Access to Healthcare in Thailand During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Interview Study of Migrants From Myanmar.

Résumé

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore how the military coup, COVID-19, and limited healthcare access affected the health and well-being of Myanmar migrants.BACKGROUND: Myanmar is among the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. The combined effects of COVID-19, political instability, and civil conflict have created a humanitarian crisis, resulting in migrants having severely restricted access to food, water, healthcare, and basic rights.DESIGN: A qualitative interview study.METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 32 Myanmar migrants living in Thailand (M = 38.5 years, SD = 11.6). The study followed COREQ reporting guidelines.RESULTS: Participants described their experiences with COVID-19 prevention measures amid uncertainty, reporting substantial psychological distress and high levels of stress. Religion-particularly Buddhism-served as a central coping mechanism, helping them manage fear and emotional challenges. Many emphasised maintaining their cultural identity, expressed limited interest in acculturating to Thai society, and hoped to return to Myanmar once conditions stabilised. Some younger migrants sought support from local organisations for COVID-19 information and resources. Overall, participants relied on personal resilience, spirituality, and informal support networks to manage their health and well-being.CONCLUSIONS: Myanmar migrants often depend on spiritual beliefs, self-reliance, and community connections to cope with adversity. Culturally sensitive interventions are needed to improve access to healthcare and support migrants experiencing ongoing instability, high levels of stress, and limited formal resources.RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Within the context of patient care, the findings contribute new knowledge on the status of Myanmar migrants who are facing intersecting stressors in resettlement areas of Thailand. Limited access to resources for migrants poses significant barriers to seeking professional medical help. More insight into why Myanmar migrants do not seek help despite experiencing stress and having knowledge of available resources in Thailand is needed.PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Members of the migrant community were interviewed, and community advocates were involved in the study.POSITIONALITY STATEMENT: The research team, with backgrounds in social work, counselling, public health, and nursing and with experience working with Southeast Asian migrant communities, recognised that this familiarity may shape interpretation. To minimise bias, we engaged in reflexive journaling, discussed assumptions in team meetings, and bracketed personal perspectives during data collection and analysis. As the researchers held no authority over the participants, the interviews emphasised respect, active listening, and minimised power differentials. These practices helped ensure that the findings reflected participants' voices rather than researchers' expectations.