TTLV: Vietnamese people freely migrating to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Case of That Luang village, Vientiane capital)

1. Student's full name: Bouathong VILAPHAN

2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: October 10, 1989

4. Place of birth: Bokeo Province

5. Decision No. 2872/QD-DT dated November 3, 2017, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, recognizing the student.

6. Changes in the training process: none

7. Thesis title:Vietnamese people freely migrated to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Case of That Luang village, Vientiane capital).

8. Major: Anthropology; Code: 60310302

9. Scientific supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh, Department of Anthropology

10. Summary of the thesis results

First, this thesis surveys and analyzes the migration dynamics, lifestyle characteristics, and integration efforts of Vietnamese migrants in Laos. Currently, the capital city of Vientiane is attracting a large number of Vietnamese migrants who come to live and work. The Vietnamese migrant community in That Luang village has unique characteristics in terms of demographics, occupation, income, and the formation of multicultural families. The conditions of the new environment and living circumstances have presented many difficulties and challenges, requiring the Vietnamese community in Laos to adapt to the new natural and social environment in their new settlement.

Secondly, the thesis clarifies the integration process of Vietnamese free migrants in Laos and the problems that have arisen. These Vietnamese free migrants have had to shift their livelihoods away from traditional rice cultivation, moving towards trading and non-agricultural activities. The change in living environment, along with cohabitation with the Laotian people, has significantly altered the material lives of Vietnamese people in That Luang village. While the primary motivation for Vietnamese free migrants is to earn a living, they also face numerous difficulties and challenges in integrating into Laotian society due to cultural differences. The question of "integration" versus "assimilation," and preserving national identity, has become a major challenge in the current lives of Vietnamese migrants in That Luang village.

Finally, the thesis points out the policies of the Lao government and local authorities towards Vietnamese migrants in Laos. According to the views of both Lao politicians and the people, Vietnamese migrants have brought many positive impacts to Laos, promoting its socio-economic development. These honest people came to Laos for the purpose of earning a living; they have worked diligently, lived harmoniously with the Lao community and culture, respected Lao laws, and have been wholeheartedly cared for and assisted by the Lao Party, State, and people.

11. Practical applicability

The research findings of this thesis can be used as a reference in the study and teaching of free migration and current integration processes. Furthermore, the results presented in this thesis can be used as a reference when the government adjusts, amends, and supplements policies on free migration in the future.

12. Future research directions: This study focuses on a single case of Vietnamese free migrants in a small geographical area. Further research could expand to a larger scope encompassing more diverse migration patterns, employment, and residential cultures.

13. Published works related to the thesis (none)

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name of student: Bouathong VILAPHAN

2. Sex: female

3. Date of birth: October 10, 1989

4. Place of birth: Bo Keo province, Laos

5. Student Accreditation Decision No. 2872 / QD-DT November 3, 2017 by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in training process: (none)

7. Thesis title: “The Vietnamese free migrants in the Lao People's Democratic Republic: The case study of That Luong village, Vientiane capital”

8. Major: Anthropology; Code: 17035400

9. Scientific instructors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh, Department of Anthropology

10. Summary of the findings of the thesis

Firstly, the thesis explores the motivations of migration, work and life of the Vietnamese migrants in Laos. Currently, the Vientiane capital is attracting the number of Vietnamese migrants who come to find jobs in Laos. The Vietnamese migrant community in That Luong village is characterized by its own demography, jobs, incomes and mixed Lao – Viet marriages. The conditions of the new environment and circumstances have posed different difficulties and challenges, requiring the Vietnamese community living in Laos to make changes to adapt to the new natural and social environment where they settle down.

Secondly, the thesis investigates the integration process of Vietnamese free migrants in Laos and the arising issues they are facing, including changes of their livelihoods, diverging from the wet rice cultivation to nonfarm economic activities for their survival strategies. The change of living environment and the co-living with the Laotain has changed not only the livelihood but also the way of life of the Vietnamese people even though they are still facing with difficulties and challenges in their integration into Lao society due to cultural differences. It is the issue of “integration” or “dissolution”, preservation of national identity, etc. that are part of their integration process in the current life of in That Luong village.

Finally, the thesis discusses the policies of the Lao government and local authorities towards Vietnamese free migrants in Laos. The Laotian look at the Vietnamese free migrants relatively positive as they have brought to Laos good impacts, contributing to the socio-economic development of Laos. They arrived in Laos for the main purpose of earning a living, and they have worked hard, lived in harmony with the Laotain communities and try hard to integrate into the Laotain culture while respecting Lao law, and they are given great support by the Party, the State and the Laotian people.

11. Practical applicability

The findings of thesis can be used as a source of reference in the research and teaching of the free migration process and their integration process in Laos and Southeast Asia. In addition, the thesis suggests for practical actions when the government adjusments, amendments and supplements the policy on free immigration the coming time.

12. Further research directions

This research just focuses on a case of That Luang village. It can expand further on a larger scale invetsigating various types of migration and life strategies of migrants.

13. The thesis-related published projects ( none )