# The crucial role of Remittances in Myanmar: contributing to poverty reduction

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/myanmar/157064-remittances-in-myanmar-a-key-migration-source-in-the-mekong-subregion
- Published: 2024-08-24T14:20:00+07:00
- Author: Zaw Win Maung

**Remittances play a crucial role in Myanmar, a primary source of migration in the
Mekong subregion, by supporting socio-economic stability and contributing to poverty
reduction, which is vital given that 49.7% of the population lives below the poverty
line.**

## Remittances in Myanmar’s Socio-Economic Landscape

In the ASEAN+3 region, remittances are crucial for low-income developing economies
such as Myanmar, especially given the country’s socio-economic challenges. Over 
the past fifty years, Myanmar has emerged as the primary source of migration within
the Mekong subregion, resulting in substantial remittance flows.

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## Socio-Economic Challenges and Remittances

With 49.7 percent of Myanmar’s population living below the poverty line, remittances
are essential in alleviating poverty and maintaining social stability. These financial
inflows not only support household incomes but also provide a buffer against economic
hardships, playing a key role in the country’s socio-economic framework.

## Post-COVID-19 Remittance Developments

This analytical note offers an overview of the recent trends and developments in
Myanmar’s remittance landscape post-COVID-19. It takes into account recent policy
and regulatory changes and evaluates the outlook and key challenges ahead, emphasizing
the critical role of remittances in fostering socio-economic resilience.

**The recent political turmoil in Myanmar has led to an increase in the number of
refugees seeking shelter in Thailand**

The movement of people from Myanmar to Thailand has been a significant aspect of
Southeast Asian migration patterns for many years. The recent political turmoil 
in Myanmar has led to an increase in the number of refugees seeking shelter in Thailand,
particularly in border towns like Mae Sot. These individuals, often young men, are
fleeing conscription and conflict in their homeland, seeking safety and a chance
for a peaceful life.

Thailand has become a refuge for tens of thousands of Burmese, with many living 
in a state of limbo, waiting for asylum offers or planning for a future that seems
uncertain. The Thai government, in collaboration with international organizations,
has been working to manage this influx through various measures, including the establishment
of temporary shelters and providing basic necessities.

The situation is complex, as it involves not only humanitarian concerns but also
the socio-economic impact on Thailand and the legal status of the migrants. Reports
indicate that a significant portion of the non-Thai population in certain districts
consists of individuals who have arrived post-2021 military takeover in Myanmar.

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The history of Myanmar’s labor migration to Thailand is long-standing, with formal
recognition of this flow dating back to 2003 when both governments signed a memorandum
of understanding. This agreement aimed to legalize migration through recruitment
programs and nationality verification processes, granting migrant workers temporary
passports and visas.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, especially for undocumented workers who
face harsh realities, poor working conditions, and the constant threat of deportation.
These workers are critical in filling labor gaps in Thailand, contributing significantly
to the country’s economy.

Source: [ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office ](https://amro-asia.org/remittances-in-myanmar-recent-developments-and-outlook)