Intersectionality and livelihoods of conflict-induced displaced Myanmar women in Mae Sot, Thailand

Title: Intersectionality and livelihoods of conflict-induced displaced Myanmar women in Mae Sot, Thailand

Author: Miss Su Myat Thwe

Year: 2022

Keywords: N.A

Theme: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The Sustainable Development Goals Report (2022) highlighted the global displacement crisis as 24.5 million population impacted by conflict by mid-2021; 311 out of every 100,000 people worldwide seeking refuge outside their country of origin[1]. The cycle of migration to Thailand from Myanmar has a special history with many intersecting factors of forced migration and a new trend emerges following 1st February 2021: only 1,527 cases in 9 shelters[2]; 986,670 regularized as migrant workers in 2021[3]; tens of thousands of unrecorded. The role of Myanmar’s unsung heroines cannot go forgotten. From a sociocultural conservative country with a constitution drafted by a patriarchal institution, women have increasingly involved in the revolution either as active actors or as a rearguard while armed resistance intensifies - 44% of Myanmar regularized workers in Thailand are women when most of the job openings for women tend to be in informal sectors[4]. Due to the fast-paced development of the conflict in Myanmar, while the prolonged civil unrest or the recent events are often viewed from a traditional security lens, the subtlety of women’s role in the cross-border settlement and the elusive nature of intersectionality in non-convention party state are rarely approached from a human security perspective.This research provides a gendered intersectionality perspective on academic studies of human security in conflict-induced cross-border livelihoods while, at the same time, accentuating the resilience of women in displacement situations during conflict times amidst the elusive nature of discrimination at different levels. Through focusing on the human security of Myanmar women in Mae Sot asking how the unfulfilled aspects of human rights in country-of-origin Myanmar and prejudice towards individual identities they hold onto intersect with getting legal protection and socioeconomic standing in the host country Thailand, which livelihood assets the individuals have and in what ways the actors are ensuring such have been explored through integrative inputs from expert practitioners and community actors to introduce how transdisciplinary approach to participatory humanitarian assistance can help build the resilience of such population to achieve sustainable livelihoods. [1] UN DESA (2022). The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 - July 2022. New York, USA: UN DESA. © UN DESA. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2022/[2] TBC (2021, 2022). Refugee Camp Population: January 2021 vs Refugee Camp Population: December 2022. The Border Consortium.[3] ILO. (2022). TRIANGLE in ASEAN Quarterly Briefing Note: Myanmar (July to September 2022). Bangkok: International Labour Organization.[4] Sakulsri, T. (2022). Challenges of Labor Migrants to Thailand: Issues of Bilateral Agreements for the Employment of Workers in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Journal of Population and Social Studies

The Karen diaspora : transnational sense of belonging and practices after the 2021 Myanmar Coup

Title: The Karen diaspora : transnational sense of belonging and practices after the 2021 Myanmar Coup

Author: Mr.Thinh Mai Phuc

Year: 2021

Keywords: Karen refugees, diaspora, transnational practices, transnational belonging, Myanmar politics, 2021 Myanmar coup

Theme: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Advisor(s): Jiraporn Laocharoenwong

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This research examines the Karen diaspora’s transnational sense of belonging, ideological transition and tactics embodied in transnational activities after the 2021 Myanmar military coup. Looking at young Karen people in 5 host countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, Norway and Thailand, it is evident that those people in the diaspora still perceive the notion of homeland and maintain an emotional sense of belonging to their homeland after a long period of resettlement in host countries. In the context of the 2021 coup, those young people have engaged actively in transnational activities with various tactics used both on-site and online. Quantitative methods were applied including semi-structured interviews and online participant observations to understand how those young refugees feel connected to their homeland, as well as how and why those young refugees have engaged in transnational practices. After examining the narratives and ethnographic work, I argue that the transnational sense of belonging of young Karen people were shaped by narratives, memories, and Karen cultural practices in refugee camps; and those camps also become their memorial places. In addition, after the Myanmar military coup, those young Karen people expressed an ideological transition from ethno-nationalism to democracy and cosmopolitan orientation when engaging in transnational activities

The political economy of opium reduction in Burma : local perspectives from the Wa region

Title: The political economy of opium reduction in Burma : local perspectives from the Wa region

