Good governance of hired labor in para-rubber plantations in Songkhla Province

Abstract

     Problems of injustice with hired labor in para-rubber plantations is most visible in Songkhla province. This research described the performance and good governance of hired labor in para-rubber plantations, examined the indicators of good governance of hired labor in para-rubber plantations, and identified the problems and offered suggestions for the development of good governance of hired labor in para-rubber plantations in Songkhla province. Primary data were collected using structured interviews from a total of 395 hired laborers in para-rubber plantations from para-rubber farmers’ households in Songkhla province. These samples were selected using multi-stage random sampling. In addition, a total of 60 hired laborers in para-rubber plantations selected using purposive selection were given in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The results found that para-rubber tapping was the most common activity practiced by hired laborers. The overall good governance of hired labor in para-rubber plantations was at the moderate level. The highest level of governance was participation in suggestions, the practice, and decisionmaking relating to para-rubber tapping activity. The most important indicator of good governance was an agreeable wage. The major problem concerning good governance was that the contract depended on the pararubber plantation owner. A suggestion for the development of good governance was the creation of clearly equitable contract document.