Sweet Girl from Myanmar — Chasing Peace in Singapore PART2

Everyone constantly faces choices in their career — and for Su, it’s even more critical. Her safety, her life, and her future are deeply tied to her job.

When her work contract expired, she had to make a decision. For many Myanmar nationals, going back home isn’t easy. Returning could mean having their passports confiscated. So instead, many choose to go to Thailand, where they can contact Singapore-based agencies and look for their next opportunity. Su chose this path as well.

Fortunately, many others from Myanmar also find temporary refuge in Thailand, and Su’s aunt’s family had already moved to Bangkok. That gave her a place to stay — but for how long, no one knows.

Su told me that life in Thailand feels like a long-lost vacation. No daily job responsibilities, just rest, contacting recruiters, and enjoying the occasional walk outside. I was genuinely happy for her and encouraged her to use this rare window of time to explore.

And she did. From Pattaya to Chiang Mai to Phuket, she traveled all around Thailand.

When I asked which place she liked the most, she smiled and said,

“Singapore.”

Of course I understood — that’s where her entire family is. For Su, Thailand is just a stopover, never a permanent home.

Photographed at one of the busiest night markets in central Bangkok

Seeing Su still cheerful in Bangkok made me happy. What surprised me was how often we ran into Myanmar migrant workers — almost everywhere. Unlike in Singapore, here they mostly work in restaurants and bars. You can find them in every alley, every street corner.

In those moments, I could truly feel how devastating war has been for ordinary people. It made me deeply reflective — and grateful for the peaceful life I live.

Su is still actively looking for a job. I asked her if she’d consider staying in Thailand long term.

She shook her head and said firmly:

“I want to go back to Singapore.”

I understand. That’s where her family is. That’s where she calls home.

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