Chinese students’ mothers in Thailand: transnational education and migration

Title: Chinese students’ mothers in Thailand: transnational education and migration

Author: Miss Shan Li

Year: 2025

Keywords: Transnational education, migration, Chinese mother, Thailand

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Premjai Vungsriphisal

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This research focuses on Chinese mothers accompanying their children to study in Thailand, exploring their life experiences, identity transformation, and social adaptation within this transnational educational migration phenomenon. A mixed research method (questionnaire survey and interviews) was employed, systematically analyzing data from 151 questionnaires and 13 interviewed mothers. Results show that these accompanying mothers generally possess high levels of education and economic capability, with most abandoning their original professions for their children's education, forming a transnational family structure of husband remaining in China, wife accompanying her child in Thailand. While this model reinforces traditional gender roles, it also encourages women to demonstrate a certain degree of autonomy and re-creation in a cross-cultural environment. The study found that they face challenges such as language barriers, identity disparity, and psychological stress during the migration process, but they also achieve self-development and social integration through learning Thai, participating in the community, and engaging in side jobs. The findings not only enrich the theoretical discussion on transnational educational migration of East Asian women but also provide empirical references and policy implications for Thai-Chinese educational cooperation and family immigration policies

Crisis migration in sri lanka : Analyzing the governance of transnational actors in the context of war and financial crisis / Dolewaththa Gamage Niruka Sanjeewani

Title: Crisis migration in sri lanka : Analyzing the governance of transnational actors in the context of war and financial crisis / Dolewaththa Gamage Niruka Sanjeewani

Author: Miss Dolewaththa Gamage Niruka Sanjeewani

Year: 2024

Keywords: Migration -- Sri Lanka, Financial planners, Atrocities -- Thailand

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Bhanubhatra Jittiang

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Crisis migration has become a critical issue in Sri Lanka due to the war and ongoing financial crisis. Drawing from this understanding, the research investigates crisis migration in Sri Lanka through five distinct chapters. The first chapter offers an overview of the entire research. The second chapter examines the evolution of classical humanitarianism and its shift towards new humanitarianism in the context of war in Sri Lanka. It focuses primarily on Tamil refugees in India and their repatriations from India to Sri Lanka. The third chapter examines the transnational spaces of the Tamil diaspora. The chapter elaborates on their involvement in smuggling Tamil refugees to Canada. The fourth chapter discusses labour migration from Sri Lanka to Gulf Cooperation countries, namely Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, during the financial crisis of Sri Lanka. It identifies governance gaps related to trafficking in labour migration. The study is guided by two main questions: (1) How did crisis migrations in Sri Lanka emerge in response to the civil war and the financial crisis? (2) How has the Government of Sri Lanka responded to the involvement of transnational actors in governing crisis migration? The findings highlight the need for cooperation among the Government of Sri Lanka, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, and the International Labour Organization to govern crisis migration effectively. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used in the research to examine the questions

Unpacking the factors shaping long-term migration and livelihoods of karen migrant workers in Pathum Thani, Thailand

Title: Unpacking the factors shaping long-term migration and livelihoods of karen migrant workers in Pathum Thani, Thailand

Author: Mr.Saw Wai Lu Aung

Year: 2024

Keywords: Karen Migrant Workers, Long-Term Migrants, Talad Thai Market,, Livelihoods Strategies

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This study explores the experiences of long-term Karen migrant workers in Pathum Thani province, Thailand. It includes two primary research questions. The first question examines the factors contributing to their long-term settlement in Thailand, while the second question investigates their livelihood strategies for sustaining their livelihoods over time. The study is conducted in the largest agricultural wholesale product market, known as Talad Thai Market, and its surrounding areas in Pathum Thani province. It employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a survey with case study interviews. The survey includes 100 long-term Karen migrant workers who have worked in the market for at least a year. Additionally, it features in-depth interviews with four case studies: two recent migrants who arrived in Thailand after the 2021 Myanmar military coup and two long-term migrants who have worked in the market for over a decade. The findings reveal that long-term settlement among Karen migrant workers is influenced by a complex interaction of structural, economic, social, and emotional factors. Key elements affecting their long-term stay include the presence of social networks, job availability, job satisfaction and stability, workplace safety, sustainable remittance practices, legal documentation, and increasing family responsibilities. Data from case studies highlights how migrants employ various techniques to adapt and survive. These include informal skill development, language learning through experience, strategic job changes, savings and remittance management, community engagement, and forming emotional connections to their surroundings. Long-term Karen migrants show resilience in the face of disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability in Myanmar. This research contributes to migration and livelihood studies by highlighting how long-term ethnic migrant workers actively navigate structural constraints and build sustainable lives in a host country

Migrant trainees and social inclusion : a study of construction and electronics company in Japan

