Endeavours: The Relationship in Social Network of Thai Student Labourers in Australia

Abstract

Objective - This article aims to examine the relationship in the social network of Thai student labourers or special migrants known as “Thai-Aus labourers”, who are studying and working in Sydney, Australia. Methodology/Technique – Data was collected via in-depth interviews with 18 key Thai-Aus labourers in Sydney, Australia. These key informants were selected using the snowball technique. Content analysis was performed with the data based on the ATLAS.ti programme, and the social networks were analysed using the Ucinet and Netdraw programme. Finding – The results conclude that the relationships within the social networks of the Thai-Aus labourers were complex, although they each shared the same goal. The relationships were principally based on benefit exchange even though personal relationships appeared on the surface. Novelty - The directional flow in the pattern of benefit-giving and receiving, and the duration, did not affect relationships, which depended more on personal cases. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: J21, J29. Keywords: Brokers; Social Network; Migrant Labour Network; Working Abroad of Thai Labourers. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Chamaratana, T. 2020. Endeavours: The Relationship in Social Network of Thai Student Labourers in Australia, Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review 8(3): 144 – 152. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2020.8.3(1)