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

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

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

Author: Mr.Thinh Mai Phuc

Year: 2021

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

Theme: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Advisor(s): Jiraporn Laocharoenwong

The full thesis available here.

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

Queering The Migrant Experience: Gay Filipino Workers’ Performance of Gender and Sexual Identities in Bangkok

Title: Queering The Migrant Experience: Gay Filipino Workers’ Performance of Gender and Sexual Identities in Bangkok

Author: Mr.Hans Kevin Madanguit

Year: 2021

Keywords: LGBTQ+, QUEER, SPACE, MIGRATION, BANGKOK, GAY FILIPINOS

Theme: Gender

Advisor(s): Bhanubhatra Jittiang

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The Philippine migration scholarship heavily focuses on heteronormative issues that depict the migrant workers as heterosexuals. Due to this trend, there is a scarcity of studies on overseas Filipino workers who identify as part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Community. Hence, this qualitative research focuses on eleven documented Filipino workers in Thailand who are males assigned at birth and identify as gay homosexuals. Individual informal interviews were employed to investigate how they practice their non-normative gender and sexuality, given their multiple yet intersectional social identities in a country with vibrant queer cultures. It also probes the relationship between the queer Filipino migrant laborers and the Thai capital Bangkok’s queer spaces and how they influence one another. By drawing my analyses on queer theory to simultaneously engage the three disciplines of sexuality, spaces, and migration, the research exposes the critical role of queer spaces in the formation and confirmation of the migrants’ gender and sexual identities through their experience in finding acceptance and belongingness as well as satisfying their romantic and sexual pursuits in both physical and online gay-oriented spaces. The investigation led to a realization that their presence in these spaces became a contributing factor in the intensification of existing issues on the function and significance of gay spaces, such as its heterosexualization and reinforced gay audience segmentation while homonormalization is happening in heterosexual spaces, which may all have a serious impact on the future of queer cultures that Thailand had cultivated for more than half a century. This observation banks on the idea that although space is helpful in an individual’s identity formation, an individual is basically the creator of space because it is social. Queering the migrant experience presents the importance of gender and sexuality as identities in the migration process as the performance of these identities by migrant laborers allows them to be molded by the spaces they consume and, on the one hand, be active stakeholders that influence and manufacture the meanings of these spaces. Hence, being gay, homosexual, and migrant workers are fundamental roles in the flourishment of sexual identities, practices, and communities.

A study of Covid-19 crisis communication in Myanmar (January 2020-January 2021) : Divergences between ministry of health and sports and state counsellor

Title: A study of Covid-19 crisis communication in Myanmar (January 2020-January 2021) : Divergences between ministry of health and sports and state counsellor

Author: Miss Aye Pa Pa Moe

Year: 2021

Keywords: Crisis Communication, Myanmar, Covid-19, Pandemic, Infodemic

Theme: Public Sphere and Media

Advisor(s): Balazs Szanto

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Effective crisis communication is critical in a country like Myanmar, which has a vulnerable population and a newly democratically elected government. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Myanmar's government established multi communication channels to interact directly with its citizens and other actors, including government agencies, allowing for active stakeholder participation in crisis management. The purpose of this research is to identify the Myanmar government's crisis communication strategy in managing the COVID issue at the national level from January 2020 to January 2021. The study will take a three-stage approach to crisis management, with pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis stages. It also explored Myanmar's government's public relations activities and its communication efforts during the COVID-19 crisis (first wave and second wave). The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the Myanmar government to embrace or increase their use of digital platforms. The paper explores how, in reaction to the COVID infodemic, the Myanmar government used both traditional and new media—specifically, social media—to its advantage during the pandemic. Furthermore, the study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of Myanmar's crisis communication and management strategies, as well as the lessons learned and issues encountered in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. The study employs a qualitative case study methodology with an explanatory approach because the government crisis communication in Myanmar has never been thoroughly investigated. Study analysis is based on document research and primary data of artefacts (the communication avenues) that reflected government work during COVID. The paper evaluates the Myanmar government's policies and frameworks, as well as its crisis communication strategy and model, from the COVID-19 crisis to January 2021.

