Trend Analysis of Migration Data in Thailand 2019-2023

TREND ANALYSIS OF MIGRATION DATA IN THAILAND 2019-2023 4 RECENT INTERNAL MIGRATION FLOWS • Analysis of Thailand's Labour Force Survey (LFS) Migration Module identifies that from 2019 to 2023, recent internal migrants accounted for more than 92 per cent of the total migrant flow in Thailand, with 2021 seeing the largest proportion (98.3% of the total migrant flow). • In 2020 and 2021, the proportions of recent internal migrants unemployed or out of the labour force increased, reflecting some of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, from 2019 to 2021, there was both a decrease in the proportion of those working in the service and trade sector, likely due to pandemic disruptions, as well as an equal increase in the proportion of recent internal migrants working in manufacturing and agriculture. • Provinces in Greater Bangkok Area were among the provinces in Thailand with the highest proportions of internal migrant inflows and outflows. From 2019 through 2023, Bangkok province consistently experienced a net outflow of internal migrants, while all provinces in Greater Bangkok Area experienced a significant net outflow of internal migrants in 2021. From 2019 to 2021, most provinces in the north of Thailand, excluding Chiang Rai, had more incoming than outgoing migrants; however, by 2022 and 2023, the trend reversed, with many northern provinces experiencing a net outflow. • The main regions of current residence among recent internal migrants closely mirrored their top regions of birth. The northeastern region of Thailand was the most common region of birth among recent internal migrants, followed by the central region. Meanwhile, the central region of Thailand hosted the largest proportion of recent internal migrants, followed by the northeastern region. • The proportion of recent internal migrants who sent remittances home was lower in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019, 2022, and 2023. RECENT INFLOWS OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS • The proportion of recent international migrants in Thailand declined from 2019 to 2021 but then increased after 2021, exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels. Myanmar is consistently the top nationality among recent immigrants. • The proportion of employed recent international migrants in Thailand declined in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, however, significantly rose in 2021. In parallel, the proportion of recent international migrants out of the labour force increased from 2019 to 2020. Recent international migrants were predominately engaged in manufacturing jobs. • Between 2019 and 2023, family remained the primary reason for migration for most immigrants. International migration for family reasons initially declined by nearly half between 2019 and 2020 but experienced a sharp increase from 2020 to 2021. The initial decline may be due to Thailand's travel restrictions and border closures during this period, along with health concerns. However, the sharp increase in family-related migration between 2020 and 2021 may have been driven by the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and improved safety measures. • Unlike recent internal migrants, common age groups among recent international migrants include individuals aged 60 and above and those aged below 15. • The central region of Thailand hosted the largest proportion of recent international migrants. By 2023, almost 80 per cent of immigrants resided in central Thailand. • In 2020, there was a significant decline in the proportion of recent international migrants sending remittances back home. From 2020 to 2021, the proportion of migrants sending remittances rose sharply, exceeding pre-2020 levels. However, from 2021 to 2023, this proportion steadily decreased. STOCK OF LIFETIME MIGRANTS • The proportion of lifetime migrants in Thailand increased between 2019 and 2020 but declined between 2020 and 2021, reaching its lowest level during the 2019 to 2023 period. However, after 2021, the proportion of lifetime migrants started to rise again, reaching its highest level in 2023. • Most lifetime migrants in Thailand were employed; however, the proportion of employed lifetime migrants gradually decreased from 2019 to 2023. Meanwhile, the proportion of those out of the labour force rose during this period. • Like recent internal migrants, lifetime migrants primarily worked in the service and trade sector, which saw a decline between 2019 and 2020, followed by gradual decreases before rebounding to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. In contrast, the manufacturing sector absorbed more lifetime migrants during the pandemic as restrictions limited jobs in service and trade; however, employment in manufacturing declined again between 2022 and 2023. • The central region of Thailand hosted the largest proportion of lifetime migrants between 2019 and 2023. This proportion decreased from 2019 to 2021 but increased again in subsequent years. • Remittances sent by lifetime migrants remained relatively steady between 2019 and 2023, with the exception of 2020, when there was a slight decline in the proportion of lifetime migrants sending remittances back home. KEY HIGHLIGHTS