Antenatal care access for migrant women in Thailand: insights from Myanmar workers in Khon Kaen

Migrant populations face numerous challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly maternal health services, which are essential for positive maternal and neonatal outcomes. In Thailand, Myanmar migrant women experience multiple social, financial, and systemic barriers that hinder their access to Antenatal Care (ANC). This qualitative study explored these barriers in Muang district, Khon Kaen province, in northeastern Thailand, with a large population of Myanmar migrant workers employed primarily in labor-intensive industries. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with ten purposively selected documented women migrant workers from Myanmar. Thematic analysis was used to identify key barriers and facilitators of ANC access. The findings revealed that although public transportation was available, long travel and wait times limited ANC accessibility. Public hospitals demonstrated strong service, offering comprehensive ANC services. However, the lack of formal health education left many women unprepared to navigate the healthcare systems. Workplace flexibility, including unpaid leave, enabled women to access ANC services despite income concerns. Financial barriers were mitigated by social insurance schemes, such as the Social Security Scheme and Migrant Health Insurance Scheme, which significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenses. Nonetheless, language barriers and prolonged wait times negatively affected patient experiences. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as improved health education, language support, and migrant-friendly policies, to address systemic barriers and advance equitable maternal and neonatal health outcomes for migrant populations.