Title: Migrant trainees and social inclusion : a study of construction and electronics company in Japan

Author: Mr.Kazuhiro Watanabe

Year: 2022

Keywords: social inclusion, migrant trainees, TITP, international development

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This research analyzed the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) by using the concept of social inclusion and discussed the factors that inhibit the social inclusion of trainees. Not much previous research on has been done on this because trainees are allowed to stay in Japan temporarily and they must go back to their home countries after the training is over. However, trainees contribute economic growth in Japan and play an important role for solving issues of the labor force. Realizing social inclusion of trainees is thus a significant issue for Japan. Factors that inhibit the social inclusion of trainees includes language barriers, institutional barriers”, and psychological barriers. Through a case study of Nagasaki city, the local governments’ initiatives contribute to include foreign trainees in Japanese society through programs such as citizen volunteers, language classes and legal consultation.This research concluded that increasing the opportunities to contact foreign workers and Japanese workers in regards to understanding the issues that foreign workers face in Japan are key factors to realize the social inclusion of trainees. To realize the international development role of TITP and safe migration, it is necessary to create clear criteria for Japanese language education and create an environment where all stakeholders work together to support trainees.

Ecological system and psychosocial well-being of Myanmar migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic "a case of Mahachai"

Title: Ecological system and psychosocial well-being of Myanmar migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic "a case of Mahachai"

Author: Miss Susan Moe Kyaw

Year: 2021

Keywords: Ecological system, Psychosocial well-being, Social support, Myanmar migrant workers, Mahachai, COVID-19

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The complex interactions in each ecological setting influence the psychosocial well-being of a person. Migrant workers’ well-being is highly influenced by their working conditions, security, and social relationship. They encounter not only work-related stress, and discrimination, but are also caused by socio-economic changes during the global crisis such as the Covid-19 outbreak.Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand, Mahachai has been a place of many studies and research as it hosts thousands of migrant workers, and its major seafood production, fishery, metal, and other factories in its area. It draws the attention of migration scholars, policymakers, and researchers to its significant geographic nature, ethnic concentration, labor, and rights issues of migrant workers. Most significantly, the majority of the migrant workers are from Myanmar and they have been habiting there for quite a long time. It is known as “Little Myanmar” in Thailand. Many studies have been done in order to advocate labor rights, and wages, and uplift the infrastructure of migrant housing.Although the Covid-19 2nd wave outbreak unexpectedly come up with a number of locally transmitted cases among documented and undocumented migrant workers in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, there are just a few studies that investigated migrant workers-related issues. Hence, the study utilizes a qualitative research approach by an in-depth interview with 17 Myanmar migrant workers from Mahachai, Thailand, and analyzed by thematic analysis to explore the underlying factors that contribute to common stressful problems, social difficulties, and other barriers to accessing social services during their stay in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, the study tends to identify the social support Myanmar migrant workers receive that impacts psychosocial well-being.The study primarily finds that changes in the physical conditions of migrant workers including poor working environments, mobility restrictions, and crowded housing are interrelated to emotional and social issues. Unemployment status and financial concerns also lead to emotional distress and other social issues. Secondly, the study suggests that the direct and indirect environments of migrant workers have a significant influence on physical, emotional, and social well-being. Most importantly, the social supports of actors in the mesosystem of Bronfenbrenner’s (1975) ecological settings indeed nourish the psychosocial well-being of the migrant population. In fact, positive social relationship with friends, relatives, and co-workers, and the various forms of social support such as emotional comfort, sharing information, giving advice, helping out with financial hardship, and seeking job connection strengthens the resilience and endurance of the migrant workers

Factors and reasons of migration in Tambon Bannang Sata during the time of conflict

Title: Factors and reasons of migration in Tambon Bannang Sata during the time of conflict

Author: Miss Naruemon Yamareng

Year: 2020

Keywords: migration, deep south, violent conflict, reason, factor, human, security, buddhist, muslim

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Chantana Wungaeo

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This study aims to find out the reasons and factors of migration in Tambon Bannang Sata, one of the most violence-affected zones with high mobility rate, since the recurrence of violence in the south in 2004, and how those reasons and factors differ between Muslims and Buddhists. Interview of all categories of migration were carried out including in-migration, out-migration and non-migration. Human security is used as a framework for data collection and analysis. It is found that people moved in and out of Tambon Bannang Sata with many reasons which could be categorized into three mains reasons: family matters, fear and wants. Family factors were the biggest influence for people whether to move in, move out, or to stay in the area. In addition, job opportunity and financial wellbeing, which were classified as “want”, were other the prime reasons for all group. Study found that not as many respondents moved because of fear even they did fear living in the area. There were only two respondents who move merely because of fear, one Buddhist who feared insurgency and another Muslim who feared authority’s treatment. This study also found that fear, direct experience of the violence, and number of migrations in the area are not necessarily correlated. Fear correlates with the feeling of being disconnected and alienated from the Muslim community. Moreover, despite being fear, people might not find a reason to move because they are supported by other factors which shows a balance between fear and want. Reasons of out-migrant for not moving from the area were similar to other groups but they valued hometown, community and culture much more heavily

