Workers In Thailand Research Articles

Association between Thai language proficiency and adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors (CPB) among Myanmar migrant workers in Southern Thailand.

The association between host country language proficiency and disease prevention among migrants is underexplored. The objective of this study is to assess the extent to which self-reported command of the Thai language is associated with adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors (CPB) among Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. We distributed a self-administered structured questionnaire in Burmese language to 1,050 Myanmar migrant workers in Southern Thailand from September 2022 to January 2023. The questionnaire included background characteristics, self-reported Thai language proficiency based on the Common European Framework Reference (CEFR), and self-reported CPB adherence at residence and workplace. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analysis. Although slightly less than half of the participants reported CEFR A1 level or higher in Thai speaking and listening skills, less than 10 percent did so for reading and writing skills. Workplace COVID-19 preventive adherence scores were initially found to be significantly associated with A1 level or higher speaking and listening skills. However, after adjusting for confounders, these associations were not statistically significant (Speaking skill's Adjusted Beta = 0.713, 95% CI = -0.011, 1.437; Listening skill's Adjusted Beta = -0.367, 95% CI = -1.087, 0.353). No significant associations were found between any language skill domain and residence COVID-19 preventive adherence scores for both unadjusted and adjusted analysis. The study findings may have implications for relevant stakeholders in migrant services, migrant health, and infectious disease control. However, information biases, language barriers, and lack of generalizability should be considered as caveats in the interpretation of the study findings.

Risk Factors for Developing Occupational Back Pain in Electronics Industry Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Back pain is an occupation-related problem among workforces. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of back pain and the risk factors of occupational back pain among workers in the electronics industry. In total, 354 electronics workers in Thailand participated in the study. Data were collected using the Musculoskeletal Disorders Severity and Frequency Questionnaire, the Job Content Questionnaire, and ergonomics risk assessment via the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Risk factors of back pain were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis, providing adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The study found that most workers were operators (92.09%) and had repetitive work (83.62%). A high ergonomics risk was observed in workers who stood during work (68.49%) and operated machines (71.70%). The 1-month prevalence of developing back pain was 20.62% and the significant factors correlated with back pain were low levels of job control and decision-making (ORadj = 2.26; 95% CI [1.26 ,4.05]), lack of exercise (ORadj = 8.30; 95% CI [1.35, 24.28]), repetitive work (ORadj = 2.94; 95% CI [1.19, 7.29]), and high ergonomic risk level (ORadj = 2.81; 95% CI [1.16, 5.07]). These findings suggest that measures should be implemented by empowering electronics workers to make decisions and control their jobs, as well as promoting health through muscle-stretching exercise, to support back pain prevention.

Role of Social Support in Improving Quality of Life among Myanmar Women Migrant Workers in Central and Northern Thailand: Implications for Community Nursing

Background: Social support and quality of life (QoL) are crucial for the well-being of individuals. Myanmar women migrant workers in Thailand represent a vulnerable population, yet there are limited studies on social support and QoL among these migrants. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated associations between social support and QoL among Myanmar women migrant workers in central and northern Thailandthrough multistage sampling using a structured questionnaire. Social support was measured using the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey, and QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple linear regression was analysed to find the association between social support and QoL, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Results: Among 575 participants, they had an average overall social support score of 61.73 ± 16.47, with low support = 24.35%, moderate support = 46.43%, and high support = 29.22%. The average overall QoL score was 90.54 ± 13.23. Higher social support was positively associated with QoL (B = 4.781 for moderate support and B = 9.721 for high support, p < 0.01). Higher education and easier access to emergency finances were also positively associated with QoL. Conclusion: Tailored social support interventions are recommended to enhance QoL among Myanmar women migrant workers in Thailand. Community nurses play a critical role in these interventions by providing education, facilitating access to resources, and fostering supportive networks.

Expanding the roles of malaria post workers in Thailand: A qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives.

