Migration from Myanmar has developed particularly in the 1990s, in conjunction with full employment and demand for labor in Thailand. Over a few years, Burmese migrants in Thailand reached perhaps 800,000, most of them in an irregular situation. Migration was encouraged by better opportunities in Thailand, but also by difficult conditions after the military takeover in Myanamar. Burmese migrants are employed in the jobs typically refused by Thai workers, particularly fisheries. but also warehouses, small factories and restaurant/bars. Burmese women work as domestic or commercial sex workers.
After the crisis, perhaps 300,000 Burmese have been repatriated. However, the long and loosely enforced border with Thailand does not provide a great barrier for the continuation of irregular migration. Thailand is also planning to return approximately 90,000 Burmese hosted in camps as refugees.