The lives, working conditions and insecurities of frontier workers between Cambodia and Thailand at the Poipet-Aranyaprathet border crossing

Abstract

There are hundreds of men, women and children employed to transport commercial goods between Thailand and Cambodia. Through qualitative research, social mapping, and network theory we try to develop a better understanding of this complex livelihood. This case study paints a picture of Poipet’s cart pullers and porters and the labour practices and the short-term cross-border migration situation of frontier workers. The research examines their reality and frames their situation in terms of personal and economic security, migration and labour protection mechanisms for cart pullers and porters. This research couples an overview of a complex socio-economic picture with the first-hand experiences and daily challenges that cart pullers and porters face at this bustling economic corridor. Key findings from this study indicate that cart pullers and porters of all ages, including children, youth and adults represent a migrant community living in Poipet that experience vulnerabilities related to personal and economic security. Research conclusions illustrate the personal and economic insecurity issues are due to a complex situation linked to belonging to a high migrant population with limited social networks and support, and working within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) between Thailand and Cambodia. Current bilateral and regional agreements promote manual cross-border labour, but this informal labour lacks regulation and labour protection mechanisms. Practical solutions are needed to address personal and economic insecurities and improve the lives of child, youth and adult cart pullers and porters working at the frontier.