The Mobility and the Transformation of Migrant Labor: A Case Study of Akha Migrant workers from an Akha village, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This study aims to (1) examine the lives of Akha ethnic migrant workers and understand the patterns of their migration; (2) analyze the process of becoming migrant workers and the construction of transnational identities among the Akha ethnic group; and (3) explore and explain the economic, social, and cultural impacts of this migration on Thailand, local communities, and families. The research employs an ethnographic methodology, incorporating in-depth interviews with 25 Akha migrant workers, focus group discussions with 15 community members, participant observations, and document analysis. Data were analyzed through content analysis and interpreted using the theoretical frameworks of marginal people and marginalization, as well as mobility studies. The findings indicate that (1) between 2020 and 2022, Akha migrant workers primarily migrated to four key destinations: Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The selection of a destination was influenced by individual preferences and existing social networks, with the majority of migrants being young adults aged 20-35. (2) The migration process was facilitated by both informal networks (friends and relatives) and formal networks (employment agencies and schools), each of which played a distinct role in structuring and expanding transnational connectivity. This resulted in complex, fluid, and dynamic identity transformations among the migrants. (3) The migration of Akha workers generated multifaceted economic, social, and cultural consequences. A significant economic impact was the remittance flow, which supported families and contributed to community development in various dimensions, including debt relief, housing construction, vehicle acquisition, and local business investments. These economic contributions subsequently led to broader social and cultural transformations. The roles of Akha migrant workers extended beyond mere income generation, reflecting evolving social values and the changing aspirations of younger generations within their communities in response to contemporary global contexts.