Disinformation Fuels Anti-Migrant Sentiment in Thailand Amid Influx from Myanmar
BANGKOK – Over a million refugees have sought refuge in Thailand, escaping Myanmar’s devastating civil war. However, their arrival has been met with rising prejudice fueled by disinformation campaigns on social media, targeting the migrant community and falsely accusing them of demanding exorbitant wages. These unfounded claims, often amplified by influential figures, exploit historical tensions and tap into existing xenophobic sentiments within Thai society.
One prominent example of this disinformation involves a viral social media post falsely claiming Myanmar migrant workers were demanding a daily minimum wage of 700 baht – nearly double the Thai minimum wage. This post, shared thousands of times, including by a former deputy director of Thailand’s National Intelligence Agency, garnered significant traction despite being demonstrably false. The images used were from unrelated events, misrepresented to create a narrative of demanding migrants threatening Thai livelihoods.
The spread of such misinformation exacerbates pre-existing anxieties within Thailand, rooted in a complex history with its neighbor. Centuries of conflict, including a Burmese invasion in the 18th century that resulted in the destruction of the Thai capital, have left a lasting imprint on the national consciousness. This history is often invoked by nationalist elements to stoke fears of a "foreign invasion," portraying migrant workers as a threat to Thai jobs and security. Experts warn that authorities sometimes exploit these historical resentments to foster a sense of national unity against a perceived external enemy.
The reality for many Myanmar migrants in Thailand is far removed from the picture painted by these disinformation campaigns. Many work in low-paying, difficult, and often dangerous jobs that Thais are unwilling to do, often earning less than the official minimum wage. They contribute significantly to the Thai economy while remaining vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination. The influx of refugees following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar has significantly increased their numbers, with official figures showing a rise from 1.5 million registered migrant workers in 2020 to 2.3 million in 2024. The UN’s International Organization for Migration estimates an additional 1.8 million undocumented workers, further fueling anxieties about the impact of migration on Thai society.
The rise in anti-migrant sentiment corresponds with the increase in migrant numbers, suggesting a deliberate campaign to limit their presence in Thailand. Experts argue that these coordinated efforts frame migrants as national security threats, exploiting existing societal anxieties to justify discriminatory policies. The spread of misinformation on social media plays a crucial role in this campaign, bypassing traditional media channels and directly targeting susceptible individuals.
Fact-checking initiatives have debunked the widely circulated claims about wage demands, tracing the original video to a Myanmar migrant protesting against high visa and work permit fees. This individual, who wishes to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, expressed dismay at the manipulation of their video to fuel anti-migrant sentiment. This incident underscores the vulnerability of migrants to exploitation and the ease with which their legitimate grievances can be twisted to fit a predetermined narrative. While some Thais acknowledge the diligence and loyalty of Myanmar workers, many remain susceptible to the pervasive prejudice fueled by disinformation, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and discrimination. The ongoing challenge remains to counter these harmful narratives and promote a more accurate and empathetic understanding of the contributions and challenges faced by Myanmar migrants in Thailand.