The Impact of Transnational Labor Migration on Mental Health of Left-Behind Family: Care Drain and Care Chain Situation in Thailand

This study examines whether children and main carer of transnational migrant household have fewer or more mental health symptoms compared to those of non-migrant household. As well as, to explore the situation of care drain and care chain phenomenon in Thailand and its impact on left-behind family. The study includes both secondary data for quantitative analysis and primary qualitative data collection. The sample includes 997 households from the Child Health and Migrant Parents in South-East Asia (CHAMPSEA) project. The key research participants in the qualitative part are 10 mother migrants in Hong Kong and 10 main carers in households of origin in Thailand. Our findings indicate that compared to children of non-migrant household, those of migrant parents are more likely to demonstrate conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention. Factors which appear to impact a carer’s mental health include the physical health status of children, carer’s education level, household economic status, and amount of remittances. Although mother migrants agree that working in other countries is not refer to care drain, the taking care by mother still necessary for their left-behind family, especially when their children have a problem or their parents in poor health status. The findings of this study will raise the issue is expected to contribute to efforts in reducing vulnerability and enhancing resiliency among left-behind family, especially the children and their carers.