CNI News
29 February 2024
A Thai MP's request to the Thai government to allow Myanmar refugees who fled to Thailand to work temporarily has not been easy to accede to at once, those helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.
Kanavee Suebsang, an MP from the FAIR, an opposition party, called on the Thai government last week and a plan should be put in place to respond to an emergency within six months to come, he said.
There was a request like that in the past and practical training was conducted to allow refugees to work. But later, the plan failed for some reasons, U Min Oo, incharge of labor affairs from the FED, told CNI News.
" If a proposal is submitted, it is discussed in the parliament. when they discuss, it is not determined by the labor perspective and the economic perspective only. Especially the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Labor here and according to their rules and regulations, if the proposal is approved depending on demand, a cabinet resolution comes out. And then, the king has to approve it. And then, it comes into force. It's not easy to accept this request and implement it. But we can't say for sure." he said.
Thai MP Kanavee Suebsang from the FAIR party
Humanitarian aid operations are being currently led by Thailand and the plan might lead to a discussion that will involve the SAC, EAOs and the NUG, The Straits Times quoted the Thai Deputy Foreign Minister as saying in early February.
Due to these circumstances, if the dialogue takes place, the request may be implemented, those who are helping in the affairs of migrant workers reviewed.
Temporary work permits were issued for the first time under the Thai government led by former Thai PM Thaksin. So, the request may be acceded to, Ko Thargyi, a person who is helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.
"Temporary work permit cards were issued under the government led by former PM Thaksin over 20 years ago. At that time, so many Myanmar people entered Thailand and they were allowed to work temporarily across Thailand after getting a temporary work permit called Baht Pink Card. This opposition party's request is not futile. It was like a historical tradition and according to the existing law of Thailand, if it is allowed, it can be allowed." he said.
Myanmar refugees at the Thai-Myanmar border
On the other hand, Thai PM Srettha has expressed that Myanmar citizens who come to Thailand illegally would be taken action against. However, Kanavee Suebsang, an MP from the FAIR, an opposition party, said that Myanmar citizens didn't sneak into Thailand, but they fled to Thailand.
They escaped death. They were escaping from military conscription. So, the request should be taken into account out of humanitarian concerns, urged Kanavee.
Thai authorities are carrying out to start 'Humanitarian Pilot Program' in Tak District where about 100,000 Myanmar refugees are taking refuge in March and materials to be supplied will be received by Myanmar Red Cross Society at a designated place in Maesot after security and other checks are conducted and then MRCS will support the refugees.
There were concerns about how to handle the materials to be supported when they arrived in Myanmar side, said Thai FM Pampree on Thai PBS News.
