Family Influences on Rural and Urban Migration in Thailand

Abstract

The study aims: (1) to describe the reasons for migration of males and females moving to rural or urban regions during 1975-1980 time period; and (2) to explain why family reasons influence males and females to migrate into rural and urban regions. Sources of data are from the one percent census sample tape derived from the 1980 Thai population and housing census. Results reveal : (1) that family reasons particularly “to accompany persons in household” is the major reason of rural and urban in-migration expressed by very young and retired male migrants and by female migrants of almost all ages; and (2) that the family is the base for social organization in Thailand; therefore, family reasons will reflect the impact of family norms and values on the migration of Thai people. Recommendations are suggested for the application of family patterns to better explain the migration phenomena in Thailand and other developing countries.