A giant mural celebrating migrant workers from Myanmar and Cambodia will be inaugurated this Saturday in Bangkok’s wealthy Thonglor district, Khaosad English reports.
The artwork, titled “Together We Build,” highlights the often-overlooked role migrant workers play in Thailand’s economy.
Thailand is home to more than two million workers from Myanmar and at least half a million from Cambodia. Many work in construction, seafood processing and the service sector, often under difficult conditions.
The 10-metre-high mural was created by Burmese artist Chuu Wai together with Myanmar artists Sai Chit Min and Khant Win. The mural features real migrant workers living in Thailand.
“If I have to talk about migrant workers from Myanmar, I have to choose Thailand,” Chuu Wai told Khaosod English.
“There are a lot of migrant workers and a lot is going on. I want to bring Thai people and migrant workers closer together.”
The project was initiated by SEA Junction in partnership with the International Labour Organization and supported by partners including Norwegian People’s Aid.
Chuu Wai said the artists wanted the mural to show both dignity and humanity.
“They face a lot of difficulties. They want people to put themselves in their shoes. They are not coming here to Thailand to do bad things. They don’t want Thais to look at them like shit.”
At the same time, she stressed that the artwork should not feel depressing, but instead “radiate positive energy.”
Another artist involved in the project, Sai Chit Min, who fled Myanmar three years ago, said he hopes the mural will help people better understand migrant workers and “the work that no one else wanted to do.”
The artwork will officially open on May 23 at Thonglor House in Bangkok.
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