Factors Motivating Myanmar Migrant Workers: A Case of a Factory in Songkhla Province, Thailand

Abstract

This research explores employee motivation of a factory located in Songkhla Province, Thailand. The factory’s assumed name is Sidhiphatra Cold-Storage Factory. It employs 2,000 Myanmar migrant workers as well as Thai local workers who live in Songkhla Province. To be specific, Myanmar migrants are only a foreign nationality that the factory hires. All Myanmar migrants are recruited under the MOU process. The information for analysis were obtained from non-participant observation and in-depth interviews. The results revealed that Sidhiphatra Cold-Storage Factory has its own measures to motivate its employees positively and negatively. In terms of positive motivation, the factory established a reliable system of wage payments and provided free accommodation, creating employee morale and offering freedom of dress and day-off. For negative motivation, Sidhiphatra Cold-Storage Factory follows the regulations specified in the MOU agreement to strictly control and manage Myanmar migrant workers. All motivational activities have enhanced productivity and workers’ performance.