US resettlement for displaced persons from Myanmar :protection in a protracted refugee situation in Mae La shelter

Title: US resettlement for displaced persons from Myanmar :protection in a protracted refugee situation in Mae La shelter

Author: Sarinya Moolma

Year: 2011

Keywords: DISPLACED PERSONS/ DURABLE SOLUTIONS/, RESETTLEMENT/ BURMESE REFUGEES

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon, advisor, Supang Chantavanich, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The objectives of international refugee regime are to provide the three durable solutions for refugees in an attempt to end the cycle of displacement: voluntary repatriation, local integration, and third country resettlement. In case the voluntary repatriation and local integration are not viable options for those in exile, the UNHCR in collaboration with NGOs would seek another approach to protect the lives of refugees, and therefore the third country resettlement would be preferred. In case of Thailand, the Burmese refugees have sought asylum in the refugee camps along the border for over two decades. The problem of Burmese refugees is recognized by UNHCR as one of the protracted refugee situations. Put another way, the prolonged existence of Burmese refugees in Thailand is now at the crossroad because Burma remains in the middle of internal conflicts, while Thailand, as country of asylum, finds difficult to cope with the refugee flows. Meanwhile, USA is one of the developed countries that are supporting international programs to alleviate the protracted refugee situations. Hence this thesis examines the United States Refugee Admission Program as the tool to resolve the protracted situation of Burmese displaced persons because the program provides the greater number of refugee admissions. The site selection is in Mae La temporary shelter, the largest shelter in Thailand with the largest number of departures to the third country resettlement. After the US resettlement process has begun in 2005, the program has brought new homes to a number of Burmese refugees from protracted displacement. From this study, it reveals that US resettlement is a suitable durable solution for the time being. But the gap could be found from the selection criteria as security check on individual is time-consuming, the fraud application, and that the unregistered refugees are excluded in the process. Nevertheless, the US resettlement is the first and only durable solution to address the protracted situation of Burmese refugees in Thailand. The cooperative resettlement program would lead to the positive change in long term.

Transnational seasonal labour migration and development : lives of Thai berry picker returnees from Sweden

Title: Transnational seasonal labour migration and development : lives of Thai berry picker returnees from Sweden

Author: Julia Kamoltip Kallstrom

Year: 2011

Keywords: SEASONAL LABOUR MIGRATION, THAI BERRY PICKERS,, DEVELOPMENT

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Jakkrit Sangkhamanee, advisor, Supang Chantavanich, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Previous research has acknowledged that labour migration have had huge benefits for both receiving and sending countries of migrant workers. Thai migrants seasonally traveling to Sweden to pick wild berries have been an ongoing trend since the past two decades. Simultaneously there has been a drastic decline of Swedish labour in the wild berry picking industry. Since the year 2000 there has been an increasing number of Thai berry pickers ; in particular rural people from the North-east parts of Thailand. It has been recognized that migration and development are interdependent processes which profoundly influences one another, where migration policies nowadays are developed to take on a development approach. This qualitative research examines the relationship between transnational seasonal labour migration of berry picking in Sweden and the development of the Thai farmer’s living standards in terms of social and economic conditions, and employment. This research contribute with knowledge about Thai migrant berry pickers and fill the existing gap of research made on Thai migrant berry pickers in relation to international labour migration and development. The study seeks to make recommendations on how the seasonal migration of berry picking should be managed and facilitated by the Thai and Swedish Authorities to have a positive outcome. This study is focused on Thai migrant berry pickers from the province of Phetchabun in the sub district of Bueng Krachap and is based on migrant berry pickers who have travelled to Sweden annually. The study presents a unique community of Thai migrant berry pickers who have managed to obtain an income to their distinct measured up to almost 12 million baht per berry season. Interviews with five governmental officials and two organizational representatives and focus group interviews with sixteen migrant berry pickers were the primary source of the data collection. The findings from interviews concluded that the seasonal migration of berry picking have contributed with positive to the Thai migrants living standards in terms of becoming a valuable source of employment and income, acting as an economic security in terms of bad harvest and environmental destruction and nurturing social relationships between migrant berry pickers and their family members.

