Souvanxay PHETCHANPHENG and Pascale HANCART PETITET
IRASEC, Bangkok
April 2026, 24 p.
English text
The urban migration of young people in Laos is often driven by the dual motivations of escaping poverty and seeking a different way of life. Previous research has demonstrated that rural-urban migration brings with it a mix of economic opportunities and heightened sexual risks. However, less attention has been given to sedentary populations residing in areas with significant migratory activity. While migration is often viewed in terms of economic opportunities, it also brings vulnerabilities, particularly in regions of rapid development like Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
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