In Thailand, since the 2000s, malaria post (MP) workers have been tasked with promptly detecting and treating all malaria cases to prevent onward transmission in the communities. Expanding their roles to provide health services beyond malaria has been proposed as a strategy to sustain their activities until elimination is reached. This article examines the perspectives of stakeholders on community-based malaria care to assess prospects for expanding the role of MPs. The study incorporated in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). In forested communities and local health facilities in northeast Thailand bordering Lao PDR and Cambodia, where malaria transmission is low, IDIs were conducted with 13 MPs and 23 community members. An additional 14 policymakers and implementers across the health sector in Thailand were interviewed. The respondents highlighted how in these border areas population groups most at risk of malaria, namely forest goers and migrants, are reluctant to visit public health facilities. In these areas, MP workers are well integrated in their communities and remain relevant although the communities no longer see malaria as spriority. Common conditions such as dengue, diabetes, insect bites, diarrhea, mental illness and substance abuse, were identified as local health concerns needing potential add-on services from MP workers. Although challenges in terms of training, supervision, and financing were raised, opportunities included additional funds from local administrative offices to maintain and integrate malaria activities with other health programmes. Changes to the roles of MPs should be adapted to changing local needs, some of which were identified in this study, should avoid duplication and potential tensions with other local health programmes, and need to build on the capacity of the community and primary care system. These enabling factors are worthy of consideration by any malaria programmes looking into maintaining their village malaria workers in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Self-assessed threshold for cold temperatures and thermal insulation of clothing among poultry workers

The association between self-assessed cold threshold (CT) and thermal insulation of clothing (Icl) was analysed in 283 poultry workers in Thailand. The mean CT was 13.5 °C (range − 28–29) and the mean Icl was 1.23 clo (range 0.35–2.21). The adjusted CT remained unchanged at low Icls (0.35 through 1.25 clo) but was estimated to increase by 14.8 °C at high Icls (1.25 through 2.21 clo). Overall, CT was higher by 2.4 °C (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–3.8) at high (≥ 1.25 clo) than that at low (< 1.25 clo) Icl, but this difference was modified by personal and work-related factors. The difference was 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.6) for older (30–57 y) compared to younger (18–29 y) participants, with an excess of 7.3 °C (CI 5.6–9.0) for low vs high educated participants, 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.8) for those doing heavy vs light work, 7.4 °C (CI 3.7–11.0) for alcohol consumers vs others, and 3.4 °C (CI 0.6–6.3) for smokers vs non-smokers. The differences were independent of personal characteristics and worksite physical conditions and were interpreted as increased cold sensitivity among subgroups with lesser stamina and poorer health. Sensitive worker subgroups should be identified, and their need for cold protection should be reviewed.

Association between Social support and Depression in Early Middle Adult Myanmar Migrant Workers

Introduction: It is common for migrant workers to work for difficult, dirty, and dangerous kinds of jobs. Therefore, migrant workers worldwide are commonly susceptible to depression. There are very limited studies focusing on the relationship between depression and social support among early middle-adult Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Objectives: The objective is to explore the prevalence of depression and to evaluate the association between social support and depression among early middle-adult Myanmar Migrant Workers. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study. From the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample size was around 112. Chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Out of 112 total participants, the prevalence of depression was about 47.3%. From the result of multiple logistic regression, social support was associated with depression (adjusted odd ratio=2.48, 95% confidence interval=1.11-5.51; p=0.026). Conclusions: Based on the result, the participants with low social support were 2.48 times more likely to have depression than those with high social support. Therefore, it is recommended that social support is an important variable for reducing depression. Mental health care and social support services should be incorporated into reducing depression.

The Impact of Stressors on Depressive Symptoms Among Youth Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Many youths suffer from depressive symptoms globally, especially youth migrant workers who are more vulnerable to depressive symptoms than non-migrant youths. Given the extensive literature reviewed, little is known about the impact of stressors on depressive symptoms among young migrant populations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of stressors on depressive symptoms among young Myanmar migrants in Thailand. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between August and December 2023, using self-administered questionnaires. The sample size was 165 young migrant workers in Myanmar by simple random sampling. The exclusion criteria were participants who had serious physical illness or acute mental illness, and unwillingness to participate in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and CESD (The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive symptoms) were included in the questionnaires. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for descriptive statistics. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between stressors, self-esteem, coping behavior, and depressive symptoms. It was found that 47.9% of young Myanmar migrant workers had experienced depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms was associated with four variables: workplace stressors (β = 0.525, p <0.001), security stressors (β = 0.181, p <0.01), living stressors (β = 0.126, p <0.05), and self-esteem (β = -0.135, p <0.05). According to hierarchical linear regression analysis, workplace, security, and living stressors significantly increased depressive symptoms scores, whereas self-esteem decreased depressive symptoms scores among young 165 Myanmar migrant workers. Therefore, policymakers should be encouraged to establish preventive measures against specific stressors. In addition, many young migrant workers have been found to experience depressive symptoms. Mental health care should be prioritized and made accessible to this vulnerable and risky group.