The Ex-KMT refugees in Northern Thailand in the age of international-political transformation of post cold war Asia

Title: The Ex-KMT refugees in Northern Thailand in the age of international-political transformation of post cold war Asia

Author: Lei Tong

Year: 2011

Keywords: EX-KMT REFUGEES/ INTERNATIONAL-TRANSFORMATION /, POST COLD WAR ASIA / NORTHERN THAILAND/ HUMAN SECURITY

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Withaya Sucharithanarugse, advisor, Wasana Wongsurawat, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The KMT refugees in northern Thailand derived from the KMT armies’ remnants upon retreated from mainland China to Burma in 1949. Labeled as ‘civilian refugees’ on their arrival in Thailand by the Thai government, they were encouraged to participate in the Thais’ own war on communism until the 1980’s. In reward for subduing the communist problem, some of them were granted Thai citizenship, while others remained stateless. From the perspective of international politics, the Cold War in Asia ended earlier than its counterpart in Europe due to the strategic rise of the People’s Republic of China and the ensuing adjustment of the U.S’s political strategies in Asia. A transformation in terms of the international-political system and structure of Asia from the 1970’s onwards has shaped the human security fate of the target groups. The ex-KMTs in northern Thailand gradually lost their strategic importance in the ‘grand chessboard’ of all interested parties. However, the KMT refugees exist as more than mere “victims’ of the transformation. They struggle for resettlement in Thailand or return to Taiwan, and also strive to improve their human security status through advocacy initiatives with relevant parties and communal governance. Different coping strategies have led to diverse effects on the human security status of the target groups. The spontaneous and non-structural coping strategies have been greatly insufficient to protect the target groups from diverse but interrelated human security threats. The thesis depends primarily on documentary research. Fieldwork research at two villages, Mae Salong and Santisuk, also contributes to understanding the limitations and contributions of the target groups’ coping strategies as well as their human security status in the four major dimensions of community, economic, and education, and nationality security.

A refugee-centered perspective on refugee protection mechanisms : the case of the Lao Hmong refugees in Thailand

Title: A refugee-centered perspective on refugee protection mechanisms : the case of the Lao Hmong refugees in Thailand

Author: My Lo

Year: 2010

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Vira Somboon, advisor, Hayes, Michael, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: In a state-centered paradigm, the refugee regime has diverted the application of its moral obligations of protection to serve state interests. It has moved away from the object of its protection--the refugee herself--to prefer policies and practice of political convenience. Looking closely at the experience of the Lao Hmong refugees in Thailand, this study contends that the refugee perspective must regain its validity in dictating protection policies. When asked to define refugee protection, their experience with it and their expectations of it, Lao Hmong refugees invoked basic principles of human rights: right of livelihood, freedom from fear, freedom of movement, right of education, cultural and religious freedom, etc. Most importantly, they frame their protection demands within the respect and full realization of their human dignity, self-sufficiency and self-determination. Their experience validate the idea that refugee protection must not seek to provide solutions to the state of being a refugee but rather it must seek to empower refugees to decide what solution suits their aspirations best. Recommendations include practical programmatic considerations (e.g. the strategic use of technology to promote self-sufficiency) and wider policy guidelines (e.g. signing and ratifying the 1951 Refugee Convention).

Repatriation from Thailand to Myanmar of trafficked children = The process of returning victims of child trafficking from Thailand to Myanmar

Title: Repatriation from Thailand to Myanmar of trafficked children = The process of returning victims of child trafficking from Thailand to Myanmar

