Does migration lead to improvement in individual human capital?: A case of Kanchanaburi demographic surveillance system (DSS), Thailand

Sureeporn Punpuing, Mahidol University

This paper aims to answer two questions, which are: what are changes in migration patterns? and does migration lead to improvement in individual human capital? Utilizing data from the first three annual rounds of population monitoring data collected from the Kanchanburi Demographic Surveillance System (DSS). The results show that the field site population is losing population through net out-migration. The out-migration rate has increased more rapidly than the in-migration rate. The in-migration rates recorded in Round 3 remained higher than those of Round 1, primarily as a result of the improved ability to locate temporary migrants. Both in-migration and out-migration was mainly short-distance migration, particularly within Kanchanaburi province. Males were more migratory than females, and the proportion of migrants at ages 15-29 was the highest. It is stressed that only a small proportion of young adults migration is related to marriage. Most young migrants are moving for employment and education.