At Thailand’s Border, Women Leaders Bridge Gaps for Migrant Communities

Chiang Rai, Thailand – At dawn on the Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sai, the first crossings of the day are already underway. Men and women from Myanmar move steadily into northern Thailand, some carrying small bags, others holding documents in plastic folders. On the Thai side, vans and labour brokers wait to take them to construction sites, farms and factories across the province.  

Lin wonders what fate awaits these migrants. The 49-year-old has observed this routine for years. Each morning, she studies the crowd and wonders what will happen once they leave the bridge – who will find stable work, and who may need someone to stand beside them.

A lifelong resident of Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province, one of the busiest crossing points between Thailand and Myanmar, Lin has spent the past 15 years volunteering to support newly arrived migrants. By day, she runs a small jewelry stall to support herself. In the evenings and on weekends, she leads a grassroots self-help group that assists vulnerable migrants, many of whom are fleeing conflict, economic instability, or insecurity back home.

“My purpose is to serve people,” Lin says. “Everyone deserves safety and a fair chance. When migrants arrive here, they come with hope. No one should take advantage of that.” 

IOM and volunteers deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in northern Thailand, supporting both migrants and host families. Photos: IOM 2024/Piraporn Tongjad, IOM 2026/Ratchanon Kruenchit

What began as a small circle of 10 volunteers – Thai host community members and migrants from Myanmar united by a shared sense of responsibility – has grown into a network of 60 members. The group sustains its work by pooling modest contributions from members.

Their mission is simple but vital: to bridge communication gaps between migrants and local authorities. Language barriers often lead to misunderstandings, disputes, or even exploitation. Volunteers accompany migrants to government offices and service providers, acting as interpreters and helping ensure that concerns are clearly understood.

In the early days, much of their work involved assisting bereaved families with funeral arrangements and navigating death registration procedures. Lin recalls one case involving a construction worker who died on the job.

The employer initially refused to report the death, fearing legal consequences, and declined to compensate the family. The group stepped in. They raised funds for the funeral and worked closely with local officials, the employer and Thailand’s Social Security Office. After persistent advocacy, the worker’s family received 200,000 Thai baht – about USD 6,000 – in compensation. 

Such cases reflect the broader challenges facing migrants in Chiang Rai, where an estimated 45 per cent of migrants from Myanmar are in an irregular situation. The local economy depends heavily on migrant labour, particularly in sectors such as construction and agriculture that involve physically demanding and sometimes hazardous work.

Ongoing conflict and economic instability in Myanmar continue to push people to look for work across the border, even when the journey is uncertain.

“Most people will take any job they can get,” Lin explains. “For them, it’s all about survival and supporting their families back home.”  

Despite filling essential roles in the local economy, many migrant workers remain socially isolated, separated by language differences and uncertain legal status. This isolation can increase their exposure to unfair treatment and labour rights violations.

By strengthening communication between migrants and authorities, Lin’s group aims to prevent disputes before they escalate and reduce the risk of abuse. 

Cherry, a migrant from Myanmar and community volunteer, supports outreach and humanitarian activities for vulnerable migrants in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Photos: IOM 2026/Ratchanon Kruenchit

Among the younger volunteers helping to build these bridges is Cherry, who understands these struggles firsthand. A migrant from Myanmar, Cherry first met Lin during a community health workshop early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now 30, Cherry moved to Thailand at the age of 13 to reunite with her father, who worked in construction in Mae Sai. At first, she spoke little Thai. Each day, she crossed back into Myanmar to attend school. Despite the logistical challenges, she completed high school and later earned a university degree through a distance-learning programme in Myanmar.

“I know what it feels like to arrive and not understand anything,” Cherry says. “You feel invisible. If someone helps you even once, you never forget it.”

She began volunteering by translating COVID-19 public health guidance for migrant communities. Over time, her role expanded. She began assisting with small relief efforts, supporting outreach activities and helping new arrivals navigate basic services.

When devastating floods struck Chiang Rai in late 2024, Cherry played a critical liaison role as Lin’s self-help group partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to deliver humanitarian assistance.

The volunteers supported rapid assessments in affected villages and helped identify the most vulnerable households. They assisted in distributing emergency kits containing food, water, blankets, and hygiene supplies to families who had lost homes or livelihoods. In total, close to 1,800 vulnerable people were reached, including host community members.

For Lin, leadership does not require a title. It begins with noticing who needs support.

“When women lead in their communities, they connect people,” she says. “They help others feel seen and heard.”

As migrants continue to cross the bridge each morning, Lin remains there, watching, ready. For many, the journey into Thailand marks the beginning of uncertainty. For a growing number, it also marks the beginning of community support.

IOM’s humanitarian assistance in Thailand supporting vulnerable migrants from Myanmar is funded by the Government of Japan.

Originally Published by IOM