Author: San Latt Phyu

Year: 2009

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich, advisor, Huguet, Jerrold W., co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Repatriation process is regarded as the last stage of the protection program for the trafficked persons. It is the stage that has more human interaction and personal contact between the caregivers and the receivers. Trafficked children, in particular, have vulnerability as they still need to depend on others for their well-being. Therefore, there are special provisions and specific legislation both international and national based on human rights principles to protect the children during the repatriation process. It is important to apply the rights-based approach to trafficked children when the care givers help them to redress their human rights and reduce the barriers to apply such approach at the hands of caregivers. As there is still an argument in defining what is repatriation and reintegration, the findings first presented the different interpretations from different caregivers. Then, it describes the repatriation process starting from victim identification, care and supporting programs at Baan Kredtrakarn shelter including vocational training, health care, psycho-social support and legal assistance in Thailand and analyzed the degree of application of rights-based approach in accordance with the national and international guidelines. The continued process in Myanmar is explained briefly together with the family tracing process and the challenges in Myanmar. Throughout the presentation of research findings, the three evaluating factors in rights-based approach which are the accountability, equality and non-discrimination, and participation were used to analyze the current practices in the process of repatriation. It was found out that the rights-based approach has been partially addressed in the current repatriation process. The accountability, equality and non-discrimination, and participation are applied in the aspects of i) cooperating with civil society organizations for effective protection, ii) having multidisciplinary team, iii) providing measures in Thai laws and bilateral MOU for faster repatriation, iv) providing same legal assistance regardless of nationality, v) keeping the best interest of the children in the legal process and maintaining confidentiality in the family tracing process. On the other hand, the three main principles are needed to enhance in the following areas because of i) different interpretations for repatriation and reintegration, ii) the limited channels for the participation from the children, iii) corrupted officials in the legal process and some Thai officials' negative attitudes towards migrant workers, iv) resource constraints for individual care, v) lack of alternative option for the children who do not pass the nationality confirmation. The repatriation process is the final step in the protection program for victims of human trafficking. This step emphasizes the interaction between caregivers and victims, particularly girls who are often trafficked and dependent on others for a better life. Therefore, special requirements and laws, both international and national, concerning human rights, are in place to protect victims during the repatriation process. A rights-based approach is appropriate to help ensure that children receive their human rights and to reduce obstacles faced by caregivers in providing protection. Preliminary findings reveal differing understandings of the meaning of repatriation and social integration. The first difference is evident in the varying perceptions of repatriation among caregivers. The repatriation process in Thailand includes victim identification, shelter care and assistance at Baan Kret Trakarn, vocational training, healthcare, social and psychological support, and legal assistance. The repatriation process is analyzed using a rights-based approach, considering national and international laws. The ongoing process in Myanmar involves locating the victims' families and addressing various obstacles encountered there. The analysis of victim rights protection considers three factors: accountability, equality, and non-discrimination. Research has found that victim-centered protection is not currently fully implemented. While it is partially applied in the repatriation process, particularly in terms of accountability, non-discrimination, equality, and non-discrimination, it was observed that protection is demonstrated in: 1) effective collaboration with civil society organizations in victim protection; 2) the use of multidisciplinary teams; 3) provisions in Thai law and bilateral Thai-Myanmar agreements for expedited repatriation; 4) equal access to legal assistance for victims of all nationalities; and 5) prioritizing the best interests of the child in the justice process and maintaining confidentiality in tracking victims' families. However, some steps in the repatriation process should see greater application of victim-centered protection, including: 1) differing interpretations of the term "repatriation" and its integration into society by various stakeholders; 2) limited avenues for child participation in the repatriation process; 3) corruption within the legal process and negative attitudes of some Thai officials towards migrant workers; 4) limited budgets for victim care; and 5) the lack of alternative options for children who have not yet had their Myanmar national identification numbers verified by the Myanmar government.

