Issue 13^th: 29 Sept 2014

Education about basic rights and the rule of law is how the Thai government and employers manage migrant workers.

Migrant workers are protected by labour rights in Thailand.

Despite recent adverse media publicity, Thailand is still an attractive destination for migrant workers, claims Dr Poj Aramwattananont, president of Thai Frozen Foods Association.

While they might find employment in their own country hard to come by, migrant workers can find work, whether skilled and unskilled,easily enough in Thailand. This is especially so for workers from neighbouring countries – Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia – who can freely cross the border into Thailand. Language barriers present no problem as the common culture and lifestyle makes communication simple.

“Thai entrepreneurs are also pleased to accommodate them,” says Dr Aramwattananont. “So the only thing migrant workers are required to do is to understand their rights and the law in this country in order to honourably live here.”

Dr Aramwattananont adds that migrant workers are protected by labour rights in Thailand, where they receive annual health check-ups amongst over benefits.

“Employers are also concerned about the workforce’s standard of living,” claims DrAramwattananont. “In cooperation with relevant foundations like the Labour Rights Promotion Network Foundation (LPN) and the Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN), they rent out clean and comfortable accommodation for migrant workers at reasonable prices to avoid them [living] in filthy and non-standard areas.”

A child care centre is offered for parents with small children, while teachers are hired to educate the worker’s children at primary school. Adolescents can receive scholarships and school support. Employers do not contribute to a provident fund for migrant workers, who generally do not plan to live and work in the country after retirement.

When workers suffer from any form of maltreatment, the employer is reported to the relevant worker association, something which Dr Aramwattananont claims is good for business and prevents any discrimination or alienation of migrant workers.

In the long term, Dr Aramwattananont expects The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) to cooperate with entrepreneurs from all industries on labour issues.

“For the coming AEC, more and more migrants are expected to come to Thailand,” he says. “As a host, we wish we could provide a satisfactory living for them and that they … are well treated here in the land of smiles.”

Words by Natthinee Ratanaprasidhi