The Employment Pathways of Cambodian Mifrant Workers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the pathways of Cambodian migrant workers entering Nakhon Ratchasima province using a qualitative research methodology with in-depth interviews of 20 migrant workers. The findings indicate that most workers are driven by push factors such as economic hardship, limited job opportunities, and political instability in their home country. Meanwhile, pull factors in Thailand, particularly in Nakhon Ratchasima, include a demand for low-skilled labor in the construction, agriculture, and service sectors, as well as higher wages.
However, these migrant workers face several challenges, including crowded living conditions, inadequate income, language barriers, limited access to basic rights, and risks associated with lacking legal documentation. These issues reflect a gap in Thailand's labor market structure, which lacks a systematic mechanism to support migrant workers. Consequently, these problems lead to complex social and economic issues, such as illegal labor practices, exploitation of workers, and a precarious quality of life that affects the overall stability of the labor market. To address these challenges, policy recommendations include improving the migrant worker registration system, establishing one-stop service centers, and promoting sustainable labor management cooperation between origin and destination countries.