Spatial Information for Border Health System Management in Stateless Persons and Migrant Working Group
Keywords:
Geographic information systems, Stateless persons and migrant working group, Border health systemAbstract
This study aims to examine the situation and context of stateless persons and cross-border migrants in the Thai–Lao border area, Tha Li District, Loei Province, who face significant limitations in accessing rights and healthcare services. The research employed participatory surveys to collect data on living conditions and challenges of the target population, combined with geospatial data collection of residential locations using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). A spatial information system was developed through Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to analyze population numbers, spatial distribution, and to build a geospatial database supporting decision-making in border health management.
The study found that Tha Li District, Loei Province, is a border town adjacent to Kaen Thao district, in Xayaburi Province, Lao PDR, with communities settled along the Hueang River, a small border river that can be easily crossed. The survey identified 991 stateless persons. The developed spatial information system was able to visualize household locations and distribution, along with in-depth analyses highlighting key issues: 70.74% of the population are female, 66.30% have never returned to their country of origin, and 34.71% lack identity documents-factors that restrict access to rights and healthcare services. Moreover, linking positional data with satellite imagery provided concrete insights that support precise decision-making in defining target areas, monitoring, and managing border health. This includes population classification by residence, gender, age, document type, health conditions, and trust networks.
An urgent concern is the lack of knowledge and understanding among this group regarding the processes of legal status development and their entitled benefits, particularly the right to healthcare in public service units. Given that most of the population are women and elderly persons-groups at higher risk of health problems and chronic diseases—clear and systematic measures are needed from relevant agencies, especially public health service providers, to ensure continuous and sustainable solutions.
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