Forms of Mobility and Their Policy Implications: Thailand and China Compared

Abstract

As part of their development efforts, many developing nations are concerned about their patterns of population distribution and migration; a number have instituted policies to change the situation. A growing body of research suggests that temporary population movement—circulation—may serve as an alternative means for populations to adjust to the changing economic situations. This paper assesses the impact of development efforts on the various forms of population mobility in Thailand and China. In Thailand, rural development efforts, more investment in small urban places, and improved transport and communication networks have all contributed to a decrease in rural—rural migration and an increase of movement between urban places. Evidence also suggests that circulation between rural and urban places has increased. In China, where permanent migration is tightly controlled, development policies have led to a vast increase in temporary movement. Especially important has been institution of the agricultural responsibility system and investment in small city and town development, but urban reforms have also fostered increased labor mobility. Although China's political system makes both development policies and control of population movement much easier to carry out than in most other countries, China's experiences can hold special interest for developing nations like Thailand that are also concerned about the impact of modernization on population redistribution and the quality of life in both urban and rural places.