Livelihoods training for internally displaced persons (idps) in Kachin state, Myanmar: success and challenges beneficiaries

Title: Livelihoods training for internally displaced persons (idps) in Kachin state, Myanmar: success and challenges beneficiaries

Author: Miss Lucia Lujan

Year: 2019

Keywords: N.A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Over 100,000 persons have been internally displaced from various towns within Kachin State, Myanmar. Starting in 2015, some agencies began providing livelihood support programs for the IDP population in many campsites. This research focuses on the opportunities and challenges faced by Kachin IDPs who receive support from livelihood programs in pursuit of better employment opportunities. Drawing on a qualitative research approach, this research examines two of the most effective livelihood training activities and two less successful livelihood training activities which help IDPs to enhance their employment capacity, increasing their opportunities to receive an income. The livelihood support activities help IDPs to learn new skills and techniques through training. This paper also provides recommendations for livelihood support programs to achieve their long-term goals. There are four main factors that support the effectiveness of IDP livelihood training programs, including long- or short-term time frames to conduct trainings, technical support for skill development, provision of training that is both relevant in the local area and accessible to the local market, and sufficient financial support for trained IDPs after their training. The livelihood support programs must be implemented in consideration of human rights, needs, and strengths, also acknowledging the various contexts of service delivery. The development of policy related to IDP-specific issues needs to invite the participation of the local government and local staff who are experienced in the areas of operation. The livelihood support training programs should be designed as adjustable programs in order to better promote the capacity of IDPs. Furthermore, coordination should be established amongst national organizations, international organizations, local organizations, and other stakeholders to identify the best solutions for promoting employment opportunities for IDPs as each agency possesses different resources which need to be properly allocated for the purpose of IDP capacity building

Governmentality, resettlement, and resistance of ethnic minority migrants in Vietnam: a case study in Dak Lak province

Title: Governmentality, resettlement, and resistance of ethnic minority migrants in Vietnam: a case study in Dak Lak province

Author: Miss Chau Le Minh Doan

Year: 2019

Keywords: Governmentality, Ethnic minority, Viet Nam, Migration, Resettlement

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This research aimed to learn about the governmentality of the Vietnamese state toward ethnic minority migrants, through the examination of resettlement policy. This study focused on the case study in Cu Kbang commune, Ea Sup district, Dak Lak province, Vietnam. Base on the concepts of "The will to improve" of Tania Li (T. Li, 2007), the researchers examined the resettlement policy as a solution proposed by the Government to resolve the situation of the ethnic minority migration in Central Highland Vietnam. The research used the qualitative methodology and discourse analysis regarding the conceptual framework of Escobar and Li on policy discourse analysis (Escobar, 2011; T. Li, 2007). Hence, the research examines the problems in three-layer: the discourse from above resulting at the resettlement solution; the ethnic minorities rationalize to migrating and interacting with the resettlement policy; the ground situations as the consequents of two discourse interactions. The research found that ethnic minority behaviors have shaped by the governmentality of the state. Not only the migration act but also how they interact with the resettlement policy at the immigrant place. Also, the local authorities have pointed out the ethnic minority migrant is the group that needs to help to have a better life. Thus, the resettlement policy has been proposed to solve the problem — however, the ethnic minority's wish and the government vision not match. As a result, the resettle migrant life still dealing with a lot of challenges. Nevertheless, there a group of migrants refused to resettle and has shown a resistance act toward the policy. The research argument the resettlement is the technical solution of governmentality, representing the government discourse. Moreover, showing the control attempt toward the ethnic minorities, thus, shaping their behaviors toward the government vision

Feminization, vulnerability, and empowerment of Laotian migrant women in Thailand

Title: Feminization, vulnerability, and empowerment of Laotian migrant women in Thailand

Author: Miss Cai Ling Koh

Year: 2019

Keywords: Laotian Migrant Women, Thailand, Feminization, Vulnerability, Gender Empowerment

