Author: Sommay Mounsourisack
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.GD-06-20
Year: 2006
Academic Program: Gender and Development Studies (GDS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2006
Examination Committee: Barbara Earth (Chairperson); Bernadette P. Resurreccion, F.W. Swierczek (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: Migration is a very common phenomenon today. Thousands of young Lao men and women migrate from Savannakhet to Thailand seeking employment. Upon return to Laos, many are infected with HIV, placing additional physical and emotional burdens on their families and communities and suffering tremendously for what was intended as an effort to improve their own and their family’s livelihood. This research reports the experiences of twenty eight individuals who migrated to Thailand illegally and returned with HIV. The study was conducted during three months in spring of 2006 in Savannakhet province in Laos, and utilized standard anthropological methods of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions at the provincial hospital and in three villages. Additionally, key government officials were interviewed Qualitative analysis was used to provide insight into gender issues in migration, particularly related to vulnerability to contraction of HIV. Mobile populations have an increased risk of HIV infection due to unsafe sex practices. This study explores the differing risk factors for women and men who cross the border into Thailand. The research sought to (1) find data on legal and illegal Lao migration to Thailand from the border area of Savannakhet, (2) understand patterns of migrant experience by gender, age, and ethnicity for cases known as return HIV , (3) understand the different context that lead people to become infected with HIV, and (4) consider what change(s) would interrupt the events within migration that result in HIV infection. All respondents are illegal migrants. Their existence at their destinations is usually not acknowledged, which renders them vulnerable. They often lack access to necessary social services. Their poor awareness and access to vital public information, such health care, education and their desperate need for income, it means as a group they are in a particular disadvantage even in comparison to the native poor. The study found that peer pressure as well as economic need influences man
Scholarship Donor(s): Sweden (Sida)
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development
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