This study aims to explore the gender differences i n using mobile phone among Burmese migrant factory workers and domestic workers in Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand. This study attempts to examine how the use of mobile pho ne make greater differences in men and women migrant workers in accessing employment i nformation, sustaining and expanding social networks in both in the country of origin and the county of destination and how this facilitates in accessing information f rom NGOs and other social welfare groups. The findings showed that the use of mobile phone different among not only male and female migrants but also homogeneous female gro ups. The use of mobile phone also extend their social networks and able to explore ec onomic opportunities in the host country by factory migrant workers. Findings also showed th at migrants long working hours and limited mobility fostered to develop a new kind of sub culture among migrant community. It is wider spread among factory workers compared t o domestic workers. Factory workers' advantages in accessing information from NGOs and o ther social welfare groups than domestic workers open a lot of opportunities to acc ess health care and seek legal rights assistance. The resulting research was gathered thr ough in-depth interview and field observation.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the re quirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008