Irregular Burmese migrants in Malaysia : A case study of Chin people

Title: Irregular Burmese migrants in Malaysia : A case study of Chin people

Author: Khen Suan Khai

Year: 2009

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Pornpimon Trichot, advisor, Narumon Thabchumpon, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Burmese people have been migrating to Malaysia since early 1990s. Socio-political-economic pressure pulls the Chin migrant workers from Burma to come into Malaysia rather than India and Thailand for better network in Malaysia as well as to shun from direct deportation to home country. Amidst Malaysia government’s violation of migration rights, resettlement from Malaysia to third countries plays critical role in migration to Malaysia. The largest irregular migrant populations from Burma, besides economic factors, ethnic and religious discrimination are the main factors that push Chin people to migrate out of Chin State. Low income, dependency on other migrants, assistance from community based groups, and support from friends in third countries help Chin people to survive amidst destitution in Malaysia. Being only a State Party to only two of international human rights instruments: the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and has not ratified the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICPMW), and has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, both refugees and irregular migrants are illegal. This research has tried to classify and enrich understanding about the authentic situation of irregular Chin migrants from Burma, their experiences and working conditions in Malaysia and related consequences. It has exposed the push and pull factors of Chin people’s migration to Malaysia irregularly, and has identified working environments, economic situation and social welfare conditions of irregular Chin migrants in Malaysia too understand irregular Chin migrants’ survival strategies. The research unveils that no policy protects Chin irregular migrants in Malaysia that they are in a risk situation.

Stateless people's needs and problems in obtaining Thai nationality : a case study of hill tribe people in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Title: Stateless people's needs and problems in obtaining Thai nationality : a case study of hill tribe people in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Author: Aticha Wongwian

Year: 2008

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Niti Pawakapan

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The problem of statelessness in Thailand remains unsolved mainly because the country’s policies on granting nationality do not cover all kinds of stateless people existing in Thailand. However, statelessness in people who actually have the right to Thai nationality according to Thai law is found to be a continuing problem because stateless people can not cope with difficulties that occur during the process of Thai nationality obtaining. This research aims to study the needs and problems of stateless people in obtaining Thai nationality. The research relies upon a combination of documentary research and field research. The field research includes the researcher’s observation and participation in assisting hill tribe people to obtain Thai nationality during an internship at the Mirror Foundation in January-February 2009 and in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with twelve selected cases of former stateless hill tribe people in Chiang Rai Province. The key informants were selected based upon their availability, through the networking of the Mirror Foundation as well as district offices, and through the snowball technique. The research found that the main problems of former stateless people in obtaining Thai nationality were access to information regarding Thai nationality obtaining and the problem corruption. The first problem was caused by three factors: the sources of information, the forms of the information and methods in passing on the information, and the stateless people themselves. The main sources of information such as village chiefs, NGOs and district officers were unknowledgeable. Moreover, personal bias or misled attitudes among village chiefs and the officials made it difficult for stateless people to acquire the information. At the same time, the research found that the information was passed to the people in verbal form and mainly through interpersonal communication, leading to misinterpretations and misunderstandings. Furthermore, the research found that interpersonal communication between district officials and stateless people was not possible since the people felt uncomfortable approaching officials. Moreover, illiterate stateless people were not capable of understanding written information. Because of the problem of access to information, the people were not able to cope with difficulties in nationality obtaining procedures and usually failed in obtaining Thai nationality. Moreover, this problem also affected stateless people’s states of mind as well as leads to the problem of corruption. Stateless people who could not help themselves in obtaining Thai nationality tended to rely on assistance from outside, usually from village chiefs. As a result, stateless people became potential victims of corruption by village chiefs. The basic need of stateless people in obtaining Thai nationality is obviously knowledge about the procedures and laws in obtaining Thai nationality. In this regard, written forms of information should be used more while still maintaining usage of verbal communication. Written forms of information and direct verbal communication between stateless people and state officials will reduce the gap in information and risk of misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Equipped with necessary information, stateless people may successfully process their request by themselves or with less assistance from others. This may also reduce the role of village chiefs and therefore reduce the chance of corruption. However, assistance on the practical level is still needed for stateless people who lack Thai literacy and in complicated procedures that required advance knowledge such as appealing.

