Communicative Patterns and Identity Perception amongst Mon Migrants in Samutsakhon Province

Abstract

This paper presents some of the results from a qualitative study entitled Communicative Patterns and Identity Perception amongst Mon Migrants in Samutsakhon Province. This study aimed to explore 1) how Mon migrants came to live and work in Samutsakhon Province and 2) what the communicative patterns amongst them were. Data were collected by informal talk, in-depth interviews and focus group.  The results showed that historically, Mon migrants came to Thailand to escape from wars and to avoid famine, and because they were needed for employment as laborers. The main reasons for immigration were escaping from wars and the need for employment. The study found two communicative patterns: internal and external communications. As far as the internal communication of the group of Mon migrants was concerned, they used social media such as facebook, events such as the national day and Buddhist lent day to interact with each other. For external communication and interaction with Thai people, they used Thai for everyday life and to talked to their employers hierarchically. This research on the identity perceptions have revealed 3 key points: 1.) Mon migrants has been helpers in terms of labour, not second-class citizens. 2.) Mon is not Burmese, and the Burmese are others. and 3.) Betel chewing has been an important part of Mon’s tradition.