Migrant Workers in Contemporary Thai Literature During 2002-2012

Abstract

The narrative of migrant workers in Thai literature represents migrant workers ethnic groups in Thailand and the perception of Thai society towards migrant workers. The research rveeals that the narrative of migrant workers presents not only the story of people from different races, speaking different languages from across borders but also ethnic prejudice-their portrayal as a foe and inferior are unveiled in Thai literature. In one aspect, the stories of ethnic marginal people migrating to become part of a labor force in Thailand ask for empathy for fellow human beings facing unfortunate fates and struggling to survive in Thai society. In another aspect, however, their stories present Thailand as a land of fruitfulness compared to their home country. The narration here voices ethnic marginal people's hope and gratitude towards Thailand as a country of hope and the opportunity to survive. Therefore, the importance of Thailand does not only lie in an economical area, but as a place that saves their soul and is the end of adversity. The main content of the narrative of ethnic marginal people is not in the narration of their fate but in the expression of the greatness of Thailand that, via the stories and dialogues of these unfortunate souls, is placed high above surrounding nations.