Protection policies for migrant workers in Thailand : a case study on the roles of Thai Labor Solidarity Committee

Title: Protection policies for migrant workers in Thailand : a case study on the roles of Thai Labor Solidarity Committee

Author: Surawanna Tassanee

Year: 2008

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This qualitative research was aimed to study the movement of Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) and its alliances on the protection of migrant workers in Thailand. In this research, TLSC’s structure was examined as well as its strategies on the protection of migrant workers. There was the evaluation of those strategies in order to understand the impacts in different level. Data was collected from the in-dept interviews with the representatives from the leading actors of TLSC, Thai worker’s union, labor related and migrant related NGOs, migrant workers and Thai workers. The research found that TLSC had used “Human Rights” as the leading concept for their movement. TLSC had the clear structure in the administrative level. The main strategies of TLSC on labor movement in Thailand included petition, campaign and education, capacity building, information dissemination in national and local level and networking. All of these strategies had been used for the movement on the protection of migrant workers as well. The migrant related NGOs who were members of TLSC had played important roles and had influence towards TLSC’s activities regarding the protection of migrant workers. The strong capacity of migrant related NGOs who participated in TLSC and the sufficient database about migrant workers situation provided to TLSC leaders and members by NGOs were the main factors motivating TLSC movement on the protection of migrant workers. The impacts of TLSC’s strategies on the protection of migrant workers were in three different levels; policy level, local level, and organization level.

Protecting labor rights of Burmese migrant workers : a case study of Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association in Mae Sot, Thailand

Title: Protecting labor rights of Burmese migrant workers : a case study of Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association in Mae Sot, Thailand

Author: Zaw Aung

Year: 2008

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon, advisor, Pornpimon Trichot, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: In 2008, Thai Ministry of Labor acknowledged that the Kingdom will need to employ 1.2 million low-skilled migrant workers in order to solve the problem of the labor shortage in the country. In fact, about 2 million migrants have already settled in Thailand and more than 80 percent of the migrant labor forces employed in Thailand’s various economic sectors are the Burmese who migrated into the Kingdom crossing the border. Mae Sot is one of the most migrant-concentrated border towns where more than 200,000 Burmese migrants lived and worked mainly in the industrial sector such as garment, knitting and other factories. This research studied why the YCO with an unauthorized status is able to provide legal and other assistance to protect the labor rights of the Burmese migrant workers in Mae Sot within the legal framework of Thailand and also found out a new social legitimacy in terms of labor rights protection that has emerged following the activities of the YCO. As a qualitative research emphasizing on a case study of the Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association, a Burmese labor rights organization in Mae Sot, the research conducted a series of in-depth interviews with the key informants from the YCO and several leaders from the Thailand-based Burmese civil society organizations, group discussions with the selected migrant workers, interviews with a labor officer at the DLPW in Mae Sot and Thai NGOs workers and lawyers. The research found out that the violations of the Labor Protection Act B.E. 2541 have been rampant in Mae Sot. The institutional weakness of the concerned government agencies and the impunity that the factory employers have received in Mae Sot leads to these violations. Therefore, Thai and non-Thai civil society organizations have stepped in to protect the labor rights of the Burmese migrant workers in Mae Sot. Among them, the YCO’s activities have contributed, to a certain extent, to the rule of law in the labor market of the border town because the organization have effectively encouraged the migrants not to stage unlawful labor strikes which can affect the social stability of the border town. The organization has steadfastly shown them a legal path to protect their labor rights. It is the key factor why the YCO with an unauthorized status has been able to provide legal assistance to the irregular Burmese migrant workers within the legal framework of Thailand.

