Living Conditions of cambodian illegal migrant workers in Thailand

Abstract

After the civil was and the process of peace and economic development in Cambodia, hundreds of thousands of Cambodian people have continuously been immigrating illegally into Thailand mainly for the purposes of finding new job opportunities and higher wages to increase their living standard. The Cambodian illegal migrants work almost everywhere in Thailand, especially in the Bangkok metropolitan area, mainly in the construction zones and in the fishing industry provinces as fishermen. This thesis examines the living conditions of Cambodian illegal immigrants in Thailand, focusing on the experiences and current living conditions of 30 people, 15 of whom are working as construction workers in Bangkok and 15 working as fishermen in Rayong province, Thailand. The Cambodian illegal immigrant workers are working and living under very risky conditions and are often treated indecently. This study finds they experience and continue to face the following difficulties; They have no right to protest if their employers cheat them on labor wages, instead they are often threatened and will quit their job as solution; they are living under violent conditions, generally caused by the illegal immigrants themselves; and they have very limited space and right to travel, which was considered a main problem by them. In addition, there is no intention to protect them or provided them with any means to solve these problems. However, the Cambodian illegal migrant workers can enjoyed some economic and social activities while working in Thailand. Fishermen are paid everyday for daily expends no matter they are working or not. Construction workers can practice traditional ceremonies like wedding in their living areas. A conclusion to this study is that the Cambodian immigrants illegal status strongly affects their working and living conditions in Thailand.