Redrawing the Canvas of Migration Decisions : A Case Study of Cambodian Workers in Thailand

The production sector in Thailand is confronting increased risk as a potential labor shortage is looming. Recent economic development in Cambodia potentially affects the number of Cambodian workers in Thailand as growth in local employment opportunities is expected. This study picked out as a case study the group of immigrants with the most growth—Cambodian workers—in the construction industry, which is at the forefront of this potential labor shortage. The traditional canvas of migration decisions portrays the international movement of labor as the consequence of spatial disequilibrium in labor markets. In contrast, this study, through the lens of economic sociology, accounts for both social factors and economic factors as a synchronized impetus for decisions to migrate. Data collection and analysis were based on a mixed research method, primarily relying on a qualitative approach. Interviews and observations were the main vehicles of data collection during repeated fieldwork, both at the destination and the origin area. Findings reveal that Cambodians’ decisions to migrate are, in fact, largely influenced by the drive for affection and tradition through social perception and social status, community leaders, and migrant networks, all of which highlight the increasing weight of social factors on the migration decision-making canvas. Furthermore, these social factors have formed circular relations with each other leading to the strengthening and sustainment of migration. Instead of sole reliance on economic incentives to attract workers from Cambodia, relevant public and private sectors in Thailand may successfully sustain ample labor supply through positive country image, network-building with community leaders, and strengthening the Cambodian migrant community in Thailand