Development and Dynamics of the Informal Workers in Thailand: A Case Study of Informal Workers Network

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze the informal worker movement that is associated with a labor NGO named HomeNet Thailand, which helped mobilize informal workers and strengthen their skills and knowledge. The core analysis of thesis follows Resource Mobilization Theory and Political Process Theory to analyze the informal workers' developments, conditions, and limitations. This thesis explores the Informal workers' situation during Yingluck Shinawatra's civilian government (2011-2014) and Prayut Chan-o-cha's miliatry government (2014-Present). The thesis consists of 5 parts. Firstly, an introduction elaborates the research methodology of Archival Research and Interview methods. Secondly, a literature review and theoretical framework show the limitations of prior research and connectivity between this research and the analytical frameworks. Thirdly, it studies HomeNet and its informal worker groups’ origins, development, sytematization and mobilization via Resource Mobilization Theory. Fourthly, it analyzes HomeNet informal workers’ political engagement under two different regimes, focusing on the dynamics and limitations within the group via Political Process Theory. Lastly, the conclusion elaborates how the relationship between the movement’s resource mobilization and external political structures can determine the movement’s success and failure. The thesis argues that with the pre-existing network and attempts to draw popularity by Yingluck’s government from having civilians participated in politics led the informal sector to their further developments. While on the other hands, the military government – if not interest in informal sector – could halt the development progress of the sector.