Thousands of Burmese migrant workers have welcomed Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Bangkok.

It is her her first visit outside of Burma in 24 years.

On Wednesday, cheering workers lined the streets of Mahachai, an industrial area outside Bangkok, colonised by Burmese who have left their country to earn money for their families.

There are more than two million Burmese migrant workers in Thailand, most of whom have left Burma due to poverty and repression.

Many work in menial jobs and are often at risk of human trafficking and become bonded labourers.

Ms Suu Kyi met with a small group inside a migrant learning centre to hear the stories of extortion and powerlessness due to poverty and irregular immigration status.

In a short statement after the meeting she acknowledged the importance of the issues but said it was great to see the thousands who greeted her looking so strong.

Ms Suu Kyi will also speak at the World Economic Forum on East Asia on Friday.

It is her first trip outside Burma since 1988.