Immigration and settlement of Transnational Marriage between Chinese Men and Thai Women in Phuket : The Case Study of Ethnic Issue in Post Modern Society

Abstract

"Immigration and settlement of transnational marriage between Chinese men and Thai women in Phuket: The Case Study of Ethnic Issue in Post Modern society" has the main objective to study changes in the way of life of Chinese men who married with Thai women and settle down in Phuket, and to study life problems and adjustment of Chinese men who married Thai women in the context of Thai culture and society. The In-depth interviews and Participant Observation of the Qualitative research methods were used in this study. The studied people were Chinese men age between 27-40 years old, graduated with a bachelor's degree or higher degree, had been living in Thailand at least 5 years, and had been married Thai women for minimum 3 years. The result of the study found that factors that influenced Chinese men to immigrate are different from the past. Nowadays, the population had the knowledge, so immigrants are quality workforces who can support Thai economy such as tourism industry. Moreover, the development of transportation can reduce the time of travel, and make traveling more convenience. In addition, the technology can also support for their work, and also a communication with parents and relatives who live overseas. Chinese men might adjust to many things to survive such as language, cuisine, culture, etc. The most common problem in adjustment faced by Chinese men is the language. They can understand only simple Thai language, but could not truly understand the meaning. On the other hand, Chinese men also keep their original tradition and culture to teach their child/children Chinese language, culture etc. Chinese men teach their children language and culture directly and indirectly. They teach the language by themselves directly and they would take their children to join in community of Chinese people where can teach their children Chinese culture indirectly.