In the quiet city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, Ma Yin watches as people slowly leave a labour rights event. At 40 years old, she remembers her past life—once afraid, alone, and without help. Today, she is a strong voice for migrant workers, helping others stand up for their rights after living many years in silence.
Ma Yin’s story began in Myanmar’s Shan State. At 18, she fled her home to escape violence and danger. She feared being attacked or disappearing like many girls in her village. Thailand seemed like a safe place where she could start a new life. But when she arrived, things were not easy. Without legal documents, she had no choice but to work as a domestic helper. She worked hard in people’s homes, but her job was not protected by law. She had no time off, no fair pay, and no idea that she had rights. Her employer didn’t treat her as a real worker.
Everything changed when Ma Yin attended a training class hosted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF). The training helped migrant workers understand Thai labour laws and how to get legal help. For the first time, Ma Yin realized she could ask for her rights. This gave her courage and a new purpose.
Her journey into advocacy began when she faced harassment at work. A friend took her to HRDF, where she received support and learned about the law. Since then, Ma Yin has helped other migrants learn how to protect themselves, get birth certificates for their children, and report unfair treatment at work. She became a strong member of the migrant worker community in Chiang Mai.
Most migrant workers in Thailand work in hard jobs like farming, construction, or cleaning homes. These jobs are often unsafe and not well protected. Many workers don’t speak Thai and are afraid to ask for help. They also fear the police because they don’t have proper documents. This keeps them quiet even when they are mistreated.
Veerawat Kamkom, a lawyer at HRDF, understands these struggles. He once worked without pay and knows what it feels like to be treated unfairly. Now, he uses his experience to help others. He believes that all workers should have access to legal aid and feel safe asking for it. He says, “People must know their rights, and they must trust that help is there.”
Since 2022, IOM and HRDF have helped many migrants in northern Thailand. They helped workers win back more than 2.1 million baht (around USD 62,000) in unpaid wages and injury claims. Their work includes legal support, training, and building community leaders like Ma Yin who can help others.
Even though Ma Yin still works as a domestic helper, her life has changed. She is not just a worker now—she is also a leader. She supports her family and gives hope to others. She says that when migrants move to a new country, they should learn the laws, speak the language, and stay united. “When we support each other, we become stronger,” she says.
Ma Yin is proof that even the quietest voices can grow loud with knowledge and support. Her journey shows that with the right help, migrant workers can move from fear to freedom and become defenders of justice for many others.