A study of sustainability in the energy sector in Myanmar between 2011 and 2020

Title: A study of sustainability in the energy sector in Myanmar between 2011 and 2020

Author: Miss Clara Mang Sui Tang

Year: 2021

Keywords: Energy security, Energy policy, Environmental policy, Energy Tariffs, Myanmar

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Balazs Szanto

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: In modern society, energy becomes a life supporting mechanism, as it is not only entangled with the environment pillar of sustainable development, but also inseparably related to the economic and social pillars of society. Taking advantage of a qualitative research method, this study critically examines the level of sustainability of Myanmar’s energy sector between 2011 and 2020, using 2011 as a baseline, by observing three critical components: energy security, environmental considerations in energy production and securing financial health for the sector.Energy security, possessing uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price, is studied from available macro secondary data in conjunction with an analysis of existing energy policies. The study concludes that, although the two successive Myanmar’s Union governments were able to generate and import energy to meet its soaring demand and maintain its energy security, it still fell short to improve energy security during the studied period.This thesis finds that environmental policy integration in the energy sector at the Union level is the most vibrant among the three components. Although there is still a long journey to undertake to meet international standards, the country was able to graduate from “traditional” environmental management and transitioned into a sound streamlined environmental safeguarding mechanism in the sector.Furthermore, the examination of Myanmar’s energy sector financial health in this study reflects the vital role energy tariffs play in the sustainability of a market economy. Although the two successive governments were able to raise electricity tariffs twice during the studied period, which new tariffs resulted in some improvement in the energy sector’s financial health, the sector still needs massive subsidies from the Union’s budget. This insecure financial health has impacted the sector’s productivity and functionality, but it also has a negative effect on the country’s wider socio-economic development, specifically affecting those who do not have access to modern electricity.Although this study does not find current satisfactory trends in any of the three studied components, it notes the improvements that the country was able to make especially considering the starting point of the journey - newly transitioning into a semi-democratic society from a military dictatorship. The study also provides pragmatic recommendations for the sector’s sustainability based on its research. By observing the energy sector from a bird’s eye view, this paper intends to initiate a deeper understanding of sustainability in Myanmar’s energy sector and potentially offer new premises and contentions for further debate on the subject

Governmentality in the context of Japan-Funded Farm-to-Market road (FMR) in Agdangan Quezon Province, Philippines

Title: Governmentality in the context of Japan-Funded Farm-to-Market road (FMR) in Agdangan Quezon Province, Philippines

Author: Miss Ma. Josephine Therese Emily Teves

Year: 2021

Keywords: N.A

Theme: Post Development

Advisor(s): Teewin Suputtikun

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Recent studies have focused on the role of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in financing infrastructural projects and rural development programs. This study demonstrates how Japanese and Filipino aid authorities facilitated a Japan ODA-funded Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) subproject as a solution aiming to achieve the Agrarian Reform Community’s (ARC) overall poverty reduction and rural economic growth agenda to contribute to this literature. Drawing on Foucault's governmentality, Escobar’s development discourse, and Li’s “The Will to Improve,” this study shows ODA as an alliance emphasizing power relations and analyzing processes and interactions within the ODA-funded FMR subproject management stages. This study also examines the impact of the completed FMR on project beneficiaries, especially agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Finally, it argues that while the FMR fostered mutual understanding, beneficial relationships, and more significant advantages among the non-poor sector, such as aid authorities, the poor sector, such as ARBs, clamor for further support to maximize FMR opportunities.

