Abstract:
Recently, a phenomenon of Summer Work/Travel Program (WAT) is well-known as a popular exchange program giving youth opportunities which working and living experience in the world of diversity. But the program still has risks and accidents, such as the death of participants, and exploitation. This research is an initiative to answer the relevant question: How can we reflexively deal with Globalization process in the Phenomena of WAT? Accordingly, the researcher reviewed related documents, conducted participant observation, used the in-depth interview and focus-group to gain the experiences of Thai youth. The results show that, on the one hand, this program is driven by demand of low-wage labor from employer side and demand of income and experience from Thai youth, without official supervision and public concerns. On the other hand, the risks are from uncoordinated sub-systems concerning the program and lack of responsible organization so that there is overlapping of responsibility. However, the risks are not still fully recognized by the youth, because the youth do not interpret that the risks are controllable; instead, they interpret that the risks are due to destiny. This research recommends that possible solution of the problem is to increase supervision role of state bureau, and civil society monitoring, equipped by learning process in this issue. The priority of policy process is to invoke awareness of government sector which will be considered by established responsible sector.