Doi Inthanon

A new wave of middle-class migrants from Myanmar is transforming Chiang Mai’s economy, according to a study by the Surin Pitsuwan Foundation.

The report estimates that at least 6,000 Myanmar nationals had settled in the northern Thai city by mid-2025, a sharp rise linked to political instability following the 2021 coup and the enforcement of conscription laws in 2024. Unlike earlier migration dominated by low-skilled labour, the new arrivals include professionals, entrepreneurs, students and digital workers, many with university degrees and international experience.

“This is not traditional labour migration,” the study notes. “It is semi-survival migration, where individuals seek stability and predictability rather than higher wages.”

Chiang Mai’s established infrastructure, international schools, private healthcare and diaspora networks have made it a preferred destination. The city’s economy, worth around 285 billion baht (£6.3 billion), relies heavily on tourism, healthcare and education—sectors where Myanmar migrants are increasingly active.

Researchers identified more than 110 Myanmar-owned businesses since 2021, mostly in food and hospitality, with openings peaking in 2024. Private hospitals report that Myanmar nationals now account for up to a third of international patients, while international schools have seen rising enrolment from Myanmar families paying annual fees of up to 500,000 baht.

Yet challenges remain. Many skilled professionals face “brain waste,” taking jobs in restaurants or small businesses due to licensing restrictions. Legal uncertainty has also fuelled an informal economy, with migrants reporting unofficial “protection fees” and reliance on costly brokers to navigate visa processes.

Despite these hurdles, Thai stakeholders largely view the Myanmar middle class as an economic stabiliser. Their higher purchasing power and limited remittances mean much of their income stays in Thailand.

The report argues that Thailand could harness this trend to support a transition toward a knowledge-based economy, particularly as the country faces long-term labour shortages. Policy reforms such as flexible visa pathways, recognition of foreign qualifications and stronger anti-corruption measures are recommended.

For now, Chiang Mai stands as both a refuge and an engine of growth—its future quietly reshaped by the influx of Myanmar’s displaced middle class.

-2026-04-02

110 Myanmar owned businesses. On what basis?