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis examines the feminization of large-scale, cross-border labour migration of Laotian women who migrate to Thailand for work, and aims to effect useful labour migration policy changes for all migrant women working in Thailand, using Laotian migrant women as a case study. This thesis explicates the feminization process and its gendered implications on Laotian migrant women’s vulnerability working in feminized work sectors in Thailand, using the main concepts of feminization of migration, vulnerability, and gender empowerment. This thesis focuses on qualitative research design, using structured qualitative interviews with 11 Laotian migrant women in domestic work, agricultural work, services work, and garment factory work, and semi-structured qualitative interviews with 13 key informants, namely employers, migrant network leaders, academics and experts in the field of migration. This thesis argues that Laotian migrant women are made vulnerable as they are subjected to gender discrimination in feminized work sectors. They are made more vulnerable when they work in feminized work sectors that are also informal work, in addition to their illegal migrant status, the unofficial way in which they entered Thailand, and the type of documentation which they brought to Thailand. Their vulnerability heightens when they are pregnant and lack access to maternity and childcare. This thesis concludes that Laotian migrant women in agricultural work and domestic work are the most vulnerable. Hence, Laotian migrant women in the four work sectors experience different degrees of gender empowerment, with the most vulnerable groups as being the least empowered as women. This thesis posits that it is important to further empower Laotian migrant women and reduce their vulnerability through multiple stakeholder collaboration with employers, migrant network leaders, academics, experts, and representatives of civil society and international organizations. This serves as a first step in advancing Laotian migrant women’s cross-border mobility and enables them to be better protected in terms of labour rights and policy as migrant women

The politics of mobility, structuration, and infrastructure:a case study of Myanmar migrant workersunder the migrant worker management regime in Thailand

Title: The politics of mobility, structuration, and infrastructure:a case study of Myanmar migrant workersunder the migrant worker management regime in Thailand

Author: Mr.Polwish Subsrisunjai

Year: 2019

Keywords: Mobility, Infrastructure, Structuration, Migrant Worker, Migrant Worker Management Regime

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Jakkrit Sangkhamanee

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The migrant worker management regime in Thailand has been operated to deal with the flow of migrant workers between Thailand and the neighbouring countries for almost 30 years. Several studies portray the production of the regime through various mechanisms such as non-citizen control system, documents regime, the employment process, policies and regulations, and classification of migrant workers. Under these studies, migrant workers have been presented in two distinct narratives; one is short-term labours, who are controlled and exploited by the regime, another is economic migrants, who migrate from home country to destination country in pursuance of incremental benefits. This thesis seeks to depict an alternative perspective for the study of international labour migration in Thailand by taking a critical look into the mobility of migrant workers.Based on qualitative data collected from Myanmar migrant workers in various locations of Thailand, the thesis employs three concepts; structuration, infrastructure, and politics of mobility, to illustrate how the structuration in the labour market of migrant workers has been shaped through the interactions between mobility practices of migrant workers and multiple infrastructures. The thesis examines the politics of mobility expressed through the interactions between migrant workers and mobility infrastructure. It argues that the migrant worker management regime demonstrates assemblages of various infrastructures. The regime functions as mobility infrastructure, especially in mobilising the flow of migrant workers across geographical space and creating various mobility channels moving migrant workers into different levels of legality. Migrant workers, therefore, frequently move along with the configuration of the regime to adjust their legal status. The thesis also argues that the regime tends to create indirect courses and limits the mobility of migrant workers. As a result, migrant workers often rely on other resources and actors to enhance their mobility. In addition, migrant workers also employ mobility to negotiate with the labour market, especially in terms of income, working conditions, and involuntary job mobility. However, the limitations of mobility eventually lead to reduction of the negotiation power of migrant workers with the labour market.The research highlights the structuration in the labour market through consideration of capability in mobility as a resource which is not only unequally accessed but also contested by varied agencies. It finally leads to the production and reproduction of unequal power relations among actors in the labour market

CLMV Male Migrant Sex Workers in Bangkok: Livelihoods and Social Protection

Title: CLMV Male Migrant Sex Workers in Bangkok: Livelihoods and Social Protection

Author: Miss Ob-orm Utthasit

Year: 2018

Keywords: livelihoods, social protection, sex workers, coping strategy, migration, vulnerability, male, (il)legal status, CLMV

