The management of irregular migration in Thailand : Thainess, identity and citizenship

TLDR: In this paper, the authors analyze the way in which Thailand has dealt with different groups of migrant populations, and how this reflected the current dichotomy between legal and illegal migrants in contemporary Thai policies regarding irregular migration management.

Abstract: This PhD analyses and investigates, from a historical perspective, the way in which Thailand has dealt with different groups of migrant populations, and how this reflects the current dichotomy between legal and illegal migrants in contemporary Thai policies regarding irregular migration management. It is argued that these policies reflect notions of `Thainess, ' citizenship, race and ethnicity, the question of identities and issues related to inclusion/exclusion of the migration populations within the structure of Thai society. This thesis also examines how Thailand's policies in irregular migration management reflect the economic and political interests of the government and employers. This thesis also focuses on the recent Greater Mekong subregional economic cooperation and integration policies, by investigating how these policies will resolve or intensify the problems concerning the management of migrant workers, as well as other problems relating to human rights violations, and various forms of discrimination towards the migrant population in Thailand. The concept and construction of `Thainess' is critically analysed with the purpose of throwing light on the changes in migration management policies, and the related regulations and practices. This analysis enables us to examine and capture how the dynamism and fluidity of `Thainess' varies through time, locality and economic status. It also explores how notions of Thai identity influence the ways in which policies on immigration and citizenship are constructed.