Abstract:
Transportation planning research often overlooks the distinct needs of informal domestic workers. This study focuses on live-out housekeepers in Bangkok and examines how their mobility, work characteristics, and socioeconomic status affect their livelihoods. The study used non-probability sampling methods, including convenience, snowball, and purposive sampling. Data from 61 respondents were collected through surveys and semi-structured in-depth interviews and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, crosstabulation, inferential statistics (ANOVA), and word cloud analysis.
The study found that live-out housekeepers in Bangkok face high mobility, adaptability, and uncertainty levels. The research highlights the challenges that housekeepers face as informal workers, emphasizing the impact of their travel habits and livelihoods based on their duration and spaces during and after work. Some live-out housekeepers have also turned to online platforms to find more job opportunities. However, despite the potential for increased hourly income on these platforms, the complexities of online or hybrid work still negatively affect their work conditions, travel behavior, and overall well-being.
The insights from this research have significant implications for policymaking. Firstly, it advocates for prioritizing the rights of inclusive housekeepers as a form of decent work on a national scale. Secondly, it suggests some transportation measures to address commuting challenges, aiming to improve the quality of life for housekeepers in the city.
