Purpose - The study aimed to identify migration pattern of border migrant people and the factors associated with malaria infection in Myanmar-Thailand border area in Tanintharyi region, Myanmar.

Design/methodology/approach - An unmatched case-control was conducted among 320 migrant people living in Dawei, Thayetchaung and Palaw Townships with 160 cases and 160 controls during March to May 2018. Cases and controls were confirmed by rapid diagnostic test. Data collection was done by using structure questionnaires through face to face interview. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to determine the association between migration patterns and associated factors with malaria infection.

Findings - More than half of respondents conducted inter-rural migration; and the rests were inter-municipal migration (19.4%) and inter-regional migration (27.8%). Inter-regional migration (crude OR=1.82, 95%CI=1.11-2.99), seasonal migration (crude OR=2.99, 95%CI=1.44-6.24) and non-contract migration (crude OR= 2.60, 95%CI=1.30-5.21) were risk factors for malaria at 5% significance level. Moreover, poor protective behavior (adjusted OR=8.85, 95%CI=2.82-27.80), difficult to access malaria health services (adjusted OR=34.28, 95%CI=4.37-268.48) were risk factors for malaria infection in multiple logistic regression at 95% CI.

Originality/value - Malaria risk was varied with migration status and was influenced by protective behavior and ability to access malaria health services. Local health authorities should target high risk migrant people and provide easy available of malaria health services in Myanmar-Thailand border area.