Environmental displacement in Thailand’s disaster policy and practice : A case study of Samut Chin

Title: Environmental displacement in Thailand’s disaster policy and practice : A case study of Samut Chin

Author: Mrs.Cynthia Nitsch

Year: 2020

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Environmental Politics and Policy

Advisor(s): Carl Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: As the world is experiencing more frequent disasters, sudden and slow-onset, the number of communities facing displacement is rapidly increasing. Some international frameworks suggest definitions and promote human rights-based approaches to dealing with mobility caused by environmental concerns, however, there is no legal term nor general consensus on how to label this group of people. With a lack of agreement on how to categorize those displaced on the international stage, nations are left to create and implement their own definitions and policies to assist. Displaced groups experience specific vulnerabilities and are at risk of human rights violations. The responsibility to protect rights and alleviate vulnerabilities falls on states. Looking at a small village in the Samut Prakan province of central Thailand, Samut Chin, sea-level rise is inundating much of the village each year. Families are moving their homes farther from the coastline or relocating altogether. Interviews were conducted in the village to understand and assess the severity of specific vulnerabilities. An analysis was made of disaster laws and policies to determine the categorization given for environmentally displaced persons and what resources were allocated to them. After examining the appropriate policies established by both national and provincial disaster agencies and comparing them to the experiences of those facing displacement in Samut Chin, it is evident that they do not adequately consider and address all vulnerabilities. While many of Thailand’s disaster policies have plans and resources readily available to support during the immediate disaster response, there is insufficient recognition given to those affected by gradual environmental degradation or those facing long-term displacement. This gap in disaster policy will surely lead to a gap in the protection of human rights and the reduction of vulnerabilities. By identifying deficits in categorization and allocations in policy this information can be used to change existing policies. It can also benefit civil society, humanitarian organizations, and advocacy groups by highlighting specific areas that environmentally displaced people desperately need assistance.

Policy engagements for a just decarbonisation : China’s 2060 carbon neutrality pledge’s ramifications on the coal industry workforce in Shanxi

Title: Policy engagements for a just decarbonisation : China’s 2060 carbon neutrality pledge’s ramifications on the coal industry workforce in Shanxi

Author: Miss Lucile Charriaut

Year: 2020

Keywords: Just decarbonisation, Environmental justice, Coal workers, Carbon, neutrality, Policy support

Theme: Environmental Politics and Policy

Advisor(s): Carl Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: To achieve its ambitious carbon neutrality pledge by 2060, China, whose energy mix is still largely dominated by coal, must progressively phase out coal-fired power plants. Being highly polluting, coal is no longer perceived as suitable to promote a sustainable, clean, and long-standing economy. Shanxi, a landlocked northern province, is considered one of China’s most coal-dependent provinces and accounts for a colossal coal workforce depending on the industry. Such a transition will, therefore, considerably alter the economic prospects and labour relations of this province. Considering the inevitability to lay off coal workers, the objective of this thesis is to determine how just China’s policies are in the context of Shanxi’s decarbonisation and the impacts of the transition on coal workers. Specifically, it examines if Shanxi will lead a ‘just decarbonisation’, emphasising a just transition in industries to be decarbonised with respect to the right to decent work.To answer the main research question, this thesis conducted a qualitative content analysis of available policy documents that support coal workers in Shanxi, as well as semi-structured interviews with experts of China’s environmental policies. The analysis closely examined the formulation of support policies to determine whether they are mentioning keywords in alignment with the just decarbonisation concept. Through a human rights-based approach, the concept of environmental justice, and the political concept of fragmented authoritarianism, this paper found that numerous policies are available to support coal workers throughout unemployment and re-employment. These results suggest that different needs and employment difficulties are identified and highly recognised in the formulation of policy documents. Nevertheless, aspects of procedural justice, involving the use of participatory approaches, were the least retrieved in the policy analysis in consideration of China’s top-down bureaucratic structure. The thesis concludes that within various relevant policies, numerous measures are available to ensure a just decarbonisation, although the challenge of their successful implementation is not yet assured.

Thailand as a performative state : An analysis of Thailand’s cultural diplomacy towards the people’s republic of China /

Title: Thailand as a performative state : An analysis of Thailand’s cultural diplomacy towards the people’s republic of China /

Author: Mr.Natdanai Kietigaroon

Year: 2020

Keywords: Chineseness, Performative State, Chinese communities, International, Relations, Cultural Diplomacy

