CNI News
29 Mar 2023
Labour activists for Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand told the CNI they hoped that a new government that would address the migrant workers' issues would emerge from the elections in Thailand scheduled in May.
Thailand has scheduled to hold a general election on 14th May and political parties have been launching campaigns.
Labour activist U Min Oo from the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI that he wanted politicians and parties that would address migrant workers' issue, problems in neighbouring countries, human trafficking and transnational crimes to win the elections.
He said, "Although elections in Thailand are not directly concerned with us, they affect us indirectly because changes in leadership lead to changes in policies. So, it will affect our migrant workers in one way or another. Leaders and parties will persuade the Thai public to support them. Some leaders and parties have their own policies on migrant workers and regional stability because migrant workers are very important for the economy. Such issues will be priorities even if they are not top priorities and they will talk about them in their campaigns."
Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.
Labour activists believe that Thai people will elect the best government because they can no longer accept the current government.
During the term of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, migrant workers face a lot of difficulties and it will be beneficial for migrant workers if a civilian government emerges from the elections, they added.
Consultant U Aung Kyaw of the Migant Workers' Rights Network told the CNI, "Migrant workers have faced a lot of difficulties to get documents because there are many requirements for them. Migrant workers have to bear the brunt of the system. If a new government that the Thai people want most emerges from the elections, we will be able to enjoy democratic rights. If a democratic civilian government is elected by the people, migrant workers will see a better future."
Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.
Labour activists also hope that the new government will cooperate with civil society organizations in labour issues.
Thai news agencies have reported that the United Thai Nation Party led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha and the Phue Thai Party led by a daughter of former prime minister Thaksin will have to compete against each other fiercely in the elections.
