The article reports on worsening sexual abuse and violence in Myanmar's garment factories, exacerbated by the country's economic decline and military rule. Activists and labor groups highlight dire working conditions, with women facing exploitation due to poverty and lack of legal recourse. The Business and Human Rights Resource Center documented numerous cases of abuse, while the International Labor Organization noted severe restrictions on civil liberties and trade union rights. Despite denials from factory officials, the systemic issues persist, leaving many victims without options to address their grievances.

In Myanmar, workers pursuing distance education are facing challenges as employers increasingly deny traditional time off for exam preparation, a practice that has deteriorated since the 2021 military coup. Labor leaders and activists report that fewer businesses are granting adequate leave, forcing many students to quit their jobs temporarily, sacrificing their rights and seniority. The coup has led to a decline in labor rights, with trade unions banned and workers' negotiating power diminished. The situation highlights the broader impact of military rule on education and workers' rights in Myanmar.

In Mae Sot, Thailand, Myanmar migrants face significant risks on dangerous roads, exacerbated by political turmoil in Myanmar. The Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association highlights daily traffic accidents involving migrants, with many victims hesitant to seek justice due to their undocumented status. The number of accidents has risen sharply since Myanmar's military coup, with Myanmar nationals being the most common victims after Thais. Community workers point to increased people-smuggling as a contributing factor. Compensation for accident victims is challenging to obtain due to bureaucratic hurdles and fears of deportation. The Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, once a source of assistance, is now viewed as an extension of the junta, complicating matters further for migrants seeking help.

In Mae Sot, Thailand, Myanmar migrants face significant risks on dangerous roads, exacerbated by political turmoil in Myanmar and a rise in people-smuggling. The Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association and other advocacy groups highlight the challenges migrants face in seeking justice and compensation after traffic accidents. Many migrants, undocumented and fearful of deportation, struggle to claim compensation due to bureaucratic hurdles and the Myanmar embassy's association with the military junta. The situation is further complicated by new taxes imposed by the junta on migrant workers, making it difficult for families to access necessary documentation and compensation.

The article highlights the perilous journey of Myanmar migrants into Thailand, driven by the 2021 military coup and subsequent economic collapse. Despite increased border restrictions, many opt for dangerous remote crossings, leading to accidents, exploitation, and disease. The Kanchanaburi Rescue Foundation reports a rise in smuggling-related fatalities, while activists like Soe Lin Aung work to provide safer passage and track migrants. The Thai police deny significant migrant movement beyond border areas, but activists note a surge in crossings due to ongoing conflict in Myanmar. The narrative underscores the migrants' desperation and the grim costs of their pursuit for a better life.

The Myanmar junta's introduction of a 'National Complaint Mechanism' to address forced labor has been met with criticism from labor advocates, who view it as ineffective and a facade. The mechanism was announced amid international scrutiny over Myanmar's compliance with International Labor Organization (ILO) standards. Economic challenges, exacerbated by the withdrawal of multinational corporations and the influx of Chinese companies, have worsened conditions for workers. The ILO has considered sanctions against Myanmar, but workers fear the economic impact. Labor leaders, including Maung Maung of the Confederation for Trade Unions Myanmar, argue that the junta's measure offers no real protection and support sanctions if necessary.

In Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict, both the military junta and the National Unity Government (NUG) are vying for the support of the youth by offering educational opportunities. The junta plans to establish new universities to foster technological skills, despite facing significant student boycotts and an economic crisis. Meanwhile, the NUG has opened numerous educational institutions, aiming to empower youth and promote a democratic future. The junta's travel restrictions have led many young people to seek opportunities abroad, while the NUG focuses on enhancing educational access in insurgent-controlled areas.

Opponents of Myanmar's military junta express skepticism over Thailand's potential involvement in conducting a census and election in Myanmar, viewing it as support for an illegitimate process. The junta, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in 2021, faces criticism for planning elections while many pro-democracy figures remain imprisoned. The National Unity Government urges international focus on human rights and stability rather than supporting the junta. Despite Thailand's efforts to mediate, fighting continues in Myanmar, with insurgents controlling significant territories. Critics argue that genuine elections are impossible without peace and stability.

Opponents of Myanmar's military junta criticize potential Thai support for a census and election, viewing it as an endorsement of an illegitimate process. The junta, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in 2021, faces skepticism over its election promises, with critics urging international focus on human rights. The National Unity Government, a civilian shadow government, calls for resistance against the junta. Despite regional efforts for peace, fighting continues, with insurgents controlling significant territory. The junta's plans for a 2025 election are questioned amid ongoing conflict and lack of stability.

Myanmar's ruling junta has mandated that Myanmar workers in Thailand remit a portion of their wages back to Myanmar, a move aimed at bolstering foreign reserves amidst economic turmoil. This directive, effective from August 1, requires workers to transfer a quarter of their salary through junta-controlled banks, risking their legal status in Thailand if they fail to comply. Labor rights groups and Myanmar's pro-democracy National Unity Government have condemned the measure, urging the Thai government to protect workers' rights. The policy affects approximately 250,000 migrant workers under a bilateral labor scheme, with broader implications for the estimated two million Myanmar workers in Thailand.