In the border regions of Thailand, in cities such as Chiang Mai and Mae Sot, hundreds of thousands of migrants from Myanmar navigate life in precarious conditions. They face limited legal protections, high costs for documentation, and language barriers that isolate them from vital services. In the wake of Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, an escalating civil war, forced conscription and now the devastating April 13 earthquake that killed over 3600 people, even more people have crossed into Thailand, not only for work but for refuge.
Amongst all these challenges, having an accessible source for trusted information has become an essential lifeline. For over 22 years, Union Aid Abroad APHEDA has supported MAP radio – a migrant-run community station broadcasting critical updates in Burmese and Shan languages to migrants across Mae Sot, Chiang Mai, and beyond.
A tool for migrant communities
MAP Radio reaches over 83,000 listeners every month via FM, internet, and Facebook Live. Its programming focuses on topics that migrants say they need most—safe migration, visa updates, workplace rights, women’s health, domestic violence, documentation, and news on Myanmar’s political crisis. This information not only improves access to services, it helps prevent exploitation by brokers and employers.
Listeners regularly report that MAP Radio has helped them save hundreds of Thai Baht by giving them the confidence to complete registration processes themselves.
One listener shared: “I got my driver’s licence for just 300 THB because I learned the steps from MAP Radio. I used to pay that every three months just to renew documents, I now handle it on my own.”
Beyond broadcasting: Building power through media
MAP Radio is more than just a station—it’s a platform for building skills and power within the migrant community. On March 23, 2025, the station hosted a Mobile Journalism Training in Mae Sot, teaching participants how to record, edit, and produce content using mobile apps. The 20 participants included DJs, migrant workers, and local partner organisations—each gaining practical tools they can now apply in their community work and for civil journalism.
“Even though I can’t read or write, I’ve learned a lot by listening to MAP Radio. It’s my connection to the world.” – Listener, age 50
“I now share MAP Radio information with my friends so they can avoid paying agents and learn how to handle things themselves.” – Listener from Mae Sot
Responding to attacks on international solidarity
The challenges facing migrant communities has been made worse by the decisions of the Trump administration. In early 2025, they dismantled the United States Agency for Global Media, resulting in severe funding cuts to Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA). These outlets have historically provided critical information to regions with limited press freedom, and their closure has left a void in trustworthy news sources.
For many MAP Radio listeners, the loss of VOA and RFA has made it even harder to access up-to-date information about the situation back home. In response, MAP has redoubled its commitment to citizen journalism—training community broadcasters to fill these gaps and ensure that migrant voices and stories continue to be heard.
With a newly secured five-year FM broadcast licence—its first ever—MAP Radio continues its service to the community, and when international solidarity is under attack, our support is more important than ever.