Access to Social Security of Migrant Workers : A Comparative Case Study of Formal and Informal Migrant Workers in Chonburi Province

Abstract

          This research examined access to social security of migrant workers in Chonburi province. It aimed to 1) study factors affecting access to social security of migrant workers in Chonburi province and 2) study problems and obstacles to accessing social security of migrant workers in Chonburi province. It was qualitative research which employed in-depth interview as a research instrument. With a semi-structured interview pattern, open-ended questions were designed to allow informants to express their opinions and answer questions freely. The total number of key informants was 28, consisting of 10 formal migrant workers, 10 informal migrant workers, 4 social security officers from the Banglamung branch, Chonburi province, and 4 employers/entrepreneurs.
          The research findings suggested that both formal and informal migrant workers could access to social security. It found 5 main factors that affected access to social security, namely  1) accessibility 2) availability 3) acceptability 4) affordability and 5) accommodation. In addition, migrant workers faced 2 main obstacles to accessing social security, namely: 1) a lack of information about social security benefits, and 2) inconvenience in obtaining benefits or withdrawing from social security funds.