The Impact on Thai Labor Caused by the Employment of Migrant Workers and Opinions toward the Strategic Management of Migrant Workers in Thailand

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1970_BizStrategy15.02

Authors: Asst. Prof. Dr. Chetsada Noknoi and Dr. Sunchai Langthaekun

Abstract: This research aims to study the impact on Thai workers caused by the use of migrant workers, as well as the opinions toward the strategic management of migrant workers in Thailand. The sample used for this study comprised 322 Thai workers employed by entrepreneurs in Songkhla province. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The statistics used in this study are the percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient at the level of significance .05. The results show that the overall impact of employing migrant workers on Thai workers is at a moderate level. Considering each aspect individually revealed that the effect is at a moderate level for all aspects, including the work, compensation, job security, psychological, and social aspects. In terms of the opinions toward the strategic management of migrant workers in Thailand, the respondents agreed at a moderate level. The hypothesis test firstly found that Thai workers with different education levels are affected differently by the employment of migrant workers overall but especially with regards to compensation and job security. Additionally, Thai workers in different positions are also affected differently by the employment of migrant workers, both overall and in individual aspects. Secondly, it was found that Thai workers with different levels of education and work factors (i.e., work type and the number of employees working in an establishment) have differing opinions toward the strategic management of migrant workers in Thailand. Finally, the overall impact of the employment of migrant workers on Thai workers has no relation to opinions toward the strategic management of migrant workers in Thailand. When considering each aspect, it was found that effects on the psychological and social aspects are associated with opinions toward the strategic management of migrant workers in Thailand at a low level and in a positive direction.

Keywords:  Thai labor; migrant workers; strategic management; opinion