Exploring Challenges and Factors Influencing Employability Among Myanmar Graduates in Thailand

Abstract

This study addressed the under-explored challenges faced by Myanmar bachelor's and master's degree holders transitioning into the Thai labor market, a group often overlooked in existing research which primarily focuses on migrant workers. The research problem is the limited understanding of the specific obstacles these graduates encounter when moving from academia to professional employment in Thailand. To bridge this gap, in-depth interviews were conducted with Myanmar bachelor's and master's degree holders from Thai universities. The research findings identified six key obstacles, including language barriers, visa limitations, uncompetitive compensation and insufficient university support, as well as employed graduates' coping strategies. The findings revealed that while graduates actively invest in their human capital and leverage social networks, systemic barriers persist. Furthermore, this study explored the need for targeted support from universities and employers, and provided practical recommendations to enhance the employability of Myanmar graduates in Thailand.