Theme: post development

Advisor(s): Pongphisoot Busbarat

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Thailand as a performative state is a research that looked at the cultural dimensions of Thailand’s diplomacy, by taking the alternative view on Thai cultural diplomacy towards PRC. Thai cultural diplomacy, according to existing literature, revolves around promoting Thainess. However, in the case of China, Thailand has been using Chineseness as Thai cultural diplomacy. The research specifically looked at five Thai state actors that are most involved with Chineseness, namely, the royal family, the government, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Two questions were raised in this research. Firstly, how Chineseness is being used in Thai cultural diplomacy, where the research will lay out events, initiatives, speeches, etc. from the Thai state, that constitute as Chineseness. The research, then, categorizes how Chineseness is being promoted by the Thai State actors, by analyzing the initiatives as Old Chineseness as portrayed by Sampheng Chinese community or New Chineseness as portrayed by Huai Khwang Chinese community, two largest, yet, very distinctive Chinese communities in Bangkok. Findings show that Old Chineseness is portrayed more across all five Thai state actors.Consequently, the question of why does the Thai State use Sampheng Chineseness in Thai cultural diplomacy is asked, which will throw light on why the Old Chineseness, portrayed by old Chinese communities in Thailand like Sampheng, is still represented in Thai cultural diplomacy, even more than the new and modern-day Sino-centric Chineseness, that is more attached to the present-day PRC. The findings proved that Old Chineseness is used more because of the assimilated Sampheng Chinese community and how they have integrated into Thai society, Chinese state’s influence over Thai cultural diplomacy, and the royal family’s personal interests in Chineseness.

Social innovation and inclusive business model for the bottom of the pyramid : A case study of organic tourism ecosystem in Thailand

Title: Social innovation and inclusive business model for the bottom of the pyramid : A case study of organic tourism ecosystem in Thailand

Author: Mr.Yunkang Liu

Year: 2020

Keywords: Inclusive Business Model, Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP), Organic Tourism, Nakhon Pathom

Theme: Innovation for Inclusive Development

Advisor(s): Sirima Thongsawang

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Social inequality and poverty are major challenges facing all humans in the 21st century. At the same time, income gaps, uneven development of urban-rural, and poverty as the stumbling block of Thailand to achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It is necessary to explore new development models by promoting social innovation. On the one hand, in the past few decades, the private sector is one of the main contributors to Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the ASEAN region. It is important to encourage the private sector to assume more responsibilities for contributing to local development. The inclusive business model as a business approach with a focus on the improved benefits of the “Bottom of the Pyramid” community, and promote sustainable development economically, socially, and environmentally. On the other hand, the tourism industry has contributed to Thailand’s economic prosperity and poverty reduction, but some research shows that under certain circumstances, tourism has also deepened the fissures separating the rich and poor, and worsens wealth distribution. In this thesis, an inclusive business case study was selected which call the "Suan Sampran" organic tourism project in the Nakhon Pathom province of Thailand. Based on the qualitative research method through in-depth interviews with different project stakeholders, to analyze the role of the private sector’ inclusive business model on promoting inclusive growth for Thai society. This research finds that develop inclusive business in the organic tourism industry helps improve the “Bottom of the Pyramid” community’s sustainable livelihoods which leads to promoting poverty reduction and social equality in Thailand. Besides, this research may also help to investigate the challenges in implementing the inclusive business model in the organic tourism industry of Thailand

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

Youths' participation in agriculture for enhancing sustainable livelihoods: A case study of the Pa-O self-administered zone in southern Shan state, Myanmar

Title: Youths' participation in agriculture for enhancing sustainable livelihoods: A case study of the Pa-O self-administered zone in southern Shan state, Myanmar

