Migration - Laos & Thailand CS Flashcards
What is Laos GDP?
$1,660
How many Laotians live in Thailand?
69% of 1.3 million
What is the net migration loss?
1.1 migrants/ 1000 population
How many Laos born emigrants live in Thailand?
930,000
How many Laos born emigrants in France + US?
France: 40,000
US: 200,000
How many Laos born emigrants lived abroad in 2013?
1.29 million
What are the economic reasons for emigration to Thailand?
- Remittances main source of income
- High demand for unskilled workers
- Many Laotians are subsistence farmers -> no financial gain
- Lack of alternative work occupations in rural area in Laos
What are the physical reasons from the natural environment for emigration to Thailand?
Periodic droughts -> food insecurity
What is the daily minimum wage in Thailand?
300 baht
What is the daily minimum wage in Laos?
80 baht
How has migration been made easier?
- Familiarity with Thai culture and language
- Improved access across the Mekong
- Use of brokers to reach the Thai border and access employment in Thailand
What are the social challenges for origin country?
- Vulnerability to human trafficking
- Forced labour + exploitation of under 18
What are the economic challenges for origin country?
Laos garment industry big sector -> growth depends on improved working conditions
Evidence of human trafficking in Laos.
In 2013 36% of the population were under 15
What are the economic opportunities from the relationship?
- Higher wages
- The migration corridor is the biggest in ASEAN -> stimulates, trade, investment and security
- Bilateral relation with Vietnam also extended beyond reciprocal labour migration
What are the political opportunities from the relationship?
- Political stability between Laos, Thailand and Vietnam
How many investment projects in Laos?
400
How much of Laos families live below poverty line?
22%
How has interdependence been influenced?
- Laos and Thailand manage flooding and economic activities in the basin -> members of Mekong River Commission
- Laos and Thailand members of COMMIT ( combat human trafficking)
- Laos signed agreements to build rail way links between Thai + Vietnam
Have government policies been effective?
No - many young migrants do not obtain required passport and risk fines on return
What is the national plan for human trafficking led by Lao PDR government?
- Prevention -> awareness and education
- Protection -> shelters for women
- Prosecution -> training border officials
What are some of the anti-trafficking policies?
- ILO
- UNICEF
- NGOs e.g., Save the Children
What are the reasons for migration into Laos?
- Increasing developments in hydroelectric power industry - require construction workers and some highly skilled engineers and technicians to bring expertise.
How does Laos have limited influence on the global migration system?
- Government does not have an accurate record of migrants (due to a lack of money able to be invested in border control, censuses)
- There is no control on the economies of the countries bordering Laos