This thesis centers on resettlement operations in one of the nine Burmese refugee camps situated along the Thai-Burma border in Thailand, and the social dynamics that influence refugees whether to resettle or not.
Thailand is host to Burmese refugees since approximately 20 years, for whom resettlement has become the only durable solution due to the impossibility of return or local integration into Thailand.
This thesis is the outcome of a survey which was conducted by UNHCR in the summer of 2010 in Tham Hin camp; the aim of the study was to better understand motivations of refugees opting against resettlement, whose figure stands at approximately 30% of the camp population.
As it became apparent, many refugees were withdrawing their resettlement applications due to other family members unable to resettle together, which is due to the complex process and preconditions of registrations of refugees in the camps. Hence even though individually eligible to resettle, many refugees chose to stay behind with their unregistered family members.
Migration theories in general have tended to focus very predominantly on economic considerations as to what influences migration decisions; the role that social factors play, be it for migrant workers or refugees, has only become included in migration theories relatively recently, mostly focusing on transnational family networks, influences on the remaining family or issues of local integration. However, as the survey in Tham Hin camp has shown, social bonds in the outgoing community may likewise have significant influence on the decision whether to move or not.
Hence it is my aim to provide the reader not only with insights into the social fabric of a refugee community in Thailand, but also importantly to add the aspect of social bonds in the sending community to the discussions of migration theories. I argue that to these social factors tend to be neglected in debate surrounding what influences migrants` decisions whether to move or not. Although admittedly economic considerations are in many cases determining factors, especially for migrants, Tham Hin stands as a rare empirical example showing us that social bonds and considerations for family and community members can indeed be overriding the desire for economic betterment.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. On the emergence of refugees
2.1. On resettlement issues
2.1.1. Regarding US resettlement
3. Thailand´s first challenge: Indochina refugee influx
3.1. The case of the Laos Hmong
4. Refugees´ position in Thailand
4.1. The Royal Thai Government´s policies
4.2. An historical overview on Burmese developments
4.2.1. Camp establishments and developments since the 1990s
5. Theorizing movements – a discussion of migration theories
5.1. Hypothesis: Social aspects tend to be neglected
6. Concretizing theory – the case of Tham Hin camp
6.1. Background – Tham Hin camp
6.2. Survey design
6.2.1. Problems encountered
6.3. Data analysis – methodology
6.4. Interpretation
6.4.1. Regarding a) Social ties and obligations
6.4.2. Regarding b) Coping worries
6.4.3. Regarding Group c) Contention
6.4.4. Regarding Group d) Passiveness
6.4.5. Regarding e) No understanding
6.5. Conclusion on results
7. Food for thought: Social dynamics and cohesion
8. Conclusion – lessons learnt (?)
9. Appendices
9.1. Appendix I: Worldwide UNHCR Resettlement Submissions vs. Departures 2003-2010
9.2. Appendix II: Camp population numbers 2007-2011
9.3. Appendix III: UNHCR Resettlement numbers
9.4. Appendix IV: Questions of Focus Group Discussions
9.5. Appendix V: Map of Thai refugee camps
9.6. Appendix VI: Map of Karen settlements
10. References
Objectives and Core Themes
This thesis investigates the reasons behind the significant number of refugees in the Tham Hin camp in Thailand who declined resettlement opportunities. It aims to challenge the dominant migration theories that prioritize economic rationality by demonstrating that social factors, specifically family bonds and community ties within the origin community, are often the primary drivers behind the decision to stay.
- The role of social networks and family obligations in migration decision-making.
- Critical analysis of traditional migration models (e.g., neoclassical "push-pull" theory).
- Empirical case study of Burmese refugees in Tham Hin camp.
- The impact of patriarchal structures and community cohesion on resettlement choices.
- Comparison between the resettlement experiences of Hmong refugees and current Burmese refugee populations.