Ethical gamified health communication intervention to prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) in Myanmar migrants at Thailand's seafood factory: A study protocol

Background Thailand's seafood industry heavily depends on Myanmar migrant workers, who face significant occupational health issues, including an increase in work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Due to linguistic and cultural limitations, traditional health communication strategies often fail to reach this population. This study explores the effectiveness of a culturally and linguistically tailored gamified health communication intervention aimed at preventing WMSDs in Myanmar migrant workers in a Thai seafood factory. Methods The intervention is developed and then implemented in two phases. The objective of the study is to develop, implement, and evaluate a gamified health intervention for Myanmar migrant workers that will prevent WMSDs. The intervention is customized to the workers' cultural background and work natures through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and expert reviews. The intervention then consists of a set of 12 exercises designed to prevent the WMSDs. The Intervention’s impact is assessed through pre- and post-intervention evaluations measuring changes in knowledge, awareness, and self-reported musculoskeletal health. Results Since this is a study protocol, precise findings are not yet available. The target audience is expected to adopt safe work practices more frequently, have better physical health, and have a greater understanding of WMSDs. Conclusions This protocol describes a novel way to use a culturally-tailored and ethically appropriate gamified health communication intervention to address the health issues (such as WMSDs) experienced by Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand's seafood industry. This technique may serve as a model for comparable health promotion initiatives in other labour-intensive industries and migrant worker groups, promoting better awareness and prevention of WMSDs. Registration Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (TCTR20240515003, Registration Date: 15 May 2024).

Discrimination and violence against women migrant workers in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study.

Women migrant workers are vulnerable to discrimination and violence, which are significant public health problems. These situations may have been intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate discrimination against women migrant workers in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic and its intersection with their experiences of violence and associated factors. A mixed-methods study design was employed to collect data from 572 women migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Cambodia. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 494 participants using a structured questionnaire for quantitative data, whereas qualitative data was collected through 24 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 54 migrant women. Simple and multiple logistic regression and content analysis were employed. This study found that about one in five women migrant workers experienced discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those who experienced discrimination, 63.2% had experienced intimate partner violence and 76.4% had experienced non-intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The multivariable analysis revealed that women migrant workers who had experienced any violence (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.49, 5.12), lost their jobs or income during the pandemic (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI = 2.09, 7.62), and were from Myanmar (AOR = 4.68, 95% CI = 1.79, 12.21) were more likely to have experienced discrimination. The results suggest that the intersection of discrimination and violence against women migrant workers in Thailand demands special interest to understand and address the problem. It is recommended that policymakers provide interventions and programs that are inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of women migrants depending on their country of origin and job profile.

Practical cooling interventions for preventing heat strain in indoor factory workers in Thailand.

Occupational heat stress, exacerbated by factors such as climate change and insufficient cooling solutions, endangers the health and productivity of workers, especially in low-resource workplaces. To evaluate the effectiveness of two cooling strategies in reducing physiological strain and productivity of piece-rate workers over a 9-h work shift in a southern Thailand sawmill. In a crossover randomized control trial design, 12 (33 ± 7 y; 1.58 ± 0.05 m; 51 ± 9 kg; n = 5 females) medically screened sawmill workers were randomly allocated into three groups comprising an established phase change material vest (VEST), an on-site combination cooling oasis (OASIS) (i.e., hydration, cold towels, fans, water dousing), and no cooling (CON) across 3 consecutive workdays. Physiological strain was measured via core temperature telemetry and heart rate monitoring. Productivity was determined by counting the number of pallets of wood sorted, stacked, and stowed each day. Relative to CON, OASIS lowered core temperature by 0.25°C [95% confidence interval = 0.24, 0.25] and heart rate by 7 bpm [6, 9] bpm, compared to 0.17°C [0.17, 0.18] and 10 [9,12] bpm reductions with VEST. It was inconclusive whether productivity was statistically lower in OASIS compared to CON (mean difference [MD] = 2.5 [-0.2, 5.2]), and was not statistically different between VEST and CON (MD = 1.4 [-1.3, 4.1]). Both OASIS and VEST were effective in reducing physiological strain compared to no cooling. Their effect on productivity requires further investigation, as even small differences between interventions could lead to meaningful disparities in piece-rate worker earnings over time.