Remittance flows from Thailand to mawlamyine, mon state, Myanmar

Title: Remittance flows from Thailand to mawlamyine, mon state, Myanmar

Author: Nwet Kay Khine

Year: 2007

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The focus of this study is on the development impact of informal remittances sent by Myanmar migrant workers from Thailand to Myanmar. Methodologically, this is a qualitative research based on case studies. Information had been collected by doing field research with in-depth interviews to remittances senders, recipients and remittance service providers in Bangkok, Mae Sot in Thailand and Mawlamyine in Myanmar. Literature review was useful for doing analysis on the field data in theoretical approach. Matching case studies between migrants in Thailand and their household left behind give a portrait of remittance channel started from the hands of senders to the door of recipients. Firstly, determining factors on the propensity and the remittance sending behaviors of migrant workers had been explored to identify the capacity of sending remittances. Secondly, this study tried to portray clear picture of the whole remittance service operating system and the role of the players who are involving in various stages of the money transfer process as middle man between senders and the recipients. It highlighted the choice of remittance service by the migrant workers, types of services they are being offered and the costs and risks involving in informal money transfer system. Thirdly, the way the recipients utilized the remittances has been assessed to identify its impact on the economic development of recipients. The intensity of poverty and the lack of favorable investment climate are affecting the expenditure pattern of recipient household. Findings on the saving, spending and investment behaviors of the recipients showed that the larger volume of remittances is flowing into the unproductive expenditure rather than productive investment. This study raises a set of policy adjustment for Myanmar and the host country. It also points out other areas for further research relevant to remittances of Myanmar migrant workers and its development contribution.

Impacts of parents' cross-border migration on children in Hlaing Bwe Township, Kayin State, Myanmar

Title: Impacts of parents' cross-border migration on children in Hlaing Bwe Township, Kayin State, Myanmar

Author: Naw Phoebe

Year: 2007

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Temporary cross-border labour migration of parents from Myanmar to other countries is often motivated by desires to provide economic opportunities for the family and educational opportunities for their children. This study is to find out the impacts on left behind families, children and community due to migration of parents in terms of socio-economic condition and children’s access to education. The study area was in Ta Won Phan Ya village located in Hlaing Bwe Township in Kayin State, Myanmar. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative methods. Survey method was used for quantitative technique. In-depth interview with children, caregivers and the community key informants and focus group discussion with children were applied as qualitative research techniques. Migration of parents has both positive and negative impact on the children, family and the community. The results from parents’ migration show the improvement in family’s socioeconomic status that faces poverty and has limited job opportunities by means of remittances. Remittances enable the families mainly solve the day to day living. Moreover, remittances contribute to maintain children’s access to education and other well being of the family such as renovation of the houses, repay debts and pay tax etc and perform meritorious deeds which is highly value in their tradition. In addition, with warm support from the caregivers, extended family members and the community, the children and members back home encounter no major problem. On the other hand, there are some downsides of migration. Remittance of parents can put children at risk if money is not being used correctly. Remittances are mostly seen as not being used in a productive way other than used for the consumerism. As a result, members’ migration cannot be reduces besides will increase in numbers. Absence of parents makes children become less interest in education as children do not see education as a worthy investment as they see that parents can earn money abroad without obtaining any higher education. Besides, since majority of the productive workforce leave the village, there is a stagnation in the rural economy and it can gradually decline in the near future. As migration is concern with lack of job opportunity, country’s economic strategy should be review in order to reduce the unemployment of the citizens.

The Thai Labour Unions: Identifying Internal Constraints to Effective Representation of Members' Interests in the Workplace and Society

Title: The Thai Labour Unions: Identifying Internal Constraints to Effective Representation of Members' Interests in the Workplace and Society

Author: Osolnick, John

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Lae Dilokvidhyarat

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: It appears that workers worldwide are relentlessly striving for dignity, fairness, justice, and a better quality of life. Labor unions are crucial institutions in helping workers fight for themselves, their families, and their communities. Over the past twenty to thirty years, however, workers and unions have faced increasingly severe challenges as some believe that curtailing the power and effectiveness of unions will lead to greater personal gain. Therefore, unions worldwide, including in America and Thailand, have confronted these obstacles. However, these obstacles have also led to certain developments, one of which is the creation of a model union system. This research focuses specifically on the movements of Thai labor unions, without detailing the various obstacles faced by Thai workers from employers, the government, or laws. Instead, it tests the potential of Thai labor unions to create an effective model union system. The research aims to identify the problems that Thai labor unions need to address before they can build a successful model union system. Ultimately, the research primarily discusses two key factors necessary for creating a model union system: funding (membership fees) and personnel for organization/membership recruitment. The research reveals that current Thai labor unions lack both funding and personnel for organization/membership recruitment. Workers around the globe seem to share the same constant up-hill struggle for dignity, justice, fairness and a decent way of life. Trade unions have been and continue to be the pivotal institution for working class people to advance their struggle for themselves, their families, and their communities. The past few decades have borne witness to ever-greater challenges to workers and their unions by those who believe they benefit from limiting the power and effectiveness of unions. Consequently, unions all over the world, including in America and Thailand, have faced setbacks in recent decades. There have however been developments that have shown real promise in turning around the setbacks organized labor has been facing. One such development is the organizing model of unionism.This research is focused on the Thai trade union movement. It is not an elaboration of the many hurdles the movement faces from employers, the government or the law. It is instead an examination of what capacities Thai unions have to adopt and implement the organizing model of unionism.This research seeks to examine what internal constraints Thai unions need to address as a prerequisite to adopting the organizing model. To that end, the research is chiefly concerned with examining two key resources needed to adopt the model: financial resources (dues) and organizing staff. The research reveals that Thai unions currently lack both the financial resources and organizing staff to adopt the organizing model.

