Bangkok Mural Celebrates Migrant Workers and Their Vital Role in Thai Society

Using vivid imagery inspired by Thailand’s coastal and fishing communities, the mural visually tells the stories of migrant workers and the industries they support.

A striking new public mural in Bangkok's lively Thong Lor district is drawing attention to the important social, cultural, and economic contributions of migrant workers in Thailand while promoting solidarity, dignity, and shared humanity.

Titled "Together We Build," the large four-story artwork has been painted on Soi Thong Lor (Sukhumvit 55) in the Vadhana district, transforming an urban wall into a powerful tribute to the millions of migrant workers who help sustain key sectors of Thailand's economy.

The mural highlights the essential role migrant workers play in industries such as fishing, seafood processing, construction, and domestic work — sectors that rely heavily on labour from neighbouring countries including Myanmar and Cambodia.

The project was created by renowned Myanmar contemporary artist Chuu Wai, who collaborated with fellow artists Sai Chit Min and Khant Win, along with producer Josephine Simone.

The initiative was developed and implemented by SEA Junction in partnership with the International Labour Organization's Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia programme, with financial support from the European Union and additional institutional and individual donors.

Using vivid imagery inspired by Thailand's coastal and fishing communities, the mural visually tells the stories of migrant workers and the industries they support.

Fishing vessels, marine life, nets, and the sea dominate the artwork, symbolising the interconnected lives of migrants and the communities that depend on their labour.

The mural not only serves as a public art installation but also as a social statement about inclusion, recognition, and the human stories behind migrant labour.

One of the most significant aspects of the project is its strong community involvement.

Migrant workers, Thai residents, and local civil society groups participated throughout the entire creative process, from early design concepts to the final execution of the mural.

Before work on the mural began, artist Chuu Wai and SEA Junction representatives travelled to Samut Sakhon and other communities around Bangkok to conduct "co-creation" workshops with migrant workers and local residents.

These sessions allowed workers from Myanmar and Cambodia to share their real-life experiences, challenges, and hopes, helping ensure the mural reflected authentic stories and perspectives.

Organisers say the participatory approach was essential in giving migrant workers a direct voice in shaping how they are represented in public spaces.

ILO Deputy Country Director for Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR Lars Johansen said the mural highlights the often-overlooked importance of migrant labour in Thailand's economy.

"The blue economy remains a critical economic foundation for many coastal communities," Johansen said.

He noted that Thailand has taken important steps in recent years to strengthen labour protections for migrant workers in fishing and seafood industries, sectors that have historically faced criticism over labour rights abuses and exploitation.

Johansen said public awareness initiatives like the mural can help communities better understand the contributions migrant workers make to society and the economy.

For SEA Junction, the project reflects a broader long-term commitment to migration and social inclusion issues in Southeast Asia.

SEA Junction Founder and Director Dr Rosalia Sciortino said public art can create meaningful conversations and challenge stereotypes surrounding migrant workers.

"Public art has a unique power to make visible the experiences of migrant workers," Sciortino said.

She explained that the mural encourages people passing through Bangkok's busy streets to see migrant workers through a lens of dignity, resilience, and humanity rather than through prejudice or invisibility.

The European Union also praised the project as an important platform for expression and inclusion.

Tom Corrie, Head of Cooperation for the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand, said migrant workers rarely receive opportunities to publicly share their personal stories and experiences.

"This project has provided a visible and meaningful platform for migrant workers to have their voices heard," Corrie said.

Thailand is home to millions of migrant workers, many of whom come from neighbouring Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos to work in labour-intensive industries.

While migrant workers are vital to the Thai economy, many continue to face challenges including discrimination, unsafe working conditions, limited legal protections, and barriers to healthcare and social services.

The "Together We Build" mural aims to promote empathy and recognition by reminding people of the shared connections between migrant workers and Thai communities.

Artist Chuu Wai said the message behind the mural is ultimately about common humanity and coexistence.

"We all share the same world. The same waters connect our shores," Chuu Wai said.

"I hope this mural reminds people that migrants and Thais are not strangers — we are neighbours, colleagues, friends, and family."

The mural now stands as both a cultural landmark and a public symbol of inclusion, resilience, and solidarity in one of Bangkok's busiest neighbourhoods.

Organisers hope it will inspire broader conversations about labour rights, migration, and social cohesion across Thailand and the wider Southeast Asian region.