Migration is therefore a natural corollary. People flock to Thailand looking for jobs. Millions of migrant workers faced with a rapidly declining economy in Burma are heading for work in neighbouring countries.

Another major factor for migration to Thailand is the incessant civil war between the Burmese military and ethnic armed groups.

Perhaps yet another reason why many people from Burma have gone to Thailand is the unstable political situation. The military regime which grabbed power unjustly from its citizens in 1988 has ruled ruthlessly. Violation of human rights, and forced labour is the order of the day. The number of migrant workers has increased radically since 1995, according to the Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association (YCOWA).

However, many poor workers seeking resettlement face several problems. They have to take whatever jobs they get. They lead an insecure life which is full of fear. They have to face discrimination in terms of salary from employers vis a vis Thai workers. For migrant workers it is an unjustified situation denied as they are of their rights.

To solve the problems of poor migrant workers, many social organizations both from Thailand and Burma try to protect them, each in its own way. But the workers are still steeped in misery. Consequently, the idea of all social organizations uniting instead of fighting alone took shape. Many disparate organizations both from Thailand and Burma started to have meetings and discussions, and began sharing their experience. Three such meetings have been held so far.

Recently, a meaningful discussion was successfully held by the Thai social organization, Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma (TACDB), under the banner of the Thai Social Forum. At the meeting, many social activists shared their experience. "It is impossible to perform alone. We all have to build a strong union to ask for labour rights for the workers’ said a Thai woman who attended the meeting.

Everyone should have the same right, whether a Thai or a Burmese. All workers should get the minimum salary stipulated by the government. Besides, migrant workers should not be discriminated against. "We must be united. Especially, we, the Thai and the Burmese, have to work hand in hand to solve the problems. Our union ought to be organized for all workers in Thailand " said a member of TACDB.

Every union must have enough power to ask for the rights of workers from the government. "Let me share my experience. In May 1992 many workers in Thailand tried to ask for their rights from the government, but the movement was unsuccessful because of inadequate strength. So we need to be strong first and foremost, said a Thai at the meeting.

To have an organized labour union is a good idea. However, many migrant workers from Burma have lived under the shadow of the military government for a long time. Most do not know the meaning of ‘union’. "We should make them aware of the meaning of having a union and its rights and the difference between an NGO and the government to start with," said Ko Moe Swe, from YCOWA.

Many activists expressed their views at the convention relating to the issues of workers, in keeping with the proposal of having a union. "We should improve their education first so that they know what their rights are. And then they can overcome the fear in their mind," suggested a Thai woman at the conference. And also it is very hard to help and take care of them because they live secretly in many places. "We do not always know who the migrants are," she added.

Unity is strength. However, it is hard to build a strong union between Thais and the Burmese because of terrible historical ramifications when Burmese Kings conquered Ayuthaya. The disgust with Burma is still there in the minds of many Thai nationals. "The government itself supports the view of detestation of Burmese migrant workers. We firstly have to erase the narrow and sectarian beliefs among workers," said the secretary of Songsirm Thai Textile Labour Union that currently has 1.3 million employees under its wing.

Besides, the other barrier to having a strong union is that many Thai workers believe that they are losing jobs to migrant workers. In reality, most migrant workers are working on jobs which Thai people reject. "This mindset is a big barrier to the formation of a union. We must change this kind of attitude and try to make them understand each other," he added.

The situation the migrant workers are in is uncertain. They have no rights in the work place leading to an insecure life full of difficulties. It is the businessmen who make profits taking advantage of the weak rules of the government in terms labour rights and a workforce which can be arm twisted.

"It is a terrible situation for some workers who have to work for only 50 Baht a day," said a Thai researcher at the meeting. "They have to work in these conditions because they have no choice," she added.

Actually, the government ignores the need for the rights of migrant labour. "No Prime Minister has looked into this aspect. The government only signs papers, but no work is done in practical terms," a Thai observer said at the convention. "We need a strong union to ask the government for our labour rights," he added.

The discussion was a wonderful show of Thai-Burma cooperation and solidarity. It is also the first light of dawn for all workers in Thailand . "I am pleased with the result of this teamwork. I believe both Thai and Burmese social activists can work jointly more than now, in the next meeting," said Ko Myint Wai, a member of TACDB.

Many Burmese social organizations, currently looking after the workers, are also welcomed to the discussions. "We would like to joins hands with any organization because it yield more results than going it alone. And a much easier and a better situation will develop if we work together with Thai social organizations," said Ko Moe Swe, from YCOWA.

The convention generates hope for workers. However, it has just begun with talks. It will need many steps to achieve the goal. "Now it is just on paper. We have to pay attention on how to apply it at the ground level," he added.