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Ratchada Jayagupta, advisor, Naruemon Thabchumpon, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Due to the lucrative business of sex industry in Thailand, it welcomes not only Thai sex workers to engage in sex industry, but also migrant sex workers from neighboring countries including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The high incomes of sex industry convince not only the female migrants, but also male migrants either heterosexual or homosexual identified to engage in sexual services. These migrant sex workers are experiencing more barriers that the local due to their migrants’ legal status. Because sex work is not considered a legitimate form of employment, these migrant sex workers are unable to exercise their rights and protections under Thai Labor Protection Act. They are subject to vulnerabilities facing triple legal barriers including labor, immigration, and sex-work laws.The purpose of this research is thus to investigate to what extent does (il)legal status of CLMV male migrant sex workers affect their livelihoods, and to analyze how do they manage their coping strategies and their accessing to social protection. The concepts applied in this research are sustainable livelihood approach, coping strategies, and social protection. This research is in qualitative method conducted through the use of in-depth interviews with 14 CLMV male migrant sex workers, and 5 key informant interviews from government and NGOs. The research is also adopted non-participant observation to observe their activities and interaction amongst sex-work colleagues, captains, and clients in three types of establishments: go-go bars, massage/ spa shops, and beer bars.From the study, it finds that CLMV male migrant sex workers’ livelihoods and their coping strategies of accessing to social protection in Thailand are confined by their (il)legal status from engaging in illegal sex industry, working using tourist visa, and carrying out work without a work permit or carrying out work differently specified in work permit.With that, the paper concludes that (il)legal status of CLMV male migrant sex workers has the effects on their livelihoods and their coping strategies of accessing to social protection in Thailand in different degree. Migrant sex workers who depend on tourist visa are more vulnerable than ones who are employed. However, the degree of vulnerability depends on one’s capacity to cope. CLMV male migrant sex workers adopt loophole strategy (invisibility) and protective strategy as a response to their vulnerabilities. Their accessing to social protection is based on migrants’ employment status. Employment status allows migrant sex workers to get access to social protection. Visa tourist holders cannot get social protection in terms of state policies but can access to social protection through their social network from the community in the form of occupation support to maintain their sex-work career.

TREADING WATER: AN ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE PLIGHT AND CAPABILITIES OF AFGHAN REFUGEES IN INDONESIA

Title: TREADING WATER: AN ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE PLIGHT AND CAPABILITIES OF AFGHAN REFUGEES IN INDONESIA

Author: Miss Jennifer Kay Moberg

Year: 2017

Keywords: MIGRATION, REFUGEES, AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, HAZARA, INDONESIA, PROTRACTION, SOCIAL CAPITAL, EMPOWERMENT

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon, advisor, Michael George Hayes, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: ACCORDING TO THE 2016 UNHCR STATISTICS, THERE ARE OVER 14,000 REFUGEES TRAPPED IN INDEFINITE TRANSIT IN INDONESIA, WITH FAINT HOPE OF EVER BEING RESETTLED TO ANY THIRD COUNTRY. THE WEST JAVA TOWN OF CISARUA ALONE HOSTS NEARLY 5,000 REFUGEES FROM THE ETHNIC HAZARA MINORITY GROUP FROM AFGHANISTAN. IN THEIR INTRACTABLE LIMBO, A GROUP OF THESE HAZARAS HAVE SET UP A NUMBER OF REFUGEE RUN LEARNING CENTRES AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES, CREATING FOR THEMSELVES MEANING AND PURPOSE DURING THEIR UNBOUNDED TRANSIT. THIS TOWN AND POPULATION REPRESENT A UNIQUE CASE STUDY IN REFUGEE RESILIENCE, TRANSFORMATION, AND EMPOWERMENT IN LIGHT OF A DEEPENING GLOBAL REFUGEE CRISIS. USING A CAPABILITIES FRAMEWORK AND SOCIAL CAPITAL THEORY, THIS THESIS EXAMINES THE EMERGENCE OF THESE REFUGEE RUN INSTITUTIONS, AND THE IMPACT THAT INVOLVEMENT WITH THESE INSTITUTIONS HAS ON REFUGEES IN PERPETUAL TRANSIT. THE RESEARCH EMPLOYS ETHNOGRAPHIC, QUALITATIVE METHODS IN ORDER TO SHARE THE STORIES AND EXPERIENCES OF SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE AND FORGOTTEN MEMBERS OF SOCIETY IN THEIR JOURNEY TO EMPOWERMENT. THE ANALYSIS OF THIS STUDY CONCLUDED THAT THE SOCIAL CAPITAL BUILT THROUGH INVOLVEMENT WITH REFUGEE RUN INITIATIVES IS THE CONVERSION FACTOR THAT CHANGES LIVES; COMMUNITY ITSELF IS THE TRANSFORMATIVE ELEMENT. THROUGH THIS TRANSFORMATION, REFUGEES HAVE CREATED FOR THEMSELVES MEANING AND PURPOSE DURING THEIR INDEFINITE TRANSIT, AND LAID PATHWAYS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