Author: Sai Lone

Year: 2008

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Advisor(s): Niti Pawakapan, advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The focus of this study is on the socioeconomic impacts of rural development projects implemented by international development aid agencies on the livelihood of former opium farmers whose major income source, i.e. opium cultivation, has been banned in the Wa region of Shan state, Burma. A mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methodology was applied in this research. Information had been collected by conducting in-depth interview with former opium farmers, senior local authorities, and project staff of international development aid agencies in the Wa region. Literature review was useful for theoretical approach in analyzing data collected from the field study, and it was also utilized to discover the success stories and lessons learnt from Thai experience on opium reduction which clearly showed that humanitarian crisis could be avoided if the ban on opium cultivation was carried out with the maximum participation of all the stakeholders. Comparison of socioeconomic conditions of the case study villages gives a clear picture of the villagers’ life qualities before and after the opium ban. Firstly of all, the root-cause of opium cultivation had been explored to identify the extent of socioeconomic reliance of the farmers on opium, and the impact of opium on the local economy. Secondly, this study made an attempt to discover the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of opium ban, which authoritatively enforced by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) without any preparation of alternative livelihood for the opium farmers. It revealed the coping strategies adopted by the local population, which included expansion of food cultivation area, migration as causal labour, exploitation of natural resources, particularly non-timber forest products in unsustainable manner. Forest depletion caused by illegal logging and expansion of rubber plantation which carried out in order to fill the coffer of local authorities was also discovered. Thirdly, development strategies and approaches of the projects which implemented by international development institutions have been assessed to identify their impacts on the livelihood of former opium farmers. With technical know-how, materials and financial inputs, the rice shortage problem has been solved to a certain extend, however the economic need of the former opium farmers are still far behind being met. This study suggests development strategies and approaches by which the socioeconomic needs of former opium farmers can be solved. It also recommends further research on other crop substitution endeavours which will have serious impacts both on environment and livelihood of the former opium farmers.

Resolving the People's War in Nepal: A Discussion of Obstacles to Political Integration

Title: Resolving the People's War in Nepal: A Discussion of Obstacles to Political Integration

Author: Pamela Elise Sciantarelli

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Advisor(s): Giles Ungpakorn

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: etween February 2005 and September 2006, Nepal experienced a series of political events that were unprecedented in its history. King Gyanendra seized power, establishing an authoritarian regime, sparking mass movements involving millions, including the Communist Party of Nepal (CPNM), a party that had existed for decades. This research utilizes conventional Marxist theory to demonstrate the rationale and credibility of integrating Marxism with political work. From a system of government to the political unification of the CPNM, a process that had never been proven feasible, the success of this political unification was coincided with disarmament. The issue of disarmament in Nepal has been the subject of much debate, encompassing topics such as disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration—the scope of work abbreviated as DDR. The situation in Nepal culminated in the adoption of its first constitution in August 2006. Between February 2005 and September 2006, Nepal incurred the most eventful bout of political happenings in the country's recent history. The totalitarian takeover by King Gyanendra resulted in a mass people's movement numbering in the millions along with the emergence of the Communist Party Nepal-Maoists from a ten-year underground existence. This paper uses Classical Marxist Theory to show the plausibility of a Maoist-affiliated party participating in mainstream politics. On the brink of a new government system, political integration of the CPNM never seemed more possible. Successful political integration must be simultaneously accompanied by disarmament measures. The disarmament aspect of Nepal is discussed through the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Framework. The situation in Nepal is assessed until the submission of the interim constitution's first draft in August 2006.

Peace jounalism in Thailand : a case study of Issara News Centre of the Thai Journalists Association

Title: Peace jounalism in Thailand : a case study of Issara News Centre of the Thai Journalists Association

Author: Supapohn Kanwerayotin

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Advisor(s): Puangthong Pawakapan

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: In response to criticisms that the vernacular media made violence in southern Thailand worse through its war-journalism type of reporting, the Thai Journalist Association launched a peace journalism trial called Issara News Centre (INC). The INC aimed at bringing together reporters from Bangkok and the south to produce stories that give context to the complex conflict, get voices of stake holders other than the authority across, including the villagers. The TJA hoped that INC would help bring about empathy required for peaceful transformation of the conflict, at the time when the Thai public opinion was dangerously swaying toward tit-for tat type of solution. The research questions are whether the INC coverage conformed with peace journalism framework and how the mainstream media responded to the INC project, as well as factors influencing the strength and weakness of the INC. To arrive at the findings, the student conducted document analysis using Johan Galtung's peace journalism framework of the coverage of a violent incident at Tanyonglimo by the INC in comparison to that by mass circulation Thai Rath and Matichon newspaper. Interviews and participatory observation also formed substaintal parts of the research activities. The findings are that while Thai Rath employs war journalism method in its coverage, the INC applied peace journalism approach and Matichon showed inclination for peace journalism. Comparing the output of INC during two violent incidents in September 2005, and May 2006 pointed to human resource, capacity and commitment by national newspapers to the peace journalism trial as issues determining the strength and weakness as well as sustainability of the INC which represents peace journalism undertaking in Thailand