TTLV: Vietnamese people migrate freely in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (The case of That Luong village, Vientiane capital)

1. Student's name: Bouathong VILAPHAN

2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: October 10, 1989

4. Place of birth: Bo Keo Province

5. Student recognition decision No. 2872/QD-DT dated November 3, 2017 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in training process: none

7. Thesis topic name:Free Vietnamese migration in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (The case of That Luong village, Vientiane capital)

8. Major: Anthropology; Code: 60310302

9. Scientific advisor: Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh, Faculty of Anthropology

10. Summary of the results of the thesis

First of all, the thesis has surveyed and analyzed the migration motivations, lifestyle characteristics and integration efforts of Vietnamese migrants in Laos. Currently, the capital Vientiane is attracting a large number of Vietnamese migrants to work and live. The Vietnamese migrant community in That Luong village has its own characteristics in terms of demographics, work, income as well as the formation of multicultural families. The new environmental conditions and living conditions have posed many difficulties and challenges, requiring the Vietnamese community living in Laos to make changes to adapt to the natural environment as well as the new social environment in the place where they settle.

Second, the thesis has clarified the integration process of Vietnamese migrants in Laos and the problems that have arisen. Vietnamese migrants have had to change their livelihoods away from the traditional rice cultivation, moving to trading activities and doing non-agricultural work. The change in the living environment along with the process of living together with Lao people has caused many changes in the material life of Vietnamese people in That Luong village. Vietnamese migrants' main motivation is to make a living but also face many difficulties and challenges in the process of integrating into Lao society due to cultural differences; the issue of "integration" or "dissolution", preserving national identity has become a challenge in the current life of Vietnamese migrants in That Luong village.

Finally, the thesis points out the policies of the Lao Government and local authorities towards Vietnamese people who migrate freely in Laos. According to the views of politicians as well as Lao people, Vietnamese migrants have brought many positive impacts to Laos, promoting the socio-economic development of Laos. The honest people came to Laos for the purpose of making a living, they worked hard, lived in harmony with the Lao community and Lao culture, respected Lao laws, and were wholeheartedly supported by the Lao Party, State and people.

11. Practical application

The research results of the thesis can be used as reference materials in research and teaching about the current free migration and integration process. In addition, the results presented in the thesis can be used as reference when the state adjusts, amends and supplements policies on free migration in the future.

12. Further research directions: This study only focuses on a case of Vietnamese spontaneous migrants in a small area. Further studies can be expanded to a larger scale with more diverse types of migration, employment and residence 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 )