Cross-Border Migration and Its Influence on Mental Health Dynamics in Thailand: An Empirical Analysis of Provincial Data

Abstract

While previous research has examined the impact of cross-border migrants on economic development and other social issues, limited studies have focused on the potential effects of migrants on the mental health of the native population. This paper investigates the impact of cross-border migrants on the mental health of natives in Thailand, considering various mental health disorders. This study analyzes 77 provincial data sets from 2016 to 2021 using a spatial panel autoregressive model. The findings suggest that the presence of migrants did not have an adverse influence on the mental health of the native population at a 5% significance level. Notably, there is a reduction in the prevalence of substance abuse disorders associated with the presence of migrants at the 5% significance level. Additionally, unemployment, education, public health services, technological infrastructure, health risk behavior, and age are significant contributors to the mental health of natives at a 5% significance level. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to developing effective mental health policies and initiatives that address these multiple contributors.