Reproductive health services for female Laotian migrant workers in Mukdahan Province

Title: Reproductive health services for female Laotian migrant workers in Mukdahan Province

Author: Yukiko Aida

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, reproductive health has become a key element of health development strategies. Promoting reproductive health significantly influences women's autonomy, birth choices, and the provision of high-quality healthcare services for all women of reproductive age without discrimination in Thailand. Migrant workers from neighboring countries can address and fulfill the demand for unskilled labor in various industries under continuous economic expansion. However, due to limited job markets in Laos, more young Laotians are migrating to Thailand, resulting in a steadily increasing female-male labor force. The demand for Laotian workers in the service and domestic sectors is relatively high due to their similar cultural and linguistic characteristics to Thais. Nevertheless, in reality, access to healthcare services remains largely undisclosed due to the significant number of undocumented migrant workers. This research aimed to examine the reproductive health status, awareness, and knowledge of Lao migrant women in Thailand; to study the causes of reproductive health risks among Lao female workers; and to explore reproductive health services for Lao female workers. The study also included an analysis of information and service provision systems by the government, private organizations, and international organizations. Data collection involved secondary data, structured interviews with Lao migrant women in Mukdahan province, and interviews with key informants. The findings revealed that Lao female workers have low levels of knowledge and awareness regarding reproductive health, despite facing lower risks compared to workers in other occupations, such as those indirectly involved in sex work. However, they remain at risk in their daily lives. The study also found inadequate reproductive health services, coupled with local beliefs and values ​​that discourage contraception choices in Laos. Furthermore, employers exhibit significant influence on female workers' health, and spouses and friends play crucial roles in promoting access to health services. The illegal status of these workers poses risks and obstacles to accessing necessary services. Since the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994 in Cairo, reproductive health has become an important component of health development strategy. The promotion of reproductive health has been known to have significant influence on the autonomy of women. Reproductive choice, especially access to high quality reproductive health services, must be secured for every woman without discrimination. In Thailand, migrant workers from neighboring countries fill unskilled labor needs of many industries. Due to a scarcity of jobs within their country, many young Laotians migrate to Thailand. It is estimated that females consist of more than half of total Laotian workers. The demand for service and domestic work is high for Laotians due to their cultural and linguistic similarity with Thais. However, in reality, access to health services is unknown since there are substantial numbers of undocumented migrant workers. The following are the research objectives. Firstly, the study examines the status of reproductive health, the awareness and knowledge of female Lao migrant workers in Thailand. Secondly, the causes of vulnerability among female Lao migrants are examined. Thirdly, this study investigates reproductive health care services which are available to female Lao migrants. Finally, the reproductive health care and information delivery systems of the government, NGO and international agencies are analyzed. Secondary data analysis, structured interviews with Laotian migrant service workers in Mukdahan province and interviews with key-informants were adopted as research techniques. The research found that low levels of knowledge and a lack of awareness on concerning reproductive health existed among Laotian female workers. Although their vulnerability is less serious when compared to workers in other occupations, such as indirect sex workers; they are still at risk in their daily lives. This study also found poor availability of reproductive health service, local beliefs and norms against contraceptive choice in Laos. Furthermore, the influence that employers have on health maintenance of migrants is also confirmed from the findings. Partners and friends were identified to play a significant role in improving access to the health services. The illegal status of workers makes them vulnerable and causes difficulty in accessing public health service at their destination of work.

