Social mobility of ISAN labour brokers: mobilizing way from return migrant labour

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research was to study the social mobility of labour brokers in frames of mobility format and practices of employment process. Data was collected through semi-structure and in-depth interviews as well as participatory and non-participatory observations. The key informants were 15 labour brokers in the Northeast of Thailand (ISAN), who mobilized from return migrant labours from oversea working. Study area consisted of four provinces of ISAN include; Khon Kaen, Udonthani, Mahasarakam, and Yasothon. The results of the study indicate that the mobility format of labour brokers is upward mobility. There are three types of mobility include; Gradually mobility, Suddenly mobility, and Accidentally mobility. The main practices of employment process of labour brokers include; documentary working, coordinating with related firms, helping, care taking, and advising to the local labours in communities by their more experiences.