Thai Media Roles in Nostalgic Situation of Thailand’s Migrant Workers

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Published: Dec 15, 2020
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Thai Media Television Nostalgic Situation Thailand’s Migrant Workers

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Phithaksak Thisaphak
The School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Considering the state of leaving home or living abroad, it is undoubtedly true that one must be concerned about family and friend in their homeland. A feeling of fear or apprehension, and the way to adapt oneself to new environment are the explanation of ‘nostalgic situation’ that this research article discusses. A link between Thailand’s migrant workers and Thai media are central to this investigation. The former is TV audience who, in this paper, is Burmese, Laotian, and Cambodian living and working permanently in Bangkok for a long period of time and has never been back to native country. The latter is TV program which is news and drama in particular. The informal interview individually with these migrant workers reveals that Thai TV programs have provided them with both pleasant and painful content. News about them vis-à-vis human trafficking, maltreatment, accident, serious injury or death in worksite are horrifying. In spite of that, drama appears to be enjoyable and serves as a learning source for Thai language and custom. The interview with Thai academic and media experts is also conducted. Finding the highlights that TV program which is produced especially for migrant workers is scarce. This problem results from the structure of Thai media industry, limited appreciation among Thai journalists towards cultural pluralism and The ASEAN Community. Consequently, making specific media more available for migrant workers seems to be practical resolution. Participation of all stakeholders and relevant agencies is also essential.

Article Details

How to Cite
Thisaphak , P. . (2020). Thai Media Roles in Nostalgic Situation of Thailand’s Migrant Workers. Journal of Management Science Chiangrai Rajabhat University, 15(2), 67–91. Retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jmscrru/article/view/174150
Issue
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2020): July - December
Section
Research Articles

Views and opinions expressed in the journal do not necessarily reflect those of the editors.

Author Biography

Phithaksak Thisaphak , The School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand

Ph.D. (Media Studies), SOAS, University of London, UK (2016). Currently an Assistant Professor of Media and Communication at The School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand

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