Li (2025) Chinese students’ mothers in Thailand: transnational education and migration

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

Author: Miss Shan Li

Year: 2025

Keywords: Transnational education, migration, Chinese mother, Thailand

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Premjai Vungsriphisal

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Miss Dolewaththa Gamage Niruka Sanjeewani

Year: 2024

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

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Bhanubhatra Jittiang

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Mr.Saw Wai Lu Aung

Year: 2024

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

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Mr.Kazuhiro Watanabe

Year: 2022

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

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Miss Susan Moe Kyaw

Year: 2021

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

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Miss Naruemon Yamareng

Year: 2020

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

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Chantana Wungaeo

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Miss Lucia Lujan

Year: 2019

Keywords: N.A

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Miss Chau Le Minh Doan

Year: 2019

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

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Miss Cai Ling Koh

Year: 2019

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

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

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

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

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

Author: Mr.Polwish Subsrisunjai

Year: 2019

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

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Jakkrit Sangkhamanee

The full thesis available here.

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