Publication: Barriers to Healthcare Access for Myanmar Migrants in Thailand and Japan during COVID-19
Issued Date
2025
Resource Type
Resource Version
Accepted Manuscript
Language
eng
File Type
application/pdf
ISSN
2697-584X (Print)
2697-5866 (Online)
2697-5866 (Online)
Journal Title
Thai Journal of Public Health
Volume
55
Issue
3
Start Page
1383
End Page
1402
Access Rights
open access
Rights
ผลงานนี้เป็นลิขสิทธิ์ของมหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล ขอสงวนไว้สำหรับเพื่อการศึกษาเท่านั้น ต้องอ้างอิงแหล่งที่มา ห้ามดัดแปลงเนื้อหา และห้ามนำไปใช้เพื่อการค้า
Rights Holder(s)
Department of Public Health Nursing Faculty of Public Health Mahidol University
Department of Medical Education Juntendo University
School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health Nagasaki University
Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Faculty of International Liberal Arts Juntendo University
Department of Public Health Nursing Faculty of Nursing Mahidol University
Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)
Department of Community and Global Health Graduate School of Medicine the University of Tokyo
Department of Medical Education Juntendo University
School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health Nagasaki University
Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Faculty of International Liberal Arts Juntendo University
Department of Public Health Nursing Faculty of Nursing Mahidol University
Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)
Department of Community and Global Health Graduate School of Medicine the University of Tokyo
Bibliographic Citation
Thai Journal of Public Health. Vol. 55, No. 3 (Sep - Dec 2025), 1383-1402
Suggested Citation
Lalita Kaewwilai, Ei Thinzar Khin, Su Myat Han, Nana Moriguchie, Napaswan Namboonsri, Niaya Harper Igarashi, Joji Sugawara, Kwanjai Amnatsatsue, Orawan Kaewboonchoo Barriers to Healthcare Access for Myanmar Migrants in Thailand and Japan during COVID-19. Thai Journal of Public Health. Vol. 55, No. 3 (Sep - Dec 2025), 1383-1402. 1402. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/117580
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Barriers to Healthcare Access for Myanmar Migrants in Thailand and Japan during COVID-19
Author's Affiliation
Mahidol University. Faculty of Public Health. Department of Public Health Nursing
Juntendo University. Department of Medical Education
Nagasaki University. School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health
Juntendo University. Faculty of International Liberal Arts
Mahidol University. Faculty of Nursing. Department of Public Health Nursing
Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)
the University of Tokyo. Graduate School of Medicine. Department of Community and Global Health
Juntendo University. Department of Medical Education
Nagasaki University. School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health
Juntendo University. Faculty of International Liberal Arts
Mahidol University. Faculty of Nursing. Department of Public Health Nursing
Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)
the University of Tokyo. Graduate School of Medicine. Department of Community and Global Health
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health systems, affecting migrants who face multiple barriers to healthcare access. This study explores and compares the healthcare access experiences of Myanmar migrants in Thailand and Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews with 20 Myanmar migrants (10 each in Thailand and Japan) and focus group discussions with healthcare professionals in both countries. Data was analyzed thematically using the Health Care Access Barriers (HCAB) model to identify financial, structural, and cognitive barriers. The study revealed multifaceted barriers across financial, structural, cognitive, and cultural dimensions. Financial barriers were particularly pronounced, with migrants in Thailand experiencing significant income loss when seeking medical care. Structural challenges included limited-service accessibility, complicated administrative processes, and geographical constraints. Cognitive barriers manifested through language difficulties, limited health literacy, and fear of discrimination. In Thailand, while the government provided free COVID-19 services to all migrants, challenges persisted in communication and service delivery. Japan presented similar complexities, with migrants facing additional difficulties in system navigation and cultural integration.Enhancing migrant health equity requires systemic interventions that go beyond individual-level health education. Strengthening community outreach, translation services, and migrant-inclusive policies are crucial. Future efforts should foster collaborative partnerships among healthcare facilities, local governments, NGOs, employers, and the Myanmar government or its embassies in Thailand and Japan, ensuring shared responsibility for the health and well-being of migrant populations.