The Patterns of Migrant Networks in Longan Orchard, Lamphun Province

Abstract

               The objective of the research was to study the patterns of migrant networks in Longan orchard, Lamphun Province. This research used qualitative research methods by collecting data from non-participant observation and in-depth interviews. Samples were 40 Tai Yai and Cambodian migrant workers. Data were analyzed by typological analysis of studied issues, and analytic induction by interpreting and concluding from research findings.

               The findings of migrant networks were found that most of Tai Yai and Cambodian workers were male, aged between 20-29 years old. Most of Tai Yai workers came from Kun Hing city, Shan state of Myanmar and most of Cambodian workers came from Battambang city. Migrant networks has key role to Tai Yai and Cambodian workers which are different issues that Tai Yai workers have lover network persuading to work, so Tai Yai workers have broader network than Cambodian and when consider with hometown or place of origin of Tai Yai workers caused to Tai Yai worker can migrate more easily than Cambodian workers. Moreover, the findings of migrant networks indicated to Tai Yai workers had several reasons to migrate with their migrant network. As well as the findings can be collected to the databases of migrant workers in Lamphun to cope with the problem of illegal migrant workers in the future.