Overseas Election and the Political Rights of the Thai Migrant Workers in Malaysia

Abstract

The role of Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in organizing elections outside the Kingdom and the voting participation of Thai migrant workers are both significant factors in electoral processes. This research aims to: 1) examine the role of the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in managing the 2023 election outside the Kingdom, and 2) investigate the political rights of Thai migrant workers in Malaysia. The study employs qualitative research methodology through document analysis, non-participant observation, and interviews with 32 individuals including Thai migrant workers and government officials. The findings indicate that the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur successfully utilized its legal authority to manage the election process and received commendation for its efforts. Regarding political rights, the study reveals that: 1) In terms of voting rights, most Thai migrant workers are aware of their voting rights. Office workers ("White Collar" workers) constitute the largest group exercising their right to vote outside the Kingdom. Meanwhile, general skilled workers—such as massage therapists, fishery workers, and employees in Thai restaurants ("Tom Yum workers")—who reside near the border areas predominantly return to Thailand to vote, while some workers abstain from voting altogether. 2) Concerning political participation rights, "Tom Yum workers" are the only labor group that participates in political activities organized in Malaysia by political parties and politicians from Thailand's southern border provinces. 3) Regarding the right to information, Thai migrant workers primarily access political news and information through online media platforms, specifically Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.