Abstract:
The purpose of this research aimed to study The Way of Life of Chinese Employees in the Area of Amata City Industrial Estate (Chinese Zone), Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, and to analyze the cultural adaptation patterns in the Way of Life of Chinese Employees in Amata City Industrial Estate (Chinese Zone), Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province. This research used a qualitative research approach by studying documents and related research and defining the conceptual framework and data collection methods by conducting in-depth interviews with 20 random target groups selected by the researcher and observing until saturated data was obtained. The research results found that the lifestyles of Chinese employees in Amata City Industrial Estate consisted of 5 aspects: 1) Working styles of Chinese employees. In general, there are 3 positions under the policy set by the Board of Investment: executive positions, managers or assistant executives at various levels, and operational positions. Most Chinese employees are in operational positions, and most of them are able to communicate in Thai. 2) In terms of food consumption, most Chinese employees prefer to eat Chinese food. Some companies have Chinese housekeepers who are responsible for cooking Chinese food especially on workdays. On holidays, Chinese employees choose to eat at Chinese restaurants. Because in Amata City Industrial Estate, there are many Chinese restaurants, some of which have been selected as regular restaurants to serve children in each company, especially 3) In terms of transportation, most Chinese employees use the company's own shuttle service, which picks up and drops off between their residences and the company without any charges. 4) Using social media in daily life or daily work, Chinese employees who do not need to contact Thai employees or Chinese employees who cannot speak Thai choose to use only Chinese social media in daily life, such as using the WeChat application as the main application because it can be used for various purposes, such as transferring money to pay for goods, etc. 5) In terms of living conditions, it is mainly rented apartments. Most companies have dormitories for Chinese employees and allow Chinese employees to stay in two rooms. The research results found that The cultural adaptation patterns in the lifestyle of Chinese employees in Amata City Industrial Estate (Chinese Zone), Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province,consisted of 4 aspects: 1) Cultural adaptation patterns in terms of beliefs about worshiping the spirit house at the company. Most Chinese employees do not believe in this aspect, so they do not worship the spirit house themselves. However, Chinese companies have a set date for worship in daily life. About twice a month and worship as scheduled, such as on important Buddhist holy days, Chinese New Year, and Songkran Festival. 2) Cultural adaptation in terms of work life. Chinese employees mainly adapt to language and dress code in their work life. Some companies have organized Thai language courses for Chinese employees and have Thai language tests to assess their knowledge level and adjust their salary according to their level. 3) Cultural adaptation in terms of language use during work. Most Chinese employees use Thai and Chinese as their main languages at work, both languages. Chinese employees will study Thai with Thai employees at the workplace. 4) Cultural adaptation in terms of friendship. Some Chinese employees have Thai friends in addition to their colleagues. Usually, they have Thai friends since they met at university and still keep in touch. As for Thai colleagues in the company, they rarely contact each other after work and do not have any channels to get to know more Thai employees. However, Chinese employees have adapted to local life through supporting the company and cross-cultural interactions.