This research investigated the working conditions of Burmese migrants under social plurality and ethnic diversity, especially as it pertained to seamstresses working at home in the border areas. This line of work was an independent occupation yet illegal. Many criticized these illegal migrant workers stating that they stole jobs from local people. There were three findings from this investigation. Firstly, Mae Sot border town was a multi-cultural society under the management and control of local and state powers. Negotiations in this community were conducted through special mechanisms set by the border town and under special terms and conditions. Secondly, the seamstresses had social connections and managed to exploit legal loopholes and social rules in order to work illegally. They also used both knowledge and monetary capital to support their work in an attempt to negotiate with authorities to enable them to carry on with their independent work. Thirdly, these seamstresses sought resources including social networks of individuals and cultural capital based on their knowledge of the community, as well as other types of capital to support their work and to improve the quality of their lives.