Udon Thani's geographical position in the north of Northeastern Thailand and being near Laotian capital Vientiane contributed to the province's rapid development as Thailand's transportation and industrial hub. This created jobs and attracted migrants from other states as well as overseas, especially from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and China. In recent decades, the influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Vietnam, has further contributed to Udon Thani's population.