Yodayagya

The Yodayagya () are Burmese migrant workers who mainly live in Western Thailand. Their population is mostly concentrated in the cities of Mae Sot, Mae Tao, Ranong and Bangkok.
Etymology
The origin of the term "Yodayagya" is disputed. It could likely be a slang word used for Burmese migrant workers in Thailand. The word Yodaya, found in 16th century Burmese chronicles, is a corrupt form of Ayudhaya, a city of Thailand that was founded in AD 1350.. This slang word Yodayagya referring Burmese community in Thailand has been used among Burmese migrant workers and Burmese refugees in Thai refugee camps along Thai-Burma border for nearly twenty years. This word, used in oral communication between Burmese refugees and migrant workers, is difficult to be traced in internet media. It is thought that the word Yodayagya appeared after comparing the situation of Burmese people in Thailand with Rohingya people in western Burma who are suffering different kinds of human rights abuse in Burma. Rohingyas are not counted as citizens of Burma and are considered to be Bengali immigrants by the Burmese government.
Human rights violations
Burmese people settling in Thailand as migrant workers are facing human rights abuse in Thailand. As they are considered to be 'Phama' foreigners, they do not have the legal right to possess land or house. As they do not have any identity cards, they can not move freely inside Thailand. Burmese migrant workers residing in one province can not travel to other provinces. Burmese workers in southern Thailand are not allowed to drive cars, motobikes or either to ride bicycles. Burmese monks are also facing religious persecutions by Thai government. According to a new law promulgated by Thai ministry of religious affairs, no Burmese monk is allowed to be the chief abbot in monastries. Almost 90 ancient monastries decorated in Burmese style architecture are transferred to Thai monks by the Thai government.

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