Access of thai language and the social integration of shan migrants in chiang mai, thailand

Title: Access of thai language and the social integration of shan migrants in chiang mai, thailand

Author: Miss Nan Tharaphi Aye Lwin

Year: 2024

Keywords: Shan migrants, Thai language education, Social integration, 4A Framework

Theme: migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis examines how access to Thai language education influences the social integration of Shan migrants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Grounded in the 4A Rights-Based Framework (Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, Adaptability) and Bosswick and Heckmann’s social integration model, the study employs a primarily qualitative approach complemented with mini survey data, migrant case studies, and key informant interviews with educators and CSO leaders. Findings reveal that no single program fully embodies all four components of the 4A Framework. CSO-led programs tend to offer more culturally responsive, flexible, and beginner-friendly learning environments, while formal state-run programs often require prior literacy and are less accessible to undocumented or low-skilled migrants. Thai language proficiency emerged as a key enabler across all integration dimensions: structurally, it facilitated access to better jobs and services; culturally, it supported adaptation to Thai norms; interactively, it enabled social bonding with Thai friends and identificationally, it fostered partial belonging, although many migrants maintained a strong Shan identity and viewed legal inclusion pragmatically rather than as assimilation. The study argues that while language is not a panacea, it remains a foundational form of human capital that shapes migrants' rights, opportunities, and sense of agency. To promote inclusive integration, the thesis calls for policy recognition of grassroots education providers, flexible learning models, and rights-based approaches that respect migrants' diverse identities and life trajectories

Socio-economic challenges and coping strategies of displaced myanmar students in Bangkok

Title: Socio-economic challenges and coping strategies of displaced myanmar students in Bangkok

Author: Miss Myo Thiri

Year: 2024

Keywords: Forced Migration, Economic Insecurity, Human Security, Coping Strategies, Myanmar, Thailand, Student Migrants, Military Conscription, Social Networks

Theme: migration

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This study explores the complex economic challenges and coping strategies of Myanmar students who have fled to Bangkok, Thailand, primarily driven by the threat of the 2024 military conscription law. Addressing a critical gap in migration studies concerning this new layer of forced student migrants from urban and professional backgrounds, the research explores two central questions: “What kind of economic insecurities do Myanmar migrant students in Bangkok face as a result of forced displacement?” and “What coping strategies are adopted by these migrant students, and how do existing social services and support networks facilitate their challenges?” Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on quantitative data from 68 surveys, complemented by rich qualitative insights from nine in-depth interviews with student migrants and two key informant interviews. Guided by the overarching Human Security framework, with a primary analytical focus on its Economic Security component and Social Network Theory, the findings reveal profound economic insecurities. These include heavy reliance on unstable family remittances, lack of legal work opportunities due to visa restrictions, and housing and food insecurity stemming from unplanned migration and high urban costs. These conditions undermine students’ “freedom from want” and contribute to emotional and psychological stress. In response, students adopt coping strategies such as strict financial conservation and leveraging informal social networks for emotional, practical, and financial support. However, limited awareness of formal assistance and the risk of exploitation highlight the fragility of their situation. This research contributes to the underexplored field of urban displacement driven by authoritarian conscription policies and emphasizes the urgent need for more inclusive and protective migration and support policies in host countries like Thailand

Accessing vocational education for out-of-school myanmar migrant youths in Mae sot, Thailand

Title: Accessing vocational education for out-of-school myanmar migrant youths in Mae sot, Thailand

Author: Miss Phyu Sin Maw Lin

Year: 2024

Keywords: Vocational Education, Myanmar Migrant Youths, Migrant Education, Out-ofschool Myanmar migrant youths, migrant organizations

Theme: migration

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis examined the accessibility of the Out-of-School Myanmar Migrant Youths to vocational education in the Mae Sot district, Thailand by employing the ‘4As framework’ for Education with the indicators of availability, accessibility, acceptability, and adaptability. In this thesis, out-of-school Myanmar migrant youths are understood as those who have left education without receiving formal qualifications, and who are under the age of 21. Myanmar migrant youth population in Thailand has been significantly growing due to the unrested conditions all around Myanmar. Among them, thousands of youths struggle to access any type of educational pathway because of their academic background, financial status, or legal status. Vocational Education is an important opportunity for out-of-school migrant youths because they can build up work skills and networks for job opportunities. This research investigates the barriers the out-of-school Myanmar migrant youths face in accessing vocational education and provides some practical recommendations for organizations, migrant communities, and the host society to be able to promote educational opportunities for the out-of-school migrant youths. The thesis employed the qualitative research method and narrative reporting style based on interviews with key informants and drawing on secondary materials. The main finding of this thesis is that vocational education opportunities for out-of-school migrant youths are still very litmited interms of 4As. Vocational Education for out-of-school migrant youths is a crucial educational pathway that can benefit both the migrant community and the hosting Thai community. The access to the vocational education for out-of-school Myanmar migrant youths can be enhanced through a stronger networking between the stakeholders including the government, the migrant organizations, the business owners and the migrant communities