Adaptation and Strategies for Maintaining Social Relations in the Ban Tamyae Community during an Era of Labor Migration

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the impact of labor migration on family structure and relationships, and to study the adaptive strategies for maintaining social relations within the Ban Tamyae community, Khaen Sub-district, Wapipathum District, Mahasarakham Province. This study is based on qualitatibe research data indicating The research results showed that: That national economic and social development has driven working-age community members to migrate for employment outside their local area. Consequently, the traditional extended family structure, characterized by co-residence and daily interdependence, has been transformed, leaving predominantly the elderly and children residing in the community. However, this shift has not led to the collapse of the family institution but has given rise to the “translocal family.” Members of these families have developed new strategies to maintain their relationships, such as redefining festivals and holidays as intensified “family days”, sending remittances to support the househokd, and utilizing modern communication technologies. The findings reflect the adaptability and resilience of the family institution in rural Northeastern Thailand as it negotiates with modernity to preserve its social fabric.