Migration Research

With decades of worldwide operational experience and tried and tested data management tools, IOM is uniquely positioned to increase the evidence base on migration. IOM provides information, advice and technical support to further the efforts of stakeholders to develop and implement effective national, regional and global migration management policies and strategies.

In Thailand, IOM conducts a broad range of research on regional, sub-regional and national migration issues. Policy-oriented research and publications are sought after by government partners who want to better understand migration trends and issues in order to improve overall migration management; donors who want a better understanding of the most urgent migration issues; and development partners who want to better understand the links between migration and a broad range of issues, including climate change, human security, trafficking, poverty reduction, health, education and business and human rights.

Active in over 80 countries, IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) serves as a key resource globally for information on internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and migrants. DTM is designed to regularly and systematically capture, process and disseminate information to provide a better understanding of the movements and evolving needs of mobile populations.

In Thailand, DTM has been in use since 2018 to gather data and disseminate information on mobility patterns, needs, protection risks and vulnerabilities of mobile populations, playing a critical role in generating information for evidence-based advocacy and response planning. DTM conducts mobility mapping, flow monitoring and surveys in border areas to provide a better understanding of the scale of human mobility, migrants’ profiles, migration drivers and risks. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, perception surveys are conducted to create visibility regarding migrants’ access to public health information and services, including vaccination. Assessments on the multi-sectoral needs of vulnerable migrant populations are also carried out in selected regions. DTM further seeks to expand research on the scale and impacts of climate-induced mobility. Through its activities, DTM aims to inform programmes which contribute to creating environments where migrants and host communities can jointly pursue sustainable growth and meet emerging challenges.

Overall, IOM's research aims to shed light onto the most pressing issues affecting migrant workers in Thailand and the region. Research efforts gather evidence and share analysis to ensure that migration is incorporated into development work, including policy reform, so that all members of society are included, and no one is left behind.

Publications produced by the IOM Mission in Thailand can be viewed and downloaded here. For all other IOM publications, please visit the IOM Publications website here.