THE PERSPECTIVE ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELFARE OF MYANMAR MIGRANT WORKERS IN SEAFOOD PROCESSING BUSINESS: A CASE STUDY OF SEAFOOD MARKETS IN SAMUT SAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the level of satisfaction regarding quality of life and welfare of Myanmar migrant workers in the seafood processing business in the seafood markets in Samut Sakhon Province, and 2) investigate the perspectives on the quality of life and welfare of Myanmar migrant workers in seafood processing business in the seafood markets in Samut Sakhon Province. Mixed-methods research was applied for this research. Quantitative data were collected by questionnaire from a sample of 38 Myanmar migrant workers. Qualitative data were collected by semi-structured interview from 8 key informants. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics as well as content analyses.

The results found that 1) Myanmar migrant workers had a positive outlook on their quality of life, rated at a high level for physical and mental health and environmentally. Social relationships were deemed moderate, with particularly strong connections observed among peers. However, satisfaction with work-related aspects such as compensation, savings, and migrant remittances was relatively low. Regarding welfare and benefits, satisfaction levels with working hours and breaks were high, while social security and other benefits were moderate. There was minimal satisfaction with recreational and health-promoting activities. It was found that 2) Myanmar migrant workers perceived their living conditions positively. They believed their residences were clean and conveniently located near their workplaces. Overall, they felt that they had a better quality of life compared to that in their home country. Among themselves, these workers fostered positive relationships, and while the compensation they received was adequate for daily living expenses, it was insufficient for savings. They received welfare by law and found motivation from events and rewards during various important festivals. However, there was still a need for facilities to promote health activities, such as sports fields and recreational sports events. These findings suggested that employers, entrepreneurs, and relevant regional organizations should prioritize development of migrant workers’ quality of life and welfare, especially in terms of fair compensation, promoting saving practices, and providing recreational spaces for health and leisure activities in the workplace. This would be essential for ensuring the well-being and happiness of migrant workers.