Analyzing International Migrant Responses to Crisis Situations in the Context of Floods in Thailand

Teeranong Sakulsri; Reena Tadee; Alexander Trupp

doi:10.14764/10.ASEAS-2017.2-8

Authors

Teeranong Sakulsri Institute for Population and Social Research,Mahidol University
Reena Tadee Institute for Population and Social Research,Mahidol University
Alexander Trupp School of Tourism and Hospitality Management The University of the South Pacific Suva, Fiji

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14764/10.ASEAS-2017.2-8

Keywords:

Crisis, Floods, Migrants, Thailand, Vulnerability

Abstract

The 2011 floods in Thailand were one of the most devastating disasters in the history of the country and affected migrants in several regions. The purpose of this paper is to analyze migrant responses in crisis situations and to assess the impact of the 2011 floods on migrants from Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The authors argue that such migrant groups have a weaker social, economic, and political position when compared with local (non-migrant) groups and are thus facing particular vulnerabilities in crisis situations. This paper is based on desk research and empirical data collection consisting of 55 semi-structured interviews.

Author Biographies

Teeranong Sakulsri, Institute for Population and Social Research,Mahidol University

Teeranong Sakulsri is a Lecturer at the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University and holds a Ph.D. in Population Education from Mahidol University. Her researches focus on environment, disaster, spatial demography, and migration. Contact: teeranong.sak@mahidol.edu

Reena Tadee, Institute for Population and Social Research,Mahidol University

Reena Tadee is currently working as a researcher at the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR) at Mahidol University in Thailand. She graduated with a Master degree in Asian Studies from Lund University in Sweden. Her area of interest include labour and migration; and sexuality, gender, and reproductive health. Contact: reena.tad@mahidol.edu

Alexander Trupp, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management The University of the South Pacific Suva, Fiji

Alexander Trupp worked for the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University and is currently a Senior Lecturer at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) at the University of the South Pacific (USP). Alexander holds a PhD in Theoretical and Applied Geography from the University of Vienna and has conducted research in the fields of human geography, migration, and tourism, especially in Asia-Pacific regional contexts. Contact: alexander.trupp@usp.ac.fj