Evolving Informal Remittance Methods of Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand

We shed light on diverse informal remittance methods of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Based on the questionnaire survey of migrant workers, we examine the determinants in their choice of informal remittance methods. The empirical results indicate that the accessibility of payment points in Myanmar is an important determinant; migrants sending remittances to town can choose potentially more efficient operators who employ bank branches as payment points. On the assumption that informal operators' use of bank branches stimulates competition among them, we argue that expanding branch network of Myanmar banks adds to efficiency of the informal remittance market.

ERIA-DP-2015-45