Trouble in Paradise? Analyzing the Effects of International Low-Skilled Migration on Local Workers: A Study of Koh Phi Phi, Krabi Province, Thailand

Master’s Thesis Research Grant – COMPLETEDUniversity Affiliation: IHRP, Mahidol UniversityLength of research: Six months (July 2015 to January 2016)Research objectivesThe objectives of this research are to understand what possible effects low-skilled labor migration has had on the Thai work force and labor market on Koh Phi Phi, as well as other possible socio-cultural effects such immigration has had on the host community as a whole.Significance of research (relevance to SHAPE SEA objectives and research)Many studies analyze the effects of low-skilled immigration based on labor and employment statistics gathered at the firm- or national-level. This research will attempt to understand the effects of such immigration based on reports of impacts given by the workers and host community itself, thus giving voice to those affected.Personal bioElizabeth Kolbe is a Master’s Student in Mahidol University’s Institute for Human Rights and Peace Studies. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Anthropology with minors in Ethnic Studies and Spanish from Minnesota State University, Mankato, USA in 2008, graduating with Cumme Laude Honors. While studying, she received the Freeman-ASIA scholarship to study in Thailand, her mother’s homeland. She feels her multi-ethnicity, as well as her background in Anthropology, gives her a unique perspective to view the world as neither black nor white, but a mix of all colors. Her first trip to Thailand opened her eyes to the realities of the world, and strengthened her commitment to social justice. She worked as the Director of Youth Ministries and Christian Education Coordinator in her hometown of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota for three years before enrolling at Mahidol University.