Changes in migrants’ residential distribution in KDSS between 2000 and 2004

Aree Jampaklay, Mahidol University
Kriengsak Rojnkureesatien, Mahidol University
Varachai Thongthai, Mahidol University

While the influx of migrants from neighboring countries to Thailand has been a concern, little is known about the distribution of their residence and how it has been changed over time. This paper aims to examine changes at village level in share of migrants to community population and their residential distribution throughout 100 villages in KDSS, Thailand during 2000 to 2004. Findings indicate that over time migrants are segregated in disadvantaged communities, especially in terms of land availability and levels of development. Previous analyses suggest that living in communities with high share of migrants is negatively related to economic status, both for Thai population and for migrants themselves. The persistence of migrant residential segregation in disadvantaged communities, therefore, should receive special attention.