MR. Movement and Adaptation of Migrant Workers: A Case Study of Lao Nationality Migrant Workers in Ban Phaeng District. Nakhon Phanom Province

Abstract

The research study, “Movement and Adaptation of Migrant Workers: A Case Study of Lao Nationality Migrant Workers in Ban Phaeng District. Nakhon Phanom Province” is qualitative research. The objectives were to study the movement patterns of Lao nationals to work in the area and the adjustment of Lao nationality workers to live with communities in the destination area. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and group discussions and used the data to analyze, interpret and conclude. The results of the study found that 1. Factors that cause Lao Nationality Migrant Workers to move to work in Thailand can be divided into 2 factors. The first factor is the push factor, especially economic factors such as difficulty finding work in the homeland. Low income and personal dreams of wanting a better life. The second factor is the pull factor such as the destination area is close to their homeland, Easier to find work, have a better income, similar in languages and cultures, easy to adjust and there are acquaintances in the destination area. As for moving to work in Lao nationality workers, most of them come illegally through the Mekong River natural channels. and 2. The adjustment of Lao nationality workers consists of 1) Regular work as assigned by the employer and special tasks such as Helping employers to work as a housekeeper 2) Marriage with Thai people which found both male and female workers 3) Study of social rules of the destination area 4) Activities with the community especially rituals/religious traditions 5) the integration of Lao nationality workers to look after and help each other; and 6) employer mechanisms and networks. Employers will identify the workers as their employees to inform and protect the people in the community.

Keyword: Migrant Workers, Movement, Adaptation