Author: Miss Khine Zin Yu Aung

Year: 2020

Keywords: Agriculture, Youths, Sustainable Livelihoods, Rural Development

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Carl Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Myanmar in which 70 percent of the population is rural people relies on agricultural sector for its economy. It contributes about 37.8 percent of the country’s GDP and employs about 50 percent of the labors (FAO, 2020). However, Myanmar’s agricultural sector is not well developed and does not stand as reliable livelihood for the people, especially for the youths, in rural areas. Hence, the people in rural areas have to seek more livelihood opportunities like leaving their farmlands and moving to other places for work. This situation has impact both on youths and on the agricultural sector which needs youths’ capacities for its development. Therefore, this study focuses on the challenges for the youths in rural areas in approaching their livelihoods, their contribution to agricultural development and how to support them in enhancing sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. This study is conducted through qualitative methods with the use of case study of Pa-O SAZ located in Southern Shan state of Myanmar. The findings result that youths have more challenges for access to natural capital and less challenges for access to physical, social and human capitals. Another significant finding is that both youths and the elders have challenges for access to knowledge or information on their livelihoods. The strengths of the youths for agricultural livelihoods are having more capabilities to adapt with new techniques, innovative ways as well as to connect with varieties of people. For their livelihoods, the youths make decision depending on the factors of having experiences and exposures, support from government and organizations, education, parents and families’ background and access to finance. This study also argues that sustainable livelihood is not only about getting more wages and profit but also about having job and social security. Though agriculture is not promising and reliable work in terms of wages or profit, it can still be regarded as a main livelihood in terms of sustainability in Pa-O SAZ. Hence, diversification becomes the most preferred livelihood strategy for all of the youths participated in this study. Therefore, the study suggests to promote the youths’ participation in agriculture through financial and technical supports from government, NGOs, CSOs, CBOs and the private sector in order to enhance more sustainable livelihoods in Pa-O SAZ.

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

The effects of terrorism on girls’ access to education: a case study of swat valley (of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan

Title: The effects of terrorism on girls’ access to education: a case study of swat valley (of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan

Author: Miss Shahaba Jamal Khan

Year: 2019

Keywords: Girls’ Education, Extremism, Talibanization, Terrorism, Mingora, Swat Valley

Theme: Education

Advisor(s): Thanapan Laiprakobsup

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Using Women Rights and the Feminist theory on Education, the thesis is aimed to evaluate the effects of terrorism on females of Mingora, Swat, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwah Province in Pakistan. The objective is to analyze the damages caused by extremists to girls’ education in terms of barring them from attending schools and institutions, assassinating and injuring teachers and students, inflicting and causing damages to infrastructure by bombing and destroying schools and college buildings. Secondary data was used as well as video link and phone call interviews as well as the researchers’ observations and documents are also used as the means of data collection. The thesis finds that female students of Swat were vulnerable to severe human rights abuses. These students struggled to recover from the miseries inflicted upon them i.e. ban on girls’ education, oppression of human rights especially women’s right, displacement, social and psychological pressures. As for the social and cultural dimensions, females in general and girls’ students in particular got much more affected than their male counterparts in Mingora, the Swat region. Their economic, cultural and social liberties were forcefully seized. The slow process of rehabilitation has put a lot of negative mental and psychological effects on the sufferers. Recommendations are suggested for policy implications. To reinvigorate and restructure the provincial educational system, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province also needs to bring into action its Act XII-2017 that ensures building a mechanism for the provision of free and compulsory education to the age group of 5 to 16. In addition, to enforce the National Action Plan which was agreed upon by the National Security Council (NSC) for the purpose of eradicating extremists’ ideology from the society by confiscating the hate material, arresting and punishing the propagators of religious hatred, social and gender discriminators

The Disruption of Platform Economy on Income Generating: A Case Study of Workers in On-Demand Food Delivery Platforms in Bangkok

Title: The Disruption of Platform Economy on Income Generating: A Case Study of Workers in On-Demand Food Delivery Platforms in Bangkok