Problems of Myanmar Women of Reproductive Age in Accessing Health Services as Migrant Workers in Thailand: A Qualitative Study

Background: The largest portion of migrant labor in Thailand originates from Myanmar, with almost half consisting of female workers. Most female migrant workers (MWs) are of reproductive age and often experience physical illnesses, including pregnancy and childbirth. Although access to prenatal care and delivery services for Myanmar MWs has been previously studied, their challenges in accessing other reproductive health services (HSs) have not yet been explored.Purpose: This study aimed to explore problems in accessing health services experienced by women of reproductive age (WRA) who were members of the Myanmar migrant workforce in Thailand.Methods: The present study employed a qualitative research design. The samples consisted of 20 informants aged 18-49 years old, who were Myanmar WRA working as migrant laborers for more than one year. They were subdivided into two groups: 10 participants provided information through in-depth interviews, and the other 10 participated in focus group discussions, with each group comprising 5 individuals. The researchers selected informants using criterion sampling. Data analysis utilized the Diekelmann and Allen method.Results: The findings revealed two general themes, including care ineligibility and problems in accessing health services. The six major issues among Myanmar WRA include inability to purchase or renew health insurance cards (HICs), HIC or social security wage deduction avoidance, communication issues, hospital inexperience, the transit fare, and admission refusal.Conclusion: Despite available health services, migrant women from Myanmar encounter barriers such as inability to purchase health insurance cards, wage deduction concerns, communication issues, hospital unfamiliarity, transportation expenses, and admission refusal. Addressing these barriers through policy interventions and support mechanisms is crucial for enhancing healthcare access.

Health literacy and high blood pressure among Myanmar migrant workers in Northeastern Thailand.

Hypertension, related to serious consequences unless diagnosed and treated, is a global concern, also affecting migrant workers. Due to the high prevalence of hypertension among migrant workers in Thailand, the influences of health literacy and other factors on blood pressure were needed to explore among Myanmar migrant workers in Northeastern Thailand. Hence, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP), its association with health literacy and other factors among Myanmar migrant workers in Northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Northeastern Thailand. A multistage sampling procedure was applied. Data was gathered through interviews utilizing validated and reliable structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with multiple logistic regression were used. Among 406 participants, about 60% were male and about 70% of them were married. The prevalence of overall HBP was 63.3% (95% CI: 58.49-67.86), 52% in females and 71.86% in males. Participants with limited health literacy were 79% more likely to have HBP than those with excellent and adequate health literacy (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.13-2.84). Other factors substantially linked with having HBP were being male gender (AOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.81-7.78), being overweight (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.18-4.23), being obese (AOR = 5.69, 95% CI: 2.96-10.96), not having health insurance (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.11-3.66), staying in Thailand for more than 48 months (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.48-3.9), and having family history of hypertension (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.28-3.35). In conclusion, more than half of Myanmar migrant workers had HBP. Factors associated with HBP were limited health literacy, male gender, overnutrition, lack of health insurance, longer duration of stay in Thailand and having family history of hypertension. Therefore, there is a need for a multifaceted strategy to prevent hypertension and its consequences by promoting health literacy as well as by enhancing good behavioural practice among this community.

Health seeking behavior among Myanmar migrant workers in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand

Background: Numbers of migrant workers have been increasing in Thailand, 69% of low skilled migrant workers are from Myanmar. Migrant workers are at highest risk of work-related injury and illness as compared to immigrants. There is limited study focusing on the magnitude of health seeking behavior and its associated factors among Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Objectives: To determine the proportion of the health seeking behavior and its associated factors among Myanmar migrant workers. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study using quantitative data where 423 Myanmar migrant workers were included and the study was carried out in the Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Community people working in a fishing net factory and a construction site were selected by simple random sampling method. Data collection was done via face-to-face interviews. Multiple logistic regression was used for data analysis. The association was described with Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and its 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) at the statistically significant level of p value &lt; 0.05. Results: A total of 423 participants aged between 18 and 56 years (mean: 30.89 ± 7.95 years) and 61.7% currently married were enrolled in this study. Three-fourths (76.36%) of participants had income of more than 10,000 baths per month. Around 87% respondents were healthy. Overall, 46.81% of participants had appropriate health seeking behavior. Factors significantly associated with appropriate health seeking behavior were fishing net factory workers (AOR:1.80, 95% CI: 1.03-3.13), ability to speak Thai (AOR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.52-4.39), non-drinkers (AOR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.01-2.53), unhealthy workers (AOR:2.30, 95% CI: 1.21-4.39), injured (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.67-6.61) and having chronic diseases (AOR: 2.92,95% CI: 1.55-5.52). Conclusion: The proportion of appropriate health seeking behavior of Myanmar migrant workers was unsatisfactory. Occupation, ability to speak Thai, nondrinker, unhealthy, injury and chronic diseases were statistically significantly associated with appropriate health seeking behavior. Language translators should be assigned in the health centres to solve the barrier of health seeking behaviour of Myanmar migrant workers.

The impacts of workplace bullying, emotional exhaustion, and psychological distress on poor job performance of healthcare workers in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to examine the profound repercussions of workplace bullying (WB), emotional exhaustion (EE), and psychological distress (PD) on poor job performance (PJP) within the intricacies of Thailand’s healthcare sector. It also seeks to elucidate the moderating influence of COVID-19 burnout (CBO) on these variables.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilized a quantitative research approach. A total of 230 responses were collected from healthcare workers using convenience sampling during a significant surge of the coronavirus in March 2022. To assess the reliability and correlations between constructs, a dual-stage structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was applied.FindingsDuring the global health crisis caused by COVID-19, WB and PD were found to positively predict PJP, except for EE. The presence of WB elevated EE and PD among Thai hospital staff. PD and EE partially mediated the relationship between WB and PJP. The positive moderating role of CBO among hospital employees significantly buffered the relationship between WB and EE.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in the examination of the poor mental health of Thai healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare reforms are required to protect the mental health of Thai healthcare staff to prevent poor job performance following unprecedented circumstances.

Factors Influencing Thai Health Workers’ Attitudes toward Providing Health Services to Migrants

Many migrants currently use local Thai healthcare services while living and working in Thailand. Health workers’ attitudes toward providing health services to migrants significantly influence the quality of their healthcare. This study aimed to describe and compare health workers’ attitudes toward providing health services to migrants between health professionals and supportive health workers and examine the personal and system factors that predict health workers’ attitudes towards health services. A cross-sectional design was applied in this study. A total of 1,356 health workers in Thailand were selected using multi-stage random sampling. The research instruments included the Migrants’ Cultures and Contexts Questionnaire and the Health Workers’ Attitudes toward Providing Health Services to Migrants Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression.Most health professionals (91.05%) and supportive health workers (91.71%) had positive attitudes toward health services for migrants. The appropriateness of health workers’ numbers and knowledge about migrants’ cultures and contexts could mutually influence the health workers’ attitudes, accounting for only 3.6% of the variance. Reinforcing positive attitudes among health workers can be done by providing praise for good health services. However, further studies on the accessibility, quality of care services, cost, and migrants’ satisfaction are needed before appropriate intervention and policy can be improved.

Occupational safety and health among fishing boat workers in Thailand

The Thai fishing industry has been under close scrutiny for conditions faced by fishing boat workers, yet data are scarce with regards to occupational safety and health (OSH) among its workers. The objectives of this study are to describe: i) water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions, and; ii) OSH conditions faced by migrant fishing boat workers in Thailand. We conducted a mixed-methods study with a quantitative survey in 200 migrant fishing boat workers and focus group discussions with 11 workers and 6 stakeholders in southern Thailand. We analyzed quantitative and qualitative data using descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively. Nearly all participants (95.0%) reported that drinking water on board was stored in a sealed container, but only 5.5% of participants reported that there was latrine on board for defecation. Nearly all participants reported proper storage of objects on board, although findings on maintenance varied. Use of personal protective equipment was scarce as equipments obstruct the workers’ movement. The findings highlighted areas where improvements in WASH and OSH are needed. However, caveats regarding potential information bias and lack of generalizability should be considered in the interpretation of the study findings.

