Livelihoods of Thai–Malaysian Cross-Border Traders and Laborers amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This qualitative research studied Malay Muslims of Thailand’s southern border region who earn a subsistence living in Malaysia: 1) cross-border lives and occupations in Malaysia before the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; 2) COVID-19 impacts on cross-border livelihoods; and 3) adjustments and adaptations in response to COVID-19. Livelihoods, mobility, anthropological border studies, and emotions/feelings of marginalized and vulnerable groups were used as conceptual frameworks. Data was gathered by document collection, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and observation.
Results were that cross-border employment was a solution for poverty and unemployment of Malay Muslims in the southern border region of Thailand. Although earnings barely sufficed and involved the risks of illegal border crossings, such employment remained indispensable. Associated perils were mitigated by social relationships, dependency, and patronage originating from home communities. From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-border Malay Muslims faced hardship due to quarantine measures implemented by the Thai and Malaysian governments, resulting in the loss of jobs, normal life, and work-related connections in Malaysia. Despite limited governmental assistance, cross-border workers coped with emotional and economic struggles and made future plans. However, these adaptations were mere survival strategies until the same insecure cross-border livelihood cycle could recommence.