ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses the trends and impacts of international migration on the Thailand–Myanmar corridor and its future transformation. From an old trade route to newly established Special Economic Zones, ethnic people, as well as Myanmar and Thais, have moved regularly across the borders. The impacts of migration on the corridor and on regional development are more positive than negative. Economic impacts can be seen in the higher labour mobility, increasing remittance flows, and the rise of trade and investment, which lead to economic growth in these areas. Political impacts include the smooth diplomatic relationship between the two countries. However, security concerns on irregular border crossing; smuggling of drugs, weapons and human beings on the corridor; trafficking of forced labour especially the Rohingya and migrant sea fishers; and lastly unsettled border demarcation can undermine the good relationship. Socio-cultural impacts include the attempts to enhance cultural integration and address statelessness among Myanmar children born in Thailand. The arrival of the new waves of Chinese and the Belt Road Initiatives of the Chinese government will enormously transform the corridor in the twenty-first century.
