The post-migration experiences and mental wellbeing of Shan men in Thailand: a qualitative study
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 29 July 2022
Issue publication date: 12 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Hundreds of thousands of Shan people from Myanmar have crossed the Thai border seeking employment or refuge from war, with numbers increasing following the 2021 coup in Myanmar. Still, little is known about their post-migration experiences. This study explored the ways relocating to Thailand influenced the lives and mental wellbeing of Shan men, the factors affecting their engagement with Thai society and their responses to opportunities and challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
Given the lack of published research on this topic, this study used a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 purposively selected Shan men in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Data were examined using qualitative thematic analysis.
Findings
Five themes emerged: the strength of both push and pull factors; the importance of ethnicity, community and acting transnationally; experiencing discrimination and feeling “low”; coping by forgetting problems, hiding from trouble and studying; and wanting to return when conditions allow. The findings reveal how moving to Thailand can improve but also undermine the mental wellbeing of Shan men. Results also highlight the influence of ethnic identity, community and post-migration opportunities and stressors on how these men adapt to life in Thailand and on their attitudes towards return migration. Respondents used a mix of emotion- and problem-focused coping strategies.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to explore post-migration experiences and mental wellbeing among the Shan in Thailand.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the participants for sharing their stories and views. The authors thank the Shan interpreters/co-researchers for their support of participant recruitment and data collection. The authors acknowledge the role of the Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, in facilitating the fieldwork. Aaron Cashmore was supported in this research by a Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Award, which was provided by the Australian Government.
Citation
Cashmore, A., Bhatarasakoon, P., Haswell, M., Jalaludin, B. and Ritchie, J. (2022), "The post-migration experiences and mental wellbeing of Shan men in Thailand: a qualitative study", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 256-270. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-01-2021-0006
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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