Working Conditions and Adaptation of Thai Workers in Japan

Abstract

This research aimed to study working conditions, problems encountered in the workplace and coping or adaptive strategies employed among Thai workers in Japan. The research was conducted based on a qualitative research design. Data were collected from conventical purposive sampling and in-depth interview with 10 Thai workers working in Japan. The study results indicated that most Thai workers were employed in two main occupational categories was service-related positions and company employees. The employment types were classified into three groups was permanent employment (80%), daily employment (10%), and freelance employment (10%). With regard to problems encountered in the workplace, consisting of 2 points: 1) an unclear compensation, welfare benefits, bonuses, and overtime pay, and 2) Income instability, particularly among freelancers and part-time workers. In terms of adaptation, Thai workers adopted diverse problem-solving methods and adaptive strategies. The analysis indicated that most Thai workers relied on individual-oriented coping strategies, reflecting their capacity for personal adjustment. Despite facing cultural and systemic differences in the Japanese working environment, Thai workers demonstrated flexibility, perseverance, and the ability to learn and adapt effectively to the Japanese work context.