Coping Mechanisms of Left-behind Migrant Family Members in Flood-Prone Areas

This study examines the coping mechanisms of left-behind family members in Chiang Rai Province, a province in northern Thailand known for its diverse population, including several ethnic hill tribes. The region’s economy is primarily agricultural, yet it faces increasing environmental challenges, particularly floods exacerbated by climate change. Migration plays a significant role, as many working-age people from the hill tribes and rural areas migrate to urban centers, leaving behind older persons and children to contend with both environmental and economic hardships. The World Bank (2024) identifies Chiang Rai as one of Thailand’s most vulnerable provinces to flood hazards due to climate change with a diverse and at-risk population. Notably, the province experienced its most significant flooding event in 30 years in September- October 2024, further emphasizing the need for this study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) with community leaders and left-behind migrant family members are employed to examine coping strategies and the management of challenges posed by the recent floods. Additionally, the study assesses interventions, such as the capacity of community leaders to address climate change, social protection policies, community-based support programs, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience. The findings reveal that left-behind families face considerable socio-economic challenges and highlight the crucial yet limited role of informal community networks in supporting these families, while identifying significant gaps in existing social protection programs. This research contributes to migration studies, particularly regarding climate-induced migration and its impact on left-behind family members in flood-prone regions.