Migrant children's access to education in Thailand : a case study of Myanmar children in Samut Sakhon Province

Title: Migrant children's access to education in Thailand : a case study of Myanmar children in Samut Sakhon Province

Author: Zeya Thu

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Surichai Wun'Gaeo

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: 63,000 children from Myanmar who were under age 12, registered as migrants in July 2004 in Thailand though the number can be higher taking into account unregistered children. Most of the children are deprived of their needs, which are essential for their development in life. One of the most important needs for Myanmar migrant children lies in the area of education. The objective of the study was to assess the situation of Myanmar migrant children vis-a-vis education in Thailand and to identify the barriers to their education. The research was a qualitative case-study of Samut Sakhon Province that employed in-depth interviews and a structured document review. The main data were drawn from face-to-face interviews with Myanmar migrant children, their parents, principals from the schools, government officials in the education sector, and NGO staff members who help migrant children in the field of education. The study found out there are three types of education available for children of migrants in Samut Sakhon: 1) Schools in Myanmar, 2) Formal Thai schools, 3) Informal schools or migrant schools set up by NGOs or communiity organizations. It is estimated that 10 percent of migrant children go to Myamar for study. 9 to 18 percent enter Thai schools while 5 to 8 percent join informal migrant schools. The study identified barriers to migrant children’s education that are multi-layered and multi-faceted. They include household/community-level, school-level, and policy-and-system-level barriers. The research concluded that the situation of Myanmar migrant children regarding education is poor by general standard. It recommended that the implementation of 2005 Cabinet Resolution which provided education for all children in Thailand be carried out effectively and migrant schools be strengthened while NGOs can play a key role in both of these processes.

Humanitarian assistance and the empowerment of Karen women in a refugee camp in Thailand

Title: Humanitarian assistance and the empowerment of Karen women in a refugee camp in Thailand

Author: Kimberly Brown

Year: 2005

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Chantana Banpasirichote Wungaeo

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The civil conflict in Burma, causing mass amounts of displacement, has been ongoing and relatively unnoticed by the international community for more than two decades. Increased levels of fighting combined with countless cases and forms of human rights abuses has led to the flight of many people across borders into neighboring countries. The first Karen refugees came to Thailand in 1984, ongoing SPDC offensives and human rights abuses have led to a refugee case load which is now over 150,000. Women's experiences in conflict as well as in refugee situations are often unique due to their gender. Women in conflict zones often face increased threats of sexual abuse and rape and many times become uprooted and forced to migrate with the added responsibility of care taking for children and the elderly. On top of the basic needs which all refugees share, refugee women may face specific vulnerabilities such as manipulation, sexual physical abuse, exploitation and unequal access to goods and services. There are 7 Karen camps along the Thai-Burma border and a wide variety of humanitarian organizations work along the border area and within the refugee camps. Some organizations focus specifically to help women deal with the conditions of the refugee camp and post-conflict situation. This research uses five in-depth case studius to answer the research question of how Karen women are empowered through humanitarian assistance programs. The empowerment of Karen refugee women is measured through four indicators: access, conscientization, mobilization and control. This research argues that certain conditions in the lives of refugee women living in Mae La camp create vulnerability and makes specific humanitarian assistance to them necessary. The research finds that women are empowered on some levels, mostly on an individual basis in education on gender, human rights, and democracy; income generation, and increasing representation in political and social capacities. However, Karen refugee women in Mae La camp meet numerous obstructions in their empowerment due to certain power structures, namely the lack of female representation at decision-making levels. The author proposes ongoing education with regard to gender roles and sexual and gender based violence in order to decrease refugee women's vulnerabilities and negative experiences within the refugee camp. Further to this, the author encourages an increase in women's representation at decision-making levels.