Demographic changes in fishing communities in Cambodia and Thailand

There is a large demographic change in fishing communities in Asia – either because of aging or because of out-migration. The study compared the situation in Thailand (aging society) and Cambodia (out-migration) fishing communities, and analyzed what has been the impact of demographic changes to fishing occupation, and how fishers are adapting to such changes. The study showed how the impact of demographic changes is shaped by existing laws and policies as well as fisheries resources availability. Women are seen to play a large role in adjusting to the changes through their non-fish work. Care for the elderly is seen to be a great challenge for both Thailand and Cambodia, and neither countries are expecting children to take care of the elderlies while it is increasing becoming difficult for younger generations to do so.

Keywords demographic changes, ageing, migration, fisheries, care work

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