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Labour Migration and the Economic Sustainability in Thailand

Author

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  • Piriya Pholphirul

Abstract

Migration is one of the top debate topics in terms of the national policy agendas of middle-income countries, and Thailand is no exception. The segmentation of its labour market explains why Thailand is experiencing large-scale immigration and a simultaneous emigration of low-skilled workers. Immigration inflows from its less-developed neighbour countries – namely, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar – pose a challenge for Thailand. Wage differentials between Thailand and other migrant-receiving countries, which are mostly more economically developed than Thailand, also stimu-late emigration from there. Due to regional disparities within the country and to a lack of employment and educational opportunities in rural areas, internal migration is also common and encouraged. In this paper I first analyse the economic pros and cons of migration both to and within Thailand before formulating labour migration policies that aim to maximize beneficial outcomes while minimizing economic costs. The cost–benefit analysis of labour migration is key to addressing relevant gaps in formulating and implementing effective policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Piriya Pholphirul, 2012. "Labour Migration and the Economic Sustainability in Thailand," Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 31(3), pages 59-83.
    • Handle: RePEc:gig:soaktu:v:31:y:2012:i:3:p:59-83
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    File URL: http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jsaa/article/view/570/568
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pholphirul, Piriya, 2013. "Immigration, job vacancies, and employment dynamics: Evidence from Thai manufacturers," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 1-16.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hayrullah Kahya, 2023. "A Contribution to Social Sustainability Efforts in Turkey in the Context of Migration: Uyum Çocuk (Harmonization Child) Platform," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-19, September.
    2. repec:ilo:ilowps:486521 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Martin, Philip L., & Abella, Manolo I., 2014. "Reaping the economic and social benefits of labour mobility : ASEAN 2015," ILO Working Papers 994865213402676, International Labour Organization.
    4. Rigg, Jonathan & Promphaking, Buapun & Le Mare, Ann, 2014. "Personalizing the Middle-Income Trap: An Inter-Generational Migrant View from Rural Thailand," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 184-198.
    5. Piriya Pholphirul & Pungpond Rukumnuaykit, 2017. "Does Immigration always Promote Innovation? Evidence from Thai Manufacturers," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 291-318, February.

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