THE ROLE OF THE INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS COMMAND IN DEVELOPING STRATEGIES TO PROTECT CITIZENS’ SAFETY FROM MIGRANT WORKERS AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Authors

  • Jakarin Viravan Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
  • Yaowaluk Chaobanpho Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Keywords:

Safety, Migrant Workers, Law, Security Strategy, Sustainable Development

Abstract

Thailand has become a significant destination for migrant workers in the ASEAN region, with over three million workers from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia employed in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and construction. While this influx of migrant labor has positively contributed to economic growth, it has also raised concerns over public safety and social stability, particularly in areas with high concentrations of migrant workers where crime rates have significantly increased. This study examines the role and responsibilities of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in managing migrant workers through the theoretical frameworks of Governance Theory, Network Theory, and Human Security. The findings reveal that ISOC plays a pivotal role in coordinating with relevant agencies to manage migrant labor issues; however, challenges remain due to centralized administrative structures and ineffective law enforcement. This paper proposes three strategic approaches to enhance ISOC's effectiveness: 1. Integration of Inter-Agency Collaboration through the establishment of joint committees and the creation of a centralized database for information sharing; 2. Promotion of Public Awareness and Understanding through the development of community security networks and the protection of migrant workers' human rights; and 3. Development of Information Technology Systems through the use of biometric identification, mobile applications for monitoring and reporting, and blockchain technology for secure and transparent data management. The study suggests that ISOC should adapt its role in managing migrant labor to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Achieving a balance between internal security and human rights protection is essential for ensuring sustainable social stability and economic development in Thailand.

References

Arunotai, C. et al. (2023). Digital solutions for migrant worker management: Case studies from Thailand. Journal of Migration Studies, 15(2), 112-129.

Bevir, M. (2020). Governance theory and its applications. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.

Brown, T. (2022). Systemic approaches to sustainable development. Cambridge. UK: Cambridge University Press.

Chaiyuth, P. & Khamprasit, T. (2020). Gaps in data integration for migrant labor management in Thailand. Asian Journal of Public Administration, 12(3), 123-145.

Chalermpalanupap, T. (2023). Challenges in inter-agency collaboration for national security. Journal of ASEAN Studies, 15(2), 45-67.

Chantavanich, S. (2023). The evolution of migration policies in Thailand: Challenges and opportunities. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal, 32(1), 23-41.

Garcia, L. et al. (2023). Policy integration and SDGs: Bridging theory and practice. Sustainable Development Journal, 18(1), 89-105.

Granovetter, M. S. (1973). The strength of weak ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360–1380.

Jitpiromsri, S. (2020). Roles and responsibilities of ISOC in national security management. Thai Policy Review, 10(4), 56–78.

Jittapankul, T. (2023). Digital governance of migrant workers: Learning from Singapore's experience. Asian Journal of Public Administration, 25(2), 152-171.

Khamprasit, T. & Poonkasem, P. (2021). Migrant labor and crime rates in Thailand. Southeast Asia Security Studies, 9(2), 34–52.

Leelapatranurak, K. (2022). Legal reforms for effective migrant labor governance. Thai Legal Studies Review, 14(1), 33-49.

Mektrairat, N. (2022). Digital platforms for migrant labor management: A case study in Thailand. Journal of Information Technology and Public Policy, 14(3), 78–92.

Narula, P. (2023). Barriers to accessing rights among migrant workers in Thailand. International Migration Review, 57(1), 112–134.

Paireepairit, I. (2021). Data integration challenges in Thailand's public sector: Case studies from immigration and labor departments. Journal of Information Technology and Politics, 18(3), 312-326.

Phongpaichit, P. & Baker, C. (2023). Cultural exchange as a strategy for community harmony. Journal of Southeast Asian Social Studies, 25(1), 77-92.

Pongpaichit, P. (2021). Community security networks: A grassroots approach to stability. Thai Community Studies Journal, 17(3), 65-80.

Poonkasem, P. et al. (2022). ASEAN economic integration and migrant labor flows in Thailand. ASEAN Economic Review, 17(3), 23–45.

Punprapa, S. & Colleagues. (2022). Human rights and security in migrant labor governance. Journal of Human Rights in Asia, 8(2), 44-59.

Rattanathammatada, P. (2023). Safe community projects: A model for local security. Journal of Community Development, 20(1), 55-70.

Rhodes, R. A. W. (1996). The new governance: Governing without government. Political Studies, 44(4), 652–667.

Rojsirivat, T. (2021). Interagency coordination mechanisms for complex policy challenges: The case of migrant worker management. Policy Sciences, 54(2), 323-342.

Saisaengchan, T. (2023). Accountability in security operations: The role of civil society. Thai Governance Journal, 21(1), 33-48.

Sakolraknaree, S. (2021). Institutional innovations in Thailand's security agencies: Responding to transnational challenges. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 51(3), 428-446.

Santipaporn, S. (2021). Quantitative analysis of migrant labor trends in Thailand. Thai Economic Journal, 20(2), 98–115.

Smith, J. et al. (2022). Negative impacts of migrant labor on community safety. Global Security Studies Journal, 11(4), 67–89.

Sricharoen, T. (2023). Linking migrant labor management to SDGs: A Thai perspective. Sustainable Development Journal, 19(2), 66-81.

Supang, C. et al. (2019). Economic contributions of migrant labor to Thailand’s GDP. ASEAN Economic Perspectives, 16(1), 45–67.

Supawaree, P. (2023). Legal gaps in migrant labor management: A critical review. Journal of Thai Law and Policy, 15(2), 77-92.

Tangsupvattana, A. (2022). Public perceptions of migrant workers in Thailand: Survey findings and policy implications. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 48(3), 623-640.

Tantiwiramanond, D. (2022). Manual for ISOC officers: Rights and conflict management. Journal of Peace Studies, 14(1), 40-55.

Thammaboosadee, S. (2022). Integrated database systems for migrant worker management: Technical requirements and governance challenges. Digital Government: Research and Practice, 3(2), 1-17.

Thongyou, M. (2022). Institutional overlaps in Thailand's security apparatus: Implications for policy implementation. Asian Politics & Policy, 14(1), 123-141.

United Nations. (1994). Human security concept and applications. New York City, USA: UN Publications.

Wasserman, S. & Faust, K. (2022). Network analysis: Methods and applications. Cambridge, USA: Cambridge University Press.

Wisuthipongsak, P. (2021). Security challenges posed by undocumented migrant workers: A case study of industrial zones in eastern Thailand. Security Dialogue, 52(1), 76-93.

Yongpanichkul, S. (2023). Integrated governance structures for complex social challenges: The case of migrant worker management in Thailand. International Review of Administrative Sciences, 89(1), 123-141.

Downloads

Published

2025-04-25

How to Cite

Viravan, J., & Chaobanpho, Y. (2025). THE ROLE OF THE INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS COMMAND IN DEVELOPING STRATEGIES TO PROTECT CITIZENS’ SAFETY FROM MIGRANT WORKERS AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. Journal of MCU Social Science Review, 14(2), 234–248. retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jssr/article/view/286571