Temporary labour migration is predominant among migrant workers from southern border provinces (Songkhla,
Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Satun) to Malaysia and they are mainly semi-skilled or unskilled workers. The
cross-border migration in this area can be divided into three patterns: seasonal labour migration, commuting labour
migration, and circular labour migration. A majority of seasonal migrant workers are Thai Muslims. They mostly
work in Kelantan, Perak, and Kedah by using a border pass but do not have a work permit. They can work because
of their language fluency, similar religion and culture, and relationships with relatives who have settled in Malaysia.
Commuting migrants are mainly people who live adjacent to the border and for whom it is easy to cross each day.
Some commuting migrants go to work by crossing the Sungai Kolok River without any official documents.