Labour Minister Visits Highland Residents and Gives Workers of Encouragement

           Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul visited Nim Si Seng Transport 1998’s in Muaeng district of Chiang Mai, a large logistical transportation company in the province. The Labour Minister acknowledged the company’s obstacles in operations and workforce management, and also visited the workers which includes over 100 residents from highlands, to give words of encouragement. He said, “The government has great concern and is very caring about people equality. The government has announced for highland residents to be able to work in all professions; this was announced by the Prime Minister with reference Section 13 of the Working of Aliens Act, B.E. 2551, ensuring all workers are treated equally.”

          Mr. Piyapong from Pang Mapha district in Mae Hong Song, is a person of no registered status and has been working as a labourer at Nim Si Seng Transport 1998. He said, “I have been working here for more than 5 years, and I earn more than 10,000 Baht monthly. The company takes care of me well. I heard about the Prime Minister’s announcement on opening up opportunities for people in highlands or people with no registered status, allowing us to work in all business industries. I was very happy because this means we have more choices and we can choose to do jobs that suit our strengths. I would like to thank the Ministry of Labour for driving the announcement and reducing the work permit free to 1,400 Baht. This is a great benefit to all. I would also like to ask the government to lengthen the work permit duration. At the moment, it is only valid for 2 years, but the process itself takes long as it requires many documents and the travelling is also quite far, resulting in high costs.”
          The Labour Minister acknowledged the feedback which will be passed on to relevant units for further consideration.

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Bureau of Public Relations/
Pattarin  Neeraphon – News/
Sompob Silbut – Photos/
12 January 2560