Author: Miss Sujaree Wattanarat

Year: 2019

Keywords: PLATFORM ECONOMY, SHARING ECONOMY, PRECARIOUS WORK, INCOME GENERATING, DIGITAL LABOUR

Theme: Post Development

Advisor(s): Jakkrit Sangkhamanee

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Since the rise platform economy or as many called ‘sharing economy’, it has been called as ‘disruptive’ by many due to its rapid expansion and many changes it has caused. Its effects have incited many discussions on the positive and negative impact platform economy has on workers. Of which this thesis focused on especially in the aspect of workers and income generating. This thesis synthesizes the claims from existing literatures that framed platform economy as disruptive and alternative income generating opportunity that would improve people earning and subsequently their economic life. It also considers the negative claims that framed it as a precarious and exploitative job. The thesis attempts to provide data to both claims by using platform economy in Thailand as case study with a focus on online on-demand food delivery platform in Bangkok. The thesis employs qualitative method by conducting in-depth interviews among 15 drivers from three of the largest food delivery platforms in Thailand: GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Lineman in order to examine the effect that platform economy has on people’s economic life especially in the aspect of income and income generating. The qualitative method also helps in examining the changes that were made by participating in the platform economy. From the finding it can be concluded that platform work in this case study is indeed beneficial in the aspect of income generating and improve financial situation and life of workers. Its differences in work structure as compared to traditional work also give more job opportunities for those who are at disadvantage such as people with low level of education or those who get rejected from traditional work due to their appearance. However it could be considered exploitative in a way that companies are benefiting the most and putting risk, pressure and responsibility on workers instead without providing guarantee and job security causing workers to face with precarity in employment

Toward decent work agenda: case study of domestic care workers in Thailand's care economy

Title: Toward decent work agenda: case study of domestic care workers in Thailand's care economy

Author: Miss Cholnapa Anukul

Year: 2019

Keywords: Aging Society, Decent Work, Care Worker, Care Work, Inequality

Theme: Social Welfare

Advisor(s): Surichai Wungaeo

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Ageing population is global phenomenon. As it causes deficit workforce and family structural change, more care job opportunities are provided. Nevertheless, global care workers are experiencing poor working conditions involving low wage, less social security and hard work. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of indecent work among paid domestic care workers in Thailand, with the aim to give voice and enhance visibility of them. Research methodology includes decent work related regulations and a set of care policies review and eight in-depth interviews of paid domestic care workers. Results are that (i) Thai regulations is inadequate to reward more decent work and unfriendly for representation of care workers. Care policies recognize the role of unpaid volunteer care work. (ii) All paid domestic care workers in this study experienced indecent working conditions and perceive care work as indecent work. Significant finding is that paid domestic care worker are trapped within indecent care work because of three factors, which are invisibility, structural inequality and cultural norms. Apart from changing legal framework, three interventions approaches are recommended: (i) making care work more visible; (ii) tackling inequality within care policies for all workers; and (iii) development of people’s decent work definition

Access to overseas higher education for Karen students from the KNU-controlled areas: barriers and coping strategies

Title: Access to overseas higher education for Karen students from the KNU-controlled areas: barriers and coping strategies

Author: Mr.Saw Than Min Htun

Year: 2019

Keywords: Overseas higher education, human rights based approach, ethnic education system

Theme: Education

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The provision of education in KNU controlled areas is political as it is indispensable to development and national identity building. In fact, issues of legitimacy are key to understanding education services in these areas. Through the Karen Education and Culture Department, the KNU has mainly been providing education services in its controlled areas with its own curriculum and administration for the past seventy years since the beginning of civil war in Myanmar. However, the students cannot access to universities in Myanmar due to the lack of recognition of their learning attainments by the Myanmar government and only a handful of students could pay their ways to universities abroad. As the KNU is the authority in the areas, the study argues that it has the central roles and responsibilities to fulfill rights to education because the Myanmar government does not have access and control over these areas. This study aims to identify major barriers of the students in accessing overseas higher education by using human rights based approach to higher education, specifically pertaining to availability and accessibility of education and explore how the students coped with the barriers so as to have access to overseas higher education. In this study, thematic analysis is utilized through case study approach under qualitative research methodology. The research finds that there are three emerging barriers pertaining to the practical challenges and two major barriers related to the structural challenges directly influenced by the central government. In order to cope with the barriers, the students used social network, human capital and mobility to Thailand so as to pave their way to overseas higher education. In fact, the students can only access bridging programs if they manage to come to Thai-Myanmar border as Thailand served as a widow of opportunities for them. This suggests that migrant and refugee students from Thai-Burma border have more and better access to overseas higher education than the students in KNU-controlled areas

"Bricks in the wall" : sufficiency economy philosophy in Thailand and gaps in the framework

Title: "Bricks in the wall" : sufficiency economy philosophy in Thailand and gaps in the framework

