This dissertation seeks to compare rural - urban migration in the Philippines and Thailand between i 970 and 1990 and to determine its relationship with international migration from both countries. Following a review of the socioeconomic and political factors which prompted and maintained migration into the primate cities of Bangkok and Metro Manila, an analysis ¡s made of the extent and patterns of migration within each country and a socioeconomic profile built up of the female migrants. What determines rural urban migration and how this impacts on women migrants in the cities and their famì!ies in rural areas is then explored. The principal factors which emerge as affecting rural - urban female dominated migration show certain similarities in each country: economic change, industrialization and the need for cash Income in modern, ìndustrializing economies. International migration is determined by internal and externar factors , such as government policies, mobile, skilled surplus labour and proximity to more affluent, rapidly industrializing, labour deficient countries within the Asian - Pacific region. Migration is essentially a response to changing economic, social and political conditions.