The constant movement of workers have drastically increase over several centuries in Thailand. The migration flow of people in and out of Thailand has been a major factor in society and economic development. While cultural infusion of immigration communities in Thailand has made the country culturally diverse, wide spread inequality among native and immigrant demographics remain. Scholars often note economics as being a main driving factor for migration flow in developing nations similar to Thailand. However, Thailand uncommonly varies from other states in its category by being a predominant sending-country of labor source for the global market and a main destination of receiving-country to its neighboring countries (Pholphirul). This paper
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Since the 15th century, Han Chinese merchants and labors migrated to Thailand for better economic opportunities. This migration trend has continuously expanded as Thailand host the largest overseas Chinese community with nine million people, making up approximately 14% of Thai population (Central Intelligence Agency ). The Chinese community has had tremendous influence on Thai society in all aspects such as cultural fusion of food, entertainment, traditions, while Chinese descendants maintain a strong presence in modern Thai business and politics. While Chinese migrates are noted to be the most successful minority group to integrate into Thai society, Japanese migrates also thrive with varying degrees of success. Communities of Japanese merchants began to thrive in Thai’s Ayutthaya Kingdom in early 16th century. However, Japanese communities were driven out by internal rebels during late 17th century. The trade agreements between Japan and Thailand were temporary halted until the 19th century when both countries renewed their trade relations again. In modern times, Thailand receive numerous amounts of visitors as retirees from India and Western countries, such as the United States and United Kingdom. There is also a large influx of immigration from neighboring states (Cambodia, People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, and Myanmar) to escape absolute poverty and political …show more content…
Due to insufficient records or no systematic attempt, the number of non-Thais residing in the country remains unknown. There is believed to be approximately 3.7 million non-natives living in Thailand, 3.25 millions of whom are working ( United Nations Thematic Working Group on Migration in Thailand). Only 1,174,900 foreigners possess a working permit in both professional and low-skilled occupation. According to the Thailand Labor Force Survey, foreigners with working permits make up an approximately 2.8% of the total Thai labor force. When taken into account the unregistered migrant workers, the ratio increases to around 5% (Ministry of Labour). As of 2013, “the Department of Provincial Administration reported that there were 3,567,683 migrant workers from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar” (Ministry of Labour, Department of Employment ). Migrant workers from the neighboring countries generally fill the high demand of low-skilled positions, smoothing out the production of Thai companies. According to a study by Thai economist Pholphirul, Rukumnuaykrit and Kamlai, “immigrants has increased agricultural production by 1.33 %, manufacturing sector by 0.9 %, and service sector by 0.53 %” in 2010 (Pholphirul). These unskilled migrate workers enable Thai firms to maintain a competitive edge in the global market by reducing the cost of production with low wages.
Since the 15th century, Han Chinese merchants and labors migrated to Thailand for better economic opportunities. This migration trend has continuously expanded as Thailand host the largest overseas Chinese community with nine million people, making up approximately 14% of Thai population (Central Intelligence Agency ). The Chinese community has had tremendous influence on Thai society in all aspects such as cultural fusion of food, entertainment, traditions, while Chinese descendants maintain a strong presence in modern Thai business and politics. While Chinese migrates are noted to be the most successful minority group to integrate into Thai society, Japanese migrates also thrive with varying degrees of success. Communities of Japanese merchants began to thrive in Thai’s Ayutthaya Kingdom in early 16th century. However, Japanese communities were driven out by internal rebels during late 17th century. The trade agreements between Japan and Thailand were temporary halted until the 19th century when both countries renewed their trade relations again. In modern times, Thailand receive numerous amounts of visitors as retirees from India and Western countries, such as the United States and United Kingdom. There is also a large influx of immigration from neighboring states (Cambodia, People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, and Myanmar) to escape absolute poverty and political …show more content…
Due to insufficient records or no systematic attempt, the number of non-Thais residing in the country remains unknown. There is believed to be approximately 3.7 million non-natives living in Thailand, 3.25 millions of whom are working ( United Nations Thematic Working Group on Migration in Thailand). Only 1,174,900 foreigners possess a working permit in both professional and low-skilled occupation. According to the Thailand Labor Force Survey, foreigners with working permits make up an approximately 2.8% of the total Thai labor force. When taken into account the unregistered migrant workers, the ratio increases to around 5% (Ministry of Labour). As of 2013, “the Department of Provincial Administration reported that there were 3,567,683 migrant workers from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar” (Ministry of Labour, Department of Employment ). Migrant workers from the neighboring countries generally fill the high demand of low-skilled positions, smoothing out the production of Thai companies. According to a study by Thai economist Pholphirul, Rukumnuaykrit and Kamlai, “immigrants has increased agricultural production by 1.33 %, manufacturing sector by 0.9 %, and service sector by 0.53 %” in 2010 (Pholphirul). These unskilled migrate workers enable Thai firms to maintain a competitive edge in the global market by reducing the cost of production with low wages.