MODEL OF MIGRANT LABOR MANAGEMENT AMONG DURIAN GROWERS IN NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to develop a management model for migrant workers employed by durian orchard farmers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The study began with an examination of the current and desired conditions to identify essential needs and inform the creation of a context-appropriate model. The completeness and validity of the proposed model were evaluated through empirical data analysis. The study employed a research and development (R&D) design with a mixed-methods approach conducted in three phases. Phase One involved a quantitative survey of 329 durian orchard farmers to analyze the modified Priority Needs Index (PNI). Phase Two focused on drafting the model through an expert-based seminar involving nine specialists. Phase Three assessed the model's feasibility and usefulness through focus group discussions with 11 experts and exemplary farmers. The findings suggest that the most critical developmental priority within the migrant labor management process lies in labor relations management. Conversely, at the level of migrantlabor management practices, the greatest need is for skills development and workforce training. These findings identified gaps in existing management practices and served as the basis for developing a migrant labor management model. The model comprises five core components: the model designation, principles, objectives, operational procedures, and key success factors.
A distinguishing feature of the model is its integration of humanitarian principles with contemporary management practices, thereby facilitating the reduction of cultural and social barriers. The validation results confirmed that the model is highly feasible and beneficial for practical implementation. It can serve as a policy guideline and an essential tool for durian orchard farmers to enhance migrant workers' quality of life and sustainably improve the competitiveness of Thai durian production.