Excerpt from the Book
6.1. Background – Tham Hin camp
Tham Hin camp is situated in Ratchaburi province, Suanpheung district, approx. three hours drive from Bangkok. The location is rather secluded close to the border, although the nearest Thai village is not even one kilometer away. Access to the camp is difficult, as the road leading towards it is in bad condition and only accessible with a four wheel drive or similar type of vehicle. The camp falls under the responsibility of UNHCR Kanchanaburi Field Office, which also administers, apart from Tham Hin, the Ban Dong Yang camp. The sub-office is located in Kanchanaburi city, about 1,5 hrs. drive from the camp. Tham Hin camp is one of the most crowded “temporary shelters”, spreading about 11 hectares/28 acres, with houses being cramped together, leaving only tiny walkways in between. Open spaces for recreation are similarly rare. Water supply comes from a nearby stream, diverted into communal taps which provide water several times a day. Electricity is non-existent, as are phone signals. Compared to the biggest camp, Mae La, some hundred kilometers north, which has access to the Internet and which is very well connected to major trade and communication routes, Tham Hin is comparably remote and cut-off from its surroundings. Consequently, residents have less, or at least more difficult, opportunities to exchange with surrounding Thai communities, to access other information or stay in touch with family, friends outside the camp. Also, there is consequently less trade with Thai vendors etc. in Tham Hin.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the research hypothesis that social factors are often neglected in migration studies, using Tham Hin camp as a central case study.
2. On the emergence of refugees: Discusses the historical and theoretical development of refugee status and the role of international conventions.
3. Thailand´s first challenge: Indochina refugee influx: Examines historical resettlement efforts, focusing on the Hmong refugee experience.
4. Refugees´ position in Thailand: Analyzes the political context, government policies, and the historical background of Burmese developments.
5. Theorizing movements – a discussion of migration theories: Provides a critical discussion of major migration models and their economic bias.
6. Concretizing theory – the case of Tham Hin camp: Details the empirical survey conducted in the camp and interprets the reasons refugees gave for withdrawing from resettlement.
7. Food for thought: Social dynamics and cohesion: Explores the inherent social dynamics within refugee camps and how these influence community behavior.
8. Conclusion – lessons learnt (?): Summarizes the thesis, highlighting that social bonds are a crucial, yet often overlooked, factor in migration.
Keywords
Migration theories, resettlement, refugee camps, social networks, Tham Hin, Burmese refugees, family bonds, social capital, Thailand, migration decision, kinship, community cohesion, humanitarian aid, forced migration, social factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
This thesis examines why a substantial number of refugees in Thailand's Tham Hin camp opted against resettlement programs, despite living in precarious conditions, and seeks to provide a more holistic understanding of their decision-making process.
Which central thematic areas are covered?
The work covers migration theory, the political situation of refugees in Thailand, the specific history of the Tham Hin camp, and the sociological impact of family and kinship bonds on the decision to stay or move.
What is the main research question or hypothesis?
The hypothesis is that migration research heavily neglects the influence of social factors, such as extended family ties and local community norms, which frequently override economic "rational choice" motivations.
What scientific methodology was employed?
The author conducted a qualitative and problem-centered survey in 2010 at Tham Hin camp, consisting of semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions, subsequently analyzed using Mayring's content analysis technique.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the evolution of refugee movements, migration theories (like the push-pull model and network theory), a detailed history of the Hmong and Burmese refugee situations, and the empirical findings regarding social "reason-types" for non-resettlement.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The work is characterized by terms like migration theory, resettlement, social networks, Burmese refugees, family bonds, and Tham Hin camp.
How does this study specifically relate to the situation in Tham Hin camp?
It provides direct empirical data from the camp's population, showing that a significant portion of refugees remain there due to the presence of unregistered family members, rather than simple economic motivations.
What distinguishes this thesis from standard migration literature?
Instead of focusing solely on the economic "push" and "pull" factors, this thesis emphasizes the "outgoing community" and the strong, often patriarchal, social structures that constrain individual movement decisions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Susanne Walter (Autor:in), 2011, Invited but not (always) willing to go, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/207338