Outside the old enclave : A new Chinese immigrant neighborhood in Bangkok

Title: Outside the old enclave : A new Chinese immigrant neighborhood in Bangkok

Author: Guanyu Ran

Year: 2014

Keywords: NEW CHINESE IMMIGRANT / OVERSEAS CHINESE / IMMIGRANT, NEIGHBORHOOD / IMMIGRANT TRANSITION

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich, advisor, Wasana Wongsurawat, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Bangkok's Chinatown has a history of over 233 years, since 1782. Though its geographical spread has stopped, it is still a community filled with vibrant economic and cultural activities. As Chinatown’s expansion slows, a new Chinese immigrant neighborhood emerges in a different location. Here you can easily find evidence of Chinese presence. For the Chinese newcomers who decide to stay longer in Bangkok, this new neighborhood is an ideal living area. This research was conducted in order to gain a better understanding of new Chinese immigrants and their neighborhood in Bangkok. Two main international migration theories were adopted for the conceptual framework: “Push-pull” factors theory analyzes the reasons for coming to the neighborhood, and 4-stage model of immigrant settlement theory evaluates the formation, function and maintaining of the new immigrant neighborhood. Qualitative methods of interview (semi-structured and in-depth), non-participate observation, community mapping and document reviewing revealed that most new Chinese immigrants in Bangkok today come for better development. The new neighborhood mainly functions as a residential and business zone; the most important way to maintain their new neighborhood is business nexus. Findings show that the newcomers are very different to the old Chinese immigrants. This research also provides some recommendations for relevant policy makers both in Thailand and China in order to help new immigrants integrate better into the host country. It proves that some classical international immigrant theories are not suitable for analyzing the current international immigration trends because of the ever-changing characteristics of international immigrants and the global environment

Negotiating the regime of identification : a case study on displaced persons in Mae La Refugee Camp and Mae Sot township

Title: Negotiating the regime of identification : a case study on displaced persons in Mae La Refugee Camp and Mae Sot township

Author: Supatsak Pobsuk

Year: 2014

Keywords: DISPLACED PERSONS / REFUGEE / REFUGEE CAMP / BORDER TOWN /, GOVERNMENTALITY / NEGOTIATION

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Jakkrit Sangkhamanee

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The refugee situation in Thailand has lasted for 30 years in a protracted situation. An encampment policy has been employed by the Thai state to deal with this protracted issue. In refugee camps in Thailand, special regulations related to security policies, such as restriction of movement and employment, have been enforced for displaced persons from Myanmar living in the camps. Under these conditions, displaced persons have turned into passive actors waiting for humanitarian assistance. Based on qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews and in-depth interviews with key informants, and non-participant observation for data collection in Mae La refugee camp and in Mae Sot District, located in Tak province, this thesis examines how displaced persons from Myanmar in refugee camp can be considered strategic agents through studying identification documents used in refugee camps and border towns. The thesis aims to see how displaced persons engage themselves with the regime of identification in the context of refugee camps and border towns in Thailand in order to access to assistances, better rights, and protection. The three concepts of &ldquo ; State of Exception&rdquo ; , &ldquo ; Governmentality&rdquo ; and &ldquo ; Technology of power&rdquo ; have been used to describe the regime of identification in refugee camps and border towns. State of exception is used to explain how refugee camps and border towns are exceptional spaces. The terms &ldquo ; Governmentality&rdquo ; and &ldquo ; Technology of power&rdquo ; are used to explain how the Thai state and humanitarian agencies used identification documents to identify and verify displaced persons for the purposes of management and regulation. This thesis illustrates that displaced persons in Mae La refugee camp have learnt how to live and use identification documents to access humanitarian assistance and protection. In addition, this study finds that characteristics of Mae Sot District lead displaced persons to use various kinds of identification documents to negotiate rights to work, education and citizenship. Identification documents are thus not a technology of power to control displaced persons. Rather, they are reversed by displaced persons to seek better opportunities. Displaced persons should not be seen as passive actors, but rather strategic actors who have learnt how to negotiate with controlled power for better assistance, rights, and protection.

Cambodian migrants' social protection, local integration and multiple boundaries in the Thai Border Villages of Khok Sung, Sa Kaeo Province

Title: Cambodian migrants' social protection, local integration and multiple boundaries in the Thai Border Villages of Khok Sung, Sa Kaeo Province

Author: Phra Kimpicheth Chhon

Year: 2014

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis is designed to examine the local integration and social protection for Cambodian migrants in the Thai border villages of Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province. Cambodian migrants can be divided into three groups: former refugees, intermarriage migrants and current migrant workers. Much attention is paid to the migrants’ negotiation the multiple boundaries of physical, social and legal in order to see how local integration and local acceptance are met and transformed into social protection. In order to see the phenomenon from the inclusive view points, this study also covers the causes of the migration flow into the preferred destination in which links to the geographic, historical and demographic conditions of ethnic relations between Thai-Cambodian borders’ population. The research methods draw upon extensive interview with more than one hundreds interviewees and key informants and also apply with ethnographical technique of non-participant observation. I visited the migrants and local people with different villages, seeing their livelihoods, attitudes and perceptions from migrants and local citizens to find out the different limitations of existing social protection items for migrants from local collective practice and state based mechanism. This study reveals that migrants’ settlement and local integration process are strongly influenced by ethnic and intermarriage relations between Cambodian migrants and host citizens in Khok Sung district. These conditions provide the migrants with the networks as supporting systems and the sympathizers in the receiving society. The migrants seem to be recognized by the local villagers or by themselves as the members of host community in a different way than what outsiders would imagine so-called migrants and aliens. They are totally included into community welfare and insurance programs except only what are so called legal barriers and selective included by state based mechanism into social protection schemes. Therefore, it seems that the differences of existing social protection items from the community and the state can eventually able to supplement some roles during the absence of one another

