The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and spokesperson Mr. Ananchai Uthaipatanacheep gave a press conference explaining that Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul had chaired the Anti-Human Trafficking Subcommittee’s meeting for the first time this year. The key agenda considered issues surrounding the extension for foreign worker registrations, whereby Samut Sakhon and Ranong provincial governors presented progress in their respective areas, along with representatives from 11 provinces comprising Pathum Thani, Chon Buri, Samut Prakarn, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, Nontaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Rayong, Phuket, Songkhla and Tak.
Mr. Ananchai continued to explain that Samut Sakhon currently has 288,658 Burmese, Laotian and Cambodian workers, where zoning has been piloted this year already in Moo 10, Ta Jeen sub-district of Mueang district. Royal Fame Management has auctioned 45 buildings to be used for accommodation (monthly). There are currently approximately 10,000 residents comprising 4,000 Thai nationals and 5,000 migrant workers; the company still has 250 vacant rooms. From mid-2017 to 2019, Moo 3 of Nakee sub-district will promote migrant worker accommodation with 28 buildings able to accommodate 3,00 people and is planned to be managed by the private sector.So far this year, Samut Sakhon has managed foreign workers in 5 pilot communities in Ta Sai, Kok Kra Bue, Noi Nang Hong, Ta Jeen and Oom Noi sub-districts.
Mr. Ananchai said that Ranong has over 68,753 foreign workers, mostly Burmese nationals. A total of 2 communities have been managed already comprising Pah Mai in Bang Rin sub-district with 4,300 people and Pak Khlong in Mueang Ranong sub-district with 5,054 people. However, accommodation remains insufficient to accommodate the workers, therefore it plans to construct more building, allowing the private sector to invest.
“Zoning of accommodation for foreign workers will allow us to ensure safety, fire protection, basic health administration, family planning, disease control, pollution control and national stability. The 13 provinces combined have over 50,000 migrant workers,” said Mr. Ananchai.
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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations/
Chaninthorn Phettab – News/
Sompob Silbut – Photos/
30 January 2017
