Skilled Migration and the Indian Diaspora in Thailand

Abstract

The Indian diaspora population, which has been around for a long time, has made significant contributions to the Thai economy. Different waves of Indian migration have occurred in Thailand, the most recent and crucial of which being skilled migration. According to official estimates, there were fewer than 15,000 highly qualified Indian migrants in Thailand in 2019 (pre-COVID era) compared to the Chinese group. This chapter looks at the reasons behind skilled Indian migration to Thailand, as well as the obstacles, contributions, and tactics used by this group of migrants to adapt to a new society away from their native country. The research employs both primary and secondary data, including in-depth interviews and observations of Indian skilled migrants, as well as previous literature and reports from several Thai ministries.