Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the quality of working life among workers in Ban Meng
subdistrict. This included career initiation, finding jobs to work at home, the working environment, and
coping with health and other problems concerning informal working conditions. The main data of this
qualitative research were collected from a community survey, observation, interviews, and in-depth interviews.The study revealed the local value placed on the sewing vocation, which had been transmitted to
people in the community from previous generations. The condition of employment, which was influenced
by their economic situation, competition in production supply, and external trading, had strong
impacts on the vocational security of the workers in the context of exploitation, negotiation, and resistance
regarding employment. These impacts included health and social problems resulting from bad working
conditions and environment, as well as improper health behaviors. The study also found that the
family, the community, and working network were the most important parties that participated in the
health care of the workers.
This study recommends a model of quality-of-life improvement among the workers in the community.
This will be accomplished through group creation, strengthening the capacity of local organizations,
community, and other agencies in order to gain skills in management regarding career, health, and social
welfare suitable for each situation and necessity.
