CNI News

13 August 2024

Although workers were needed in Thailand, it was difficult for the undocumented workers to get jobs, those who are helping in the issues of workers told CNI News. 

The current period is the tourist season and other industries need workers as well. So, there are plenty of jobs for those with credentials. 

However, undocumented workers were finding it difficult to get jobs, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

"There are plenty of jobs for those with credentials. Especially, at a time like this of the year, the tourist season has started. Fishery needs workers as well. You can say that jobs are plentiful at this period. But undocumented people coming from Myanmar for many reasons find it difficult. They can't work. If they work, because it's illegal, they can be arrested at any time. Most employers don't hire undocumented people." he said.

Moreover, as documented workers, their employers designation and kinds of jobs must be matched.

And the jobs that are designated for migrant workers must be done. So, it is difficult to change jobs. 

While seeing migrant workers

Although the Thai authorities have said that a Pink ID Card would be issued for foreign recruits, nothing about it has been released up to now. 

So, Myanmar migrant workers are still waiting to get documents, said U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Rights Foundation (LRF) told CNI News.

" According to the current situation, Thailand has announced its policies for its security. During its 120-day campaign, it is thoroughly searching for illegal workers from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos and arresting them. On the other hand, the Thai Ministry of Labor stated on 6th July that workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, who have arrived in Thailand for various reasons would be issued residence and work permits. But no further announcements have been made yet. Those who want to get the permits are systematically waiting from the houses and apartments." he said.

After the political change took place in Myanmar starting from 1st February, 2021, many Myanmar nationals arrived in Thailand for various reasons. 

Moreover, because the Thai government announced that it would issue residence and work permits to foreigners, many more Myanmar citizens reportedly came to Thailand.

Moreover, the Thai authorities are arresting undocumented foreigners under a plan and among over 100,000 foreigners who were arrested, Myanmar citizens were the most.