Unstable Grounds: Burmese Migrant Children in Thailand

• Prize
• Photographer
  Cattleya Jaruthavee, India

The influx of Burmese migrant workers into Thailand began in the early 1990’s due to a lack of work and
government sanctions on employment opportunities.  With cross border travelling made difficult for Burmese citizens, the struggle of a legal existence outside Myanmar is close to impossible for the ‘average citizen.’  The result of such inhibitions has given rise to a population of ‘illegal migrant workers’ in Thailand.

The burdens endured by Burmese migrant workers have become inflicted onto their children and grandchildren.  Most are born in Thailand, have Thai names, speak the language and feel almost as Thai as any other Thai citizen would.  However, the ongoing discrimination from Thais and the constant game of hide and seek Burmese children have to play with police from a young age creates much anxiety, distress and questions concerning identity. 

The young are often a disregarded group, forgetting this valuable stage of life, both mentally and physically.  What will come of the children of migrant workers?  Have they too become classified as ‘illegal migrant workers,’ like their parents?  Will the money they help their parents save to build their dream home in Myanmar be enough to override their nationality crisis?  

• Awards
  Exhibition - ‘From Peace to Power: Women in the Restive South, Photography Exhibition & Talks’ Work on Thailand’s Deep South exhibited in collaboration with Oxfam at Central World, Bangkok, Thailand Solo Exhibition - ‘Atypical Love’ (December 2012 - January 2013) RMA Institute, Bangkok, Thailand Exhibition - ‘Thai Trends‘ (August 2012) Bangkok Art and Cultural Center, Bangkok, Thailand Exhibition - ‘Water & Empathy’ (December 2011) Bangkok Art and Cultural Center, Bangkok, Thailand Exhibition - ‘Diamond Island’ (November 2011) Phnom Penh, Cambodia Solo Exhibition - ‘Lonely Land’ (May 2011) The Pikture Gallery, Bangkok, Thailand Exhibition (projections) - ‘Uniform Culture’ (2011) Yangon Photo Festival, Yangon, Myanmar Exhibition - ‘Dear Dad’ (December 2009) Office of Educational Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, London, U.K. Exhibition - ‘Off the Page’ (September 2009) University of Westminster, London, U.K.