Temporary overseas migration of rural Thai men: Perception of changes in health and social interactions after returning to their communities

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the perceived health effects of temporary overseas migration on rural Thai men and to evaluate the effects of financial gain on their social interactions with others. Houses in five villages in Khonkaen, northeastern Thailand were systematically visited and one returned overseas migrant per household was interviewed. One hundred and sixty one men participated in the study. Half of the respondents (50%) were manual workers. While overseas, 32% reported adverse effects of migration on their psychological health. Only 19% reported one or more physically ill while overseas. Their contribution to their communities increased. Inability to improve their financial states from overseas work is likely to have negative effects on the migrants' interaction with friends rather than their wives, families or relatives. The effects of migration on health are unlikely to persist after migrants return to their home communities. Overseas migration provides indirect health benefits through improvement of community facilities.