Adaptation Strategy of Indonesia People in Southern Thailand During The Covid-19 Pandemic

During the Covid-19 outbreak, lockdown regulations affected the mobility of Indonesians temporarily residing in southern Thailand. Most Indonesians in Songkhla, southern Thailand, at the time were unsure, homesick, and concerned about the situation. This occurrence caused Indonesian nationals to acclimate to the conditions, including Thai culture, while also dealing with an unpredictable situation. This study intends to investigate the difficulties they encountered, how they adapted to cultural differences in Thailand, and how they handled an unpredictable living situation. This study uses a qualitative research method with a case study approach. Data collection techniques are based on in-depth interviews with nine informants, literature studies, and reviewing relevant articles from journals, news and websites. The results of the study showed that Indonesian citizens in Southern Thailand found problems related to 1) Thai language and letters, 2) homesickness, 3) fear of being infected with Covid-19, 4) less halal cuisine is available for Muslims, 5) Worrisome reports in the media regarding the devastating effects of Covid-19. Their adaptation strategy is to 1) recognise the cultural parallels between Indonesia and Thailand, 2) Develop close relationships among Indonesians in Thailand and their family, relatives, and friends, 3) Think positively, as Covid-19 will soon be finished, and 4) Follow a new culture to avoid the spread of Covid-19.