Outsider by Choice?: Lifestyle Migrants and Their Evolving Aspirations for Integration in Thailand
19
Issued Date
2025-08-29
Resource Type
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105016771060
Journal Title
Privileged Migrants Across the Globe Experiences of Inclusion Exclusion and Mobility
Start Page
39
End Page
53
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Privileged Migrants Across the Globe Experiences of Inclusion Exclusion and Mobility (2025) , 39-53
Suggested Citation
Jaisuekun K. Outsider by Choice?: Lifestyle Migrants and Their Evolving Aspirations for Integration in Thailand. Privileged Migrants Across the Globe Experiences of Inclusion Exclusion and Mobility (2025) , 39-53. 53. doi:10.4324/9781003567745-4 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112360
Title
Outsider by Choice?: Lifestyle Migrants and Their Evolving Aspirations for Integration in Thailand
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This chapter examines the migration experiences of working-aged migrants from Western countries, focusing on how their privilege influences their socio-cultural integration and interactions with local communities. While existing lifestyle migration literature often emphasizes limited local language proficiency as a barrier to social integration and adaptation, this chapter adopts a nuanced approach by examining migrants with varying levels of Thai language proficiency, who do not face language barriers. Drawing on 10 in-depth interviews and participant observations in transnational gathering spaces, findings reveal that participants initially hold strong aspirations to integrate into Thai society, motivated by a desire for cultural immersion and authentic experiences. However, over time, these aspirations decline as participants encounter challenges stemming from cultural differences in norms and values. This shift in perspective leads to a reorientation from integration to separation, with participants adopting a Eurocentric approach to rationalize their disengagement from local Thai communities. Instead, they employ selective interaction strategies, predominantly engaging with international circles, compatriots, and other English speakers. By examining the interplay between privilege, aspirations, and integration, this chapter elucidates how lifestyle migrants navigate their place in the host society and the dynamics of their evolving aspirations. This shift in aspirations reflects how privilege can redefine integration as a lifestyle choice rather than a necessity for belonging.