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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- Introduction: Refugees in Tham Hin Camp (Thailand) – an Example of Migration Theories' Shortcomings
- Theoretical Framework
- Migration Theories – A Short Overview
- Social Networks and Social Capital
- Migration Theories and Their Shortcomings
- The Case of Tham Hin – An Overview
- Refugees in Tham Hin
- The Situation of Burmese Refugees in Thailand
- The Tham Hin Survey
- Results of the Tham Hin Survey
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This Master's thesis examines the limitations of existing migration theories in explaining the complexities of refugee migration, particularly the case of Burmese refugees in Tham Hin camp, Thailand. The author argues that traditional migration models often overlook the significant role of social factors in shaping individual and community migration decisions. * **Shortcomings of Migration Theories:** The thesis investigates the limitations of current migration theories, particularly their tendency to downplay the influence of social factors on migration decisions. * **Social Factors in Refugee Migration:** The study emphasizes the crucial role of social conditions, networks, and capital in influencing refugees' choices about relocation. * **Case Study: Tham Hin Refugee Camp:** The research focuses on the specific example of Tham Hin camp in Thailand, analyzing the Burmese refugees' situation and experiences. * **Burmese Refugees' Resettlement:** The thesis explores the complexities of resettlement options for Burmese refugees in Thailand, highlighting the differences from previous situations, like those of Hmong refugees. * **Contextual Factors:** The research considers the broader political and social context surrounding Burmese refugees in Thailand, including the role of the Thai government and the UNHCR.Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the research question and hypothesis, arguing that migration theories often neglect social factors and presents the case study of Tham Hin camp as an example of this omission.
- Theoretical Framework: This chapter provides a brief overview of various migration theories, including Ravenstein's "Laws of Migration" and newer models, highlighting the role of social networks and social capital in migration decisions.
- Migration Theories and Their Shortcomings: The chapter analyzes the limitations of current migration theories, discussing how they tend to overlook the influence of social factors and focus primarily on individual motivations and economic factors.
- The Case of Tham Hin – An Overview: This chapter provides an overview of the situation of refugees in Tham Hin camp, describing the camp's history, demographics, and the challenges faced by refugees.
- Refugees in Tham Hin: This chapter delves deeper into the specific situation of Burmese refugees in Tham Hin, examining their experiences, motivations for fleeing their homeland, and the challenges they face in the camp.
- The Situation of Burmese Refugees in Thailand: This chapter examines the broader political and social context surrounding Burmese refugees in Thailand, discussing the role of the Thai government, the UNHCR, and other organizations.
- The Tham Hin Survey: This chapter describes the methodology used for the survey conducted in Tham Hin camp, outlining the data collection methods, sample size, and key questions addressed.
- Results of the Tham Hin Survey: This chapter presents the findings of the survey, analyzing data on refugees' motivations for migrating, their experiences in the camp, and their aspirations for the future.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This master's thesis examines the limitations of traditional migration theories, especially in relation to the experiences of Burmese refugees in Tham Hin camp, Thailand. The thesis focuses on the underrepresentation of social factors in migration research and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors that drive refugee migration decisions. Key terms and concepts explored in the research include: migration theories, refugee migration, social factors, social networks, social capital, Tham Hin camp, Burmese refugees, resettlement, UNHCR, Thai government, and the broader context of migration in Southeast Asia.- Citation du texte
- Susanne Walter (Auteur), 2011, Invited but not (always) willing to go, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207338
