CNI News

3 October 2024

Thailand has announced that anyone could complain to the authorities if they found illegal migrant workers and the Thai employers were asked to hire documented migrant workers only and to carry out emphatically so as to hurt the job opportunities of the Thai citizens. 
In the past, the Thai government had announced so as well.

However, because dissatisfactions between some Thai citizens and Myanmar migrant workers have emerged at present, it was necessary for Myanmar migrant workers, to take more care of this period, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

While the Thai authorities are arresting illegal migrant workers

" Those who can possibly complain may not be getting on well with you or your environment. Next, employers may be as well. Moreover, Myanmar people can also complain their compatriots. For example, when documented Myanmar citizens versus undocumented are rivals in business, the documented complain. Unscrupulous employers also tend to complain to the police when they are about to pay wages to undocumented migrants workers. Myanmar migrant workers should take more care of themselves at a time like this because they are seeing or hearing pieces of news regarding to the problems of Myanmar citizens. Narrow-minded employers can change their mind." he said.

Undocumented workers and those without work permit can be fined from 5,000 to 50,000 baht. Also, they can be imprisoned and be sent to their native countries. At present, as some Thai citizens are considering Myanmar citizens are robbing their market shares, they are demonstrating, complaining and demanding. 

While seeing migrant workers

However, as Thailand is driving its economy with migrant workers only, complaints couldn't increase, U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Right Foundation (LBR), told CNI News.

" Demonstrations or complaints are just the attitudes of the minority. In fact, Thailand is depending on migrant workers to manufacture the products that are exported which are accepted by most Thai citizens. There is no reason that demonstrations or complaints will increase." he said.

Thailand has been taking actions against illegal migrant workers more strictly since the middle of 2024 under the 120-day plan.

The Thai authorities concerned went and inspected 718 factories from 5 to 19th September and 1,830 migrant workers were taken action against. So, Myanmar citizens should take more care of themselves than before and keep a low profile without boasting, suggested those helping migrant workers.