MOL Reiterates Progress in Protection of Children, Foreign and Minority Workers

          The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and spokesperson Mr. Ananchai Uthaipatanacheep spoke about the Ministry of Labour’s progress on protection of child labour, migrant workers and people living in highlands. This has been done through improved legislative mechanisms and proper enforcement, which have included new penalties for child labour related cases enforced on 23 February 2017. The new legislation states that violators of child labour cases face a fine of 400,000 – 800,000 Baht per illegal child and a maximum imprisonment of 2 years, or both.  At the same time, employers with children found working in harsh or deadly conditions stand to face a penalty of 800,000 to 2,000,000 Baht per illegal employment of 1 child or a maximum imprisonment of 4 years, or both.
          Over the years, migrant workers in Thailand have been given better protection in accordance with the Labour Protection Act, which ensures fair minimum wages, and health and hygiene services equal to those of Thai workers. The Ministry of Labour has also enacted the Royal Decree on Recruitment of Foreigners B.E. 2559, a measure aimed to manage foreign workers and ensure recruitment is suitable and meets the nation’s demands. It also aims to protect illegal migration and promote protection for all stakeholders.
          The Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson further spoke about monitories and migrant workers who been long-term residents of Thailand. He said that such workers would be exempt from work permit fees and permitted to work in the construction, transportation and other similar industries. In any case, the workers would need to gain permission from the registrar to work in certain or several provinces which is necessary for some industries such as logistics which requires long-distance commutes. He said that the measures will allow for a better quality of life and equal access to job opportunities.
“Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul has given great importance to all worker groups to be of equal standards. This includes a good quality of life, protection and rights and being free of exploitation. This is because the workforce and the people are important factors to driving the national, regional and global economy,” said the ministry’s spokesperson.