LIFELINE ON THE OTHER SIDE: MEDICAL TRAVEL OF CAMBODIANS TO SURIN, THAILAND

Abstract

In recent decades, healthcare has become increasingly globalized phenomenon attributed to the advancement in technology and economic liberalization. Issues of healthcare are no longer confined within the boundaries of nation-states. Rather, healthcare conditions in one country can have immediate consequences elsewhere. Departing from existing literature on healthcare mobility, which is dominated by western experiences of medical tourism, this thesis examines the cross-border movement of Cambodians into Surin, a province in Thailand with strong cultural and language ties with Cambodia, for the primary purpose of seeking medical treatments. Observation of the border-crossing process and engagement with agents from the healthcare and related industries identify the lack of trust in the corrupted healthcare system in Cambodia as a predominant pushing force for Cambodians to seek healthcare overseas. The ongoing and sustained cross-border connections between Surin and Cambodia constitutes a strong pulling force to seek care in Surin. Social networks with returning patients become critical in filling in logistical and resource gaps to facilitate the cross-border movement. The growing industry brings about physical and socio-economic transformations, creating a cycle where Cambodians are increasingly incentivized by the growing familiarity and ease of communication to seek medical care in Surin. However, restrictive state border policies and local resistance towards the foreign influence of Cambodian visitors continue to present challenges to this growing cross-border medical industry.