Myintt Wa, age 54, left his village near Mandalay, Myanmar 12 years ago at the age of 42.

He was a struggling farmer working on his land of 10 rai (approximately 1.6 hectares), farming beans and rice, and earning only enough money to survive. He watched as neighbors returned from Thailand with enough money to buy televisions and motorbikes. They spoke of a better life with many opportunities awaiting them as migrants in Thailand. It seemed like a dream come true and one he could not pass up! Based on these stories alone he decided to leave Myanmar crossing the border to Thailand in search of opportunities and a better livelihood.

Upon arrival in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, Myintt Wa secured a job on a construction site. The company arranged legal working documents including access to social security and other benefits allowing him to work legally in Thailand.                    

At present, he is still working at the construction site, living with his brother in a shack with other Myanmar construction workers. Every month, they combine their salaries, and together they are able to send 8,000 baht back to their family in Myanmar.

Photo by Luke Duggleby