WAY OF LIFE AND ADAPTATION OF TAI YAI AGEING MIGRANTS IN CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aims to: 1) Study migration factors and processes of Tai Yai ageing immigrants to Chiang Mai Province; and 2) Analyze ways of life and adaptation of Tai Yai ageings. This is a qualitative research by using direct non-participatory observation and purposive samplings. In the two study villages, the first village is a mountainous area where the majority of the population involves in agricultural activities. The second village is a flat area where the majority of the population involve in wood processing industry and construction. Data were collected by in-depth interviewed with 19 ageing migrants who aged over 60 years old, and semi-structured interviewed with 4 community leaders. The findings revealed that: 1) The places of origin of Tai Yai ageings are Northern and Southern Shan state. The main pushing factor for out-migration are political, social, environmenatal, and economic factors; and 2) Ageings in the two villages have different way of life. In the first village, almost all ageing immigrated when they were adults. In the second village, all migrants immigranted as family dependents after the age of 60. The study highlights the inequalities in ways of life and adaptation, including legal statuses, living conditions, communication, social networks, families, housing conditions, and income, and lead to recommendations in support appropriate policies for ageing immigrants. The research findings can be applied in other areas of the country which is a new challenges amidst Thailand's transition into an aging society.