Vulnerability and Migration of Small-Scale Fishing and Fishing-Farming Households around Tonle Sap Lake

Title: Vulnerability and Migration of Small-Scale Fishing and Fishing-Farming Households around Tonle Sap Lake

Author: Seangly Kheang

Year: 2013

Keywords: VULNERABILITY / MIGRATION / SMALL SCALE FISHING HOUSEHOLDS / SMALL SCALE, FISHING-FARMING HOUSEHOLDS / TONLE SAP LAKE

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Carl Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: More than one million people live near the Tonle Sap Lake and many of them, in particular, small scale fishing households, are dependent on fish resources to secure their livelihood. However, in recent years, the declining fish stocks in the lake have been reported to have made it difficult for fishing dependent households to meet basic needs and survive shocks, causing them to become more vulnerable. One of livelihood strategies to minimize this vulnerable situation is migration. This thesis investigates the extent to which migration, as a livelihood strategy, has been adopted by both small scale fishing and fishing-farming households to reduce vulnerability around the Tonle Sap Lake. This study applied the framework of “Drivers of Migration”, by Black et al (2011) and was conducted using a qualitative case study approach in Prek Trob village of Battambang province in Cambodia. The study found that, when the fish stock declined and when there were harvesting problems, there was a need for the study community to respond to the problem by diversifying sources of income. Migration, as livelihood strategy, was one response adopted by this community as it had the potential to minimize the livelihood vulnerability. The movement of people was driven by multiple triggers and interacting drivers of migration including environmental, social, economic, demographical, and political in both areas of origin and destination. Remittances that were sent home were reported to be useful to pay back debts, purchase food and pay for the cost of farming production, especially for fishing-farming households. The research revealed that Thailand has increasingly become a work destination of choice for both fishers and fisher-farmers and that there was a pattern of short-term, seasonal and long-term migration Those that to migrated for work preferred to do so illegally because they were able to save time and money especially when the cost of passports and traveling was high.This case study has revealed two main policy implications: livelihood vulnerability and migration. It was found that the level of vulnerability had a close link with resource degradation and limited access to fish and land resources. Migration was another critical area for policy makers. The illegal preference for migration to Thailand for employment implied a weakness of migration and employment policies as well as slow implementation of policies by government ministries and departments. It, therefore, required the revisiting of relevant policies to reduce vulnerability of households through improving equitable access to potentially fishery resources, farming and land and minimizing the risks of migration.

Social enterprise and promotion of safe migration among returned migrants: case studies of a credit union In Bone District of South Sulawesi Province Indonesia

Title: Social enterprise and promotion of safe migration among returned migrants: case studies of a credit union In Bone District of South Sulawesi Province Indonesia

Author: Fatimana Agustinanto

Year: 2013

Keywords: SOCIAL ENTRPRISE/CREDIT UNION/SAFE MIGRATION/RETURNED MIGRANTS/INDONESIA

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich, advisor, Ratchada Jayagupta, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Indonesia is one of the biggest sending countries of migrant workers in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, a significant number of these migrant workers have migrated in a way that is unsafe causing them to be victims of trafficking in the countries of destination. This research will attempt to: (1) examine the involvement of CSOs in promoting safe migration; (2) investigate the role of the Credit Union Pammase (CUP) in the promotion of safe migration through the implementation of economic security strategies; and (3) examine whether these strategies of CUP has promoted safe migration and prevented potential trafficked persons from being trafficked. This research draws on fieldwork conducted in one of the sending areas of Indonesia, the Bone District, South Sulawesi Province during the period of June - July 2013. This research argues that economic security became the main factor that influenced the future migration decisions of returned migrants. The paper concludes that CUP in the Bone District has not yet succeeded in strengthening economic security for its members. Instead, its contribution has only been to provide the members with a limited understanding of how to migrate to other countries in a safe and secure way. As a result, the members are still vulnerable to future trafficking. In addition, the problems of self-financing and management challenges are also two factors amongst others that prevent CUP to achieve its mission.