Author: Miss Laura Takenaka

Year: 2019

Keywords: Sufficiency economy philosophy, New Theory, Framework

Theme: Post Development

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: His Majesty King Bumibol Adulyadej was inspired by a book called Small is Beautiful, all about how to humanize economics and make development benefit those who need it most. When he saw the devastation after the 1997 Asian Economic Crisis, he formulated the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) to help the Thai people recover and to make Thailand more resilient. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the philosophy in depth and find the gaps in the framework. The objectives are to pinpoint the gaps and weaknesses in the current framework, obtain farmers’ insights into the realities of farming via the New Theory, and analyse the feasibility of large corporations using SEP for their internal management. Critical indicators for agribusiness and non-agricultural based businesses are identified. They are the ‘bricks’ of Indicators (operational applications) and a new finding of Democratization. For large corporations, Democratization may not be possible, but the SEP theory could be more flexible in interpretation, such as cooperation could be introduced in stages as a compromise. The Thai Government is promoting the SEP as the vehicle to achieve the United Nations Global Goals. If the SEP is applied both domestically and internationally by the Thai Government, it could achieve the SDG’s Goals 1, 2, 5, and 10. A qualitative study comprised of a comprehensive literature review, a series of participant interviews, participant observation on SEP New Theory farms and research sites as well as speaking to key informants outlined the situation of the New Theory farmer. A macro view of six business case studies of corporations that are said to be SEP compliant were conducted with data analysis and online research as well as email interviews between the researcher and relevant stakeholders

Human rights due diligence: participation and innovation in multi-national business in Thailand

Title: Human rights due diligence: participation and innovation in multi-national business in Thailand

Author: Mr.William Midwinter

Year: 2019

Keywords: HRDD, Multinational Corporations, labor rights, Innovation

Theme: Post Development

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) for Business and Human Rights has contributed to the way in which businesses engage with, and understand human rights, and has been most notable at the Multinational Corporations (MNC) level. A key duty placed on businesses is the expectation that they will conduct human rights due diligence (HRDD) across their supply chains. This multifaceted process involves the identification of actual or potential human rights impacts that the business may have in their supply chains, drawing heavily on notions of transparency, traceability and stakeholder engagement, and is the focus of this thesis. Concentrating specifically on Thailand and labor rights, this thesis explores the challenges faced by businesses when conducting HRDD, and assesses the role of innovation in the identification of labor rights. Therefore HRDD and managing innovation are conceptualized to form the framework of this study, thus assessing how the two interrelate. The thesis does this through nine in-depth interviews with Business and Human Rights experts and five with the staff of MNCs, amongst multiple secondary sources. The thesis aims to be an acknowledgement of current challenges and good practice, in the hope that it can motivate other businesses to innovate in their HRDD process. Innovation is proved to be necessary in the course of this thesis by acknowledging the challenges that exist(ed) with HRDD from a corporate perspective, while also identifying examples of good practice on a Thai and global scale. Furthermore, the thesis formulates the importance of stakeholder engagement in HRDD and explores the limits as to who can qualify as a stakeholder. Following this, the challenges and advantages of three BHR tools are put forth. These are; the established auditing process, human rights impact assessments, and workers voice programs. It is argued that all of these tools are necessary when identifying labor rights abuses and should be encouraged throughout the supply chain, however alone they do not offer a comprehensive identification process as they each have shortfalls. The thesis argues that although some challenges remain, MNCs should consider and be inspired by Tushman and Nadler’s (1986) critical factors for organizational innovation to an extent, and apply them in a labor rights context so to innovate ways of identifying potential areas of risk. These critical factors often don’t transfer directly from an organizational context to a labor rights one, however there is value in acknowledging and adapting them. These include, but are not limited to; having a multiskilled individual overseeing the HRDD process, formal linking mechanisms between BHR stakeholders, venturing for innovations beyond the corporation, exploring and developing norms, building diverse communication networks, and considering critical roles. By continually innovating, MNCs can strengthen and deepen their stakeholder engagement which can perhaps take their HRDD process beyond standard compliance and domestic laws, to respecting human rights on an international level

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