Discrimination during COVID-19: Assessing migrant workers’ vulnerability to forced labor in Thailand’s seafood industry

Between 2020 and 2022, Thailand instituted a series of policies to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of the regulations were rooted in structural discrimination against the migrant population. This paper reveals how the discriminatory nature of the government’s policies heightened the vulnerability of migrant workers in Thailand’s commercial fishing and seafood processing industries. COVID-19 containment measures and immigration policies, coupled with the exclusion of migrant workers from social protection programs, inadvertently subjected migrant workers in Thailand’s seafood industry to increased risk of forced labor. At the same time, further restrictions on freedom of association rights and the weakening of labor inspections during the pandemic hampered workers’ ability to report labor abuses and the government’s ability to identify and remedy cases of forced labor.

LABOR LAW IMPLICATIONS ON MIGRANT WORKERS IN THAILAND AND CAMBODIA

Purpose: Employment is the basic right of the citizens, migrants, refugees and all other kinds of residents throughout the globe. International laws, economic zonation, domestic regulations, ordinances and regional policies require timely reviewing and revising to provide fair opportunity to all. However, the scenarios take an adverse turn when disaster strikes. The government, legal system and department framework work in close collaboration to ensure sustainability of the citizens. Theoretical Framework: Thailand has been struggling amid various disasters in the past while maintaining standards of employment through labor laws. However, the literature shows several gaps in the existing labor law which inversely impact upon the migrant workers in Thailand. Methods: The methodology adopted for this study is qualitative methods with data collections tools including the secondary data through the online published resources. The research follows an exploratory approach towards the documentary research method to ensure the inferences among the collected data. Findings: The results depict inadequacies in the existing labor law in Thailand, with reduced rights during the disasters. These adversely impact the implemented laws such as minimum wages, equal opportunities to work, supportive assistance from the governmental channels and professional growth and development of the individuals. Practical Implications: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) being the majority sector providing jobs for both domestic and foreign population requires them to be equipped with robust labor laws. Originality/Value: The study further provides for growth and sustainable development of the ASEAN region as Thailand is the central hub providing job and growth opportunities for all the member nations.

Association of socioeconomic conditions and quality of life with depression among Laos migrant workers in Northeast Thailand: multilevel-level logistics regression analysis

Currently, an increasing number of workers are migrating to Thailand; a trend that is increasing along with the economic growth of the country. However, the cultural conditions, traditions and adjustments of migrant workers in Thailand have a significant impact on their mental state, leading to mental health problems. This study used a cross-sectional analytical study design and secondary data. This study investigated the relationship of socioeconomic conditions and quality of life with depression among migrant workers from Laos employed in Northeast Thailand. The study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020. Study participants included 1,205 Laos migrant workers working in Northeast Thailand. Data was analysed using Multi-level Logistic Regression Analysis to determine the relationship of socioeconomic conditions and quality of life with depression. The effects of covariates were controlled and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. The results of the study revealed that the prevalence of depression was 9.29% (95%CI: 7.78–11.07) and factors affecting depression among Laos migrant workers included low-moderate psychological quality of life (AOR =6.69, CI: 2.96–15.10), low-moderate social quality of life (AOR =4.00, 95%CI: 2.32–6.99) and sufficient income but no savings (AOR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.57–4.19). Therefore, agencies related to migrant workers should focus on developing policies that promote their quality of life, as it directly affects their mental health. This should include the development of social and psychological quality of life as well as income and well-being security, which serves as the foundation for workers who contribute to the country’s sustainable economic and industrial development.

The Visibility of Disabled Cross-Border Migrant Workers in Thailand in Migration Research

Migrant workers contribute significantly to Thai economic growth. Their importance attracts the attention of scholars around the world. Many researchers have investigated their lives before and while living in Thailand and when they return home. However, it is still questionable to what extent disabled migrants are included in these studies. This paper intends to answer this question by reviewing works conducted in Thailand related to migration and disabilities that appear in Thai and international journal citation databases. The results show that disabled migrant workers in Thailand are not yet clearly visible in migration research or migration data collection. This investigation suggests that the government, scholars, migration research institutes, and non-profit organizations should put disabled migrant workers on their research agendas. This can make them visible and raise society’s awareness of them, as with other groups of disabled people. The information can be used to support disabled migrants throughout the migration process to give them a better quality of life and prevent them from suffering human rights violations.