Reasons and prospects for return migration and reintegration in Myanmar from ASEAN countries

Title: Reasons and prospects for return migration and reintegration in Myanmar from ASEAN countries

Author: Hnin Phyu Phyu Myint

Year: 2013

Keywords: RETURN MIGRATION / HUMAN CAPITAL / ECONOMIC REINTEGRATION

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis looks at skilled and unskilled economic migrant workers from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand who have returned to Myanmar after receiving different kinds of human capital and how they integrate into Myanmar current economic reforms. The objectives of the research are to identify the factors of return to the country of origin by using the migration theory of push and pull factors from three major ASEAN receiving countries during 5 years and to analyze human capital and economic reintegration of returnees. The research is a qualitative case-study using in-depth interviews and snow ball sampling methodology and altogether 15 cases interviewed who returned from 3 ASEAN countries, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand comprising 5 cases per country, covering skilled and unskilled returned migrant workers within Yangon region.The study showed that the reasons of return home are mainly starting business, looking for new job opportunities and family reason both for voluntary and involuntary return. Both skilled and unskilled returnees’ reasons are examined by the theory of the structural approach of return migration. Most reasons are covered under the theory of return for starting business, return for family reunion, return for retirement and return for job opportunities. The research used the theory of human capital on what they learned from their country of destinations which include learned languages, working skills, working experiences, formal education and remittance. The reintegration process is different for skilled and unskilled returnees based on the human capital they received. While most of the skilled returnees are employees in international companies or NGOs with formal education, work experiences and working skills learned from other countries; the unskilled returnees used their remittances to start up the new business or to expand the existing family business. The process of reintegration process is also different between skilled and unskilled migrant workers. Skilled migrants can reintegrate better and faster compared to unskilled returned migrant workers. Normally the returned migrant workers took a significant time-frame of 6 months period for adaptation in reintegration of both self-employed and employee groups. Some returned for further studies, taking care of their own baby and retirement

Armed conflict, internally displaced persons and protection in Kachin state, Myanmar

Title: Armed conflict, internally displaced persons and protection in Kachin state, Myanmar

Author: Zaw Lut

Year: 2013

Keywords: MYANMAR ARMED CONFLICT / INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS / MIGRATION, PATTERNS / PROTECTION AND HUMAN SECURITY IN KACHIN STATE

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Internally displacement issues which phenomenon is quite similar with refugee gets mor attention from the world. According to the Internally Displacement Monitoring Center eport, 2011 described there were approximately 26.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) around the world. As Myanmar has been known for the home of the world longest civil war running country, the internally displacement phenomenon is gaining more attention and displacement numbers is growing year. Armed conflict between ethnic armed groups and Myanmar government military is going on since before Myanmar independence 1947 up to now in eastern, southern and northern parts the country where majority of the ethnic people are living. According to the Thai Border Consortium 2012, the estimation IDPs in the Eastern and Southern part of Myanmar is 4000,000. Since 2011, armed conflict between Kachin independent Army and Myanmar government military is carrying on, over 100,000 internally displaced persons, which is the greatest displacement ever in Kachin state, majority of IDPs are taking refuge along the Myanmar China border. Yet, Myanmar government have not recognized the IDPs officially therefore, IDPs are unprotected from being human right violations and humanitarian aids situation is worse. Therefore, this thesis focuses on armed conflict, migration pattern of IDPs, protction and human security of IDPs. How armed conflict affected to the IDPs, human security condition and function of protection mechanism for IDPs during the displacement. The key findings in this research indicate that 2011 Kachin armed conflict is rooted on political economic incentives of the Myanmar government and China. IDPs who moved into Laiz area are socially, geographically, and politically connected with KIO. All seven dimensions of Human security is not secure especially economic security and education is great challeges for the IDPs for their futurel. Eventually, IDPs have not legal-bonded protection though they are suffering from the human right violation and political rights are absent voting for 2015 is still a dream for IDPs.

Remitance and rural development in Chin State : case study of Aibur village

Title: Remitance and rural development in Chin State : case study of Aibur village

Author: Rual Lian Thang

Year: 2012

Keywords: MIGRATION/ REMITTANCE/ CHIN PEOPLE/ RURAL, DEVELOPMENT

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Niti Pawakapan, advisor, Hayes, Michael George, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The paper examines the impact of Chin migrant’s remittances on development of rural Chin community. A case study was done in Aibur community in Aibur village and Hakha. A questionnaire, interview, and observation were used to collect data about livelihood, flow and patterns of expenditures of remittance, and social security of the community. The preliminary results of the research show that remittance is an important and stable source of income for Chin people in rural community. From the survey done in the Aibur, 80 percent of the villagers receive remittances from families living abroad. Six of households totally rely on remittance for their income and 23 percents of households receive up to 50 percents of their income from remittance. The rest 50 percents of households receive remittance but cannot cover all their expenses and have to work on cultivation for their survival. The majority of remittance is mainly used by families for daily basic needs, followed by expenditure on housing, education, and health. Through distributing within the community, remittance is also used for social welfare and infrastructures such as construction of road, mini-hydro eclectic power, and school. This research paper argues that remittance has an important role on human capital development, better livelihood and some infrastructural development. However, there is no immediate economic development because there was insufficient money and limited opportunities for productive investment due to weak infrastructure and widespread poverty within the community.