Migration and Remittances: Evidence from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Lao Migrant Workers

Abstract

Objective – The purpose of research is to address and seek to answer leading questions concerning migration, with a focus on migration remittances, and management relating to remittance. Methodology/Technique – The survey was conducted in 2018. In this study, a total of 511 migrant workers from Cambodia, Myanmar and Lao were interviewed. The methodology of this research applies a probit regression analysis. Results – The findings show that repeated migrants who are not first-time migrants are a highly specific group with 54.74%. First-time migrants are most likely to send remittances home while working in Thailand, accounting for approximately 2,826 Baht per month. However, this number decreases among second-time migrants who typically send remittances of approximately 2,331 Baht per month. The saving behavior is not different between first-time migrants and second-time migrants, who save a portion of their earnings. Nonetheless, this number rises to 50% for third and subsequent migrants. An estimation of all migrant’s nationalities indicates that the variables that have the most influence on remittances in a positive way are: being of Cambodian nationality, experiencing a burden among their family, being in need of social assistance, being Myanmar migrants and household size, respectively. On the other hand, the variables that effect remittances in a negative way include: attaining below primary school education, an education level (in a year), real estate owned, and a number of migrating household members in Thailand, respectively. Novelty – The findings of this research show that those who graduate with less than primary level education are more likely to send money home compared to those who complete their primary school education. The policy recommendations made by this study include a recommendation that banks decrease money transferring costs, employers to pay salary through banking accounts, and migrants to remit money through formal channels. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: F22, F24, J61. Keywords: International Migration; Remittances; Labor Mobility. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Sricharoen, T. 2020. Migration and Remittances: Evidence from Cambodia, Myanmar and Lao Migrant Workers, J. Bus. Econ. Review 5(2) 72 – 79 https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2020.5.2(3)