Process of Legalization of Cambodian Workers in Thailand

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the process of entering employment in Thailand of Cambodian migrant workers; and 2) to study the process of making Cambodian migrant workers legal. The research was a qualitative research, consisting of document study, qualitative data collection, observation and informal interviews with 7 informants on 2 occasions, followed by group interviews with 5 Cambodian migrant workers, and in-depth interviews with employers and caregivers of migrant workers' communities. The tools used were 2 sets of questions, separated for workers and employers and caregivers. Data analysis was conducted during the data collection and analysis of findings to create conclusions. The research results found that 1) the current recruitment of migrant workers in Thailand allowed the help of agents and employers to pay the expenses in advance, with brokers from both countries, and 2) the cross-border process was the step where officials charged the most money. Employers often used brokers to facilitate and reduce problems with both officials and workers. As a result, there were many types of brokers. Being a legal worker affected the lifestyle of Cambodian workers. Steps that may lead to solutions included (1) studying the necessity of the broker system, (2) investigating violations of the law by government officials, (3) there should be a data collection system in Thailand that can identify foreign workers without having to wait for documents from all countries of origin, and (4) the direction of policy determination for foreign worker management can learn from the integration of workers into society from countries with welfare state policies. Policy recommendations included considering the use of registered brokers on an individual basis, focusing on working in the area, and studying ways to provide welfare to workers to improve their quality of life and create participation in Thai society.