On 1 May, Chiang Mai came alive with energy, and purpose as the Mekong Migration Network (MMN) came together with a coalition of labour-focused organisations, and hundreds of Thai and migrant workers to mark International Labour Day. This year’s events took place in the shadow of the devastating earthquake that has killed more than 3,500 people in Myanmar and Thailand, including many migrant workers buried by the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok.

In the ongoing fight for workers’ rights, including improved health and safety, this year’s May Day event called for “Solidarity Among All Workers”. With banners and chants of “No worker fights alone!” and “We are all workers!” the event sent a clear message: The struggles workers face is shared, and only through solidarity can real change be achieved.

As participants marched through Chiang Mai’s Tha Pae Gate they were joined in solidarity by curious passers-by and tourists. The event, culminated in a rally at the Three Kings Monument, where representatives of MMN, MAP Foundation, EMPOWER Foundation, SWAN Foundation, the Human Rights and Development Foundation, the Lamphun Migrant Workers Network, and other members of the Northern Labour Network took turns to address the crowd.

Speakers raised various labour rights issues, including fair wages, paid leave, and equal access to social security. These rights remain out of reach for many, especially migrant workers. The rally culminated with representatives of the Northern Labour Network submitting their demands directly to officials from the Thai Ministry of Labour. (Read the full demands in Thai here) The act was both symbolic and urgent, serving as a reminder that workers’ voices matter and must be part of the policy-making process.

Later, a public forum brought together workers from different walks of life, including migrant workers, NGO staff, sex workers and university employees. Each shared stories of struggle, resilience, and the challenges they face in accessing their fundamental labour rights. As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted from spirited calls for workers’ rights to a moment of remembrance. Artid Pabun, MMN’s advocacy and research officer, led a candle lighting ceremony to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake on 28 March 2025.