Urban ties of rural Thais

This article analyzes interpersonal linkages between villagers and urban dwellers and the effect on circular migration in Thailand. "Using data from Northeast Thailand, it examines the prevalence of urban social contacts, selectivities involved in such linkages, the characteristics of the urban contacts themselves, the salience of the interpersonal relationships, and the potential for the urban contact to act as a sponsor for the villagers. Furthermore, using a prospective research design, the impact of social contacts on subsequent rural-urban mobility of villagers is examined." A distinction is made between Bangkok and Northeastern Thai urban centers in order to illustrate some of the obstacles to the decentralized urbanization program in Thailand.