A Housing Preparation of Construction Labour 4 Companies in Bangkok before Retirement

Abstract

This article examines the housing preparations of construction labours who reside in labours camps for an extended period but are unable to continue living there after retirement. The study focuses on construction labours employed in construction projects and residing in labour camps managed by four case study companies. These companies are large construction contractors registered in the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The objective is to analyze the housing preparations of Thai and Burmese construction labours before retirement and compare the differences between those who have housing preparations and those who do not. The research involves surveying a sample of 400 Thai construction labours and 400 Burmese construction labours, selected from a total population of 2,471 construction labours in the case study companies.

Based on the study of housing preparedness among the Thai construction labor force before retirement, 84.25% of individuals aged between 31 and 45, who are part of the labor force, require repairs for deteriorated and dilapidated housing conditions. Similarly, 67.25% of Burmese laborers aged below 30 have a need for internal improvements. Although these individuals have rightful ownership or inheritance of their original dwellings, most of them have not planned for their housing situation before retirement. This is primarily due to stagnant income growth, obstacles related to job positions, duration of employment in Thailand. Among the labor force without housing preparedness, 16.75% are female Thai laborers and 32.75% are male Burmese laborers, none of whom have any rightful ownership of their original dwellings. The majority of them face challenges in income growth, gender-related issues, job positions, and duration of employment in Thailand.

The research reveals that young construction labours without housing preparations lack housing rights. Owning a home is challenging due to affordability issues, especially for those with low incomes. Renting housing after retirement is recommended to address this issue. Homeownership doesn't guarantee housing security, as it involves long-term debt and income instability. Renting may be a better option in the long run for this group.