Learning model for improving quality of life of Cambodian migrant workers working and living in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research study were 1) to study the current living situation of Cambodian migrant workers working and living in Thailand, 2) to study how all stakeholders and those Cambodian migrant workers could work together to improve the quality of life of those Cambodian migrant workers living and working in Thailand, and 3) to propose a learning model for improving the quality of life of Cambodian migrant workers working and living in Thailand. The data was collected quantitatively and qualitatively from the survey and in-depth interview. The sample for the survey was 100 Cambodian migrant workers who were selected from four areas namely (1) Bangkok (2) Pathumthani (3) Chonburi and (4) Samut Prakarn. In addition, the informants for the interview were nine stakeholders consisting of two government officials, one representative of civil societies, one local community authority, one representative of worker recruiting companies and four Cambodian migrant workers. Data obtained from the survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics while that obtained from the in-depth interview was analyzed using thematic content analysis

The research finding revealed that most of the Cambodian migrant workers lived in difficult situation. However, their living condition varied mainly depending on legal status and the types of employment. Besides, stakeholders, including local community, employers, civil societies and recruiting agencies together with those Cambodian migrant workers are all important components for the contribution to the living and working condition of Cambodian migrant workers, specially, their own factors such as language, technology, attitude, networking and social integration in order to improve their health care, well-being and access to the information. The most crucial finding suggested that the employers avoid using illegal workers in order to stop the flow of illegal workers into Thailand. More importantly, both Cambodian and Thai government as well as stakeholders should work collaboratively and formulate clear guidelines to cooperatively prevent all repeated problems to those workers. The finding proposed that learning model consisted of two significant components, First, all stakeholders should play very important role on implementation of what have been discussed for improving the Quality of Life of all Cambodian migrant workers. Second, factors from Cambodian migrant workers such as their social background and attitude, ability in Thai language and building networking, social integration with local people as well as their skill in using technology should be improved to promote their life capital. These components could eventually lead to their well-integrated and contribute to their Quality of Life by improving their healthcare, well-being, social inclusion and information access.