Office of Labor Affairs in Japan visits IMM Japan Trainees at Nagano Prefecture
On 25 May 2011, Mr. Kamol Sawatshukaew, Minister Counselor (Labour Affairs) of Office of Labour Affairs in Japan, Mrs. Malee Wahda, Overseas Employment Promotion Operator Assistance, Mr. Nirun Umemura, general coordinator, along with Mr. Yasuyuki Takano, IMM Japan Manage, went to visit Thai trainees at 4 IMM Japan member companies in Nagano Prefecture, 280 kilometer northwest of Tokyo.
1) Wako Seisakusho Co., Ltd.: Wako Seisakusho produces a valve and tube for households and businesses. The Company’ Chairman and Executive acknowledged that the company used to receive Indian trainees but changed to accept Thai trainee 11 years ago. They said, up to now, the company has accepted 17 Thai trainees altogether, and 4 of them are currently working with it, noting that Thai trainees have high determination and good discipline. The company encourages trainees to practice Japanese, asking them to write a diary each day. Their diaries will be marked and corrected. They said this way trainee can learn Japanese quicker, which will benefit both the company and themselves. They noted that most of their past trainees have achieved successful careers, having been trained by the company and learned some Japanese. They said the company still keeps in touch with them. He also said that, Kitz Co, Ltd, one of its subsidiaries, also accepts 2 Thai trainees.
2) San-noh Denki Co.,Ltd: San-noh Denki is a producer of microchip for computers, electronic devices, and stereo. The Company’s Chairman said the company has received 6 Thai trainees so far, 2 of them are still working with the company; the rest have already finished their training program and returned home. He said Thai trainees work hard and they have had no problems with their work or living. Meanwhile, Thai trainees said they are happy with the training. They earn approximately 40,000 baht per month and could send home as much as 30,000 baht per month.
3) Furukawa Seisakucho Co.,Ltd : Furukawa Seisakucho produces automotive parts, molding screws and other car parts. The Company’s Chairman said the company has accepted 6 Thai trainees and they are skilled and diligent. He pointed out that Thai trainees have got great potential, and with good training, they will have much brighter future career. He acknowledged that the duration of the training program is too short, only 3 months long, which will not be enough for trainees to learn all the skill. He suggests trainees shall be allowed to receive training in Japan for 5 years so that they can learn some highly skills and techniques. Meanwhile, the Thai trainees said they rotate their work shift every 2 weeks. They try hard to improve their Japanese and are taking a standardized test of Japanese language. They can send home some 27,000 baht each month.
4) Hanamaru Sangyo Co.,Ltd: Hanamaru Sangyo has 2 Thai trainees. The trainees said they live very close to their workplace, which is convenient. When the March 11 earthquake and ensuing tsunami struck Japan, the Company initially faced with some raw material shortage. It was also forced to reduce its energy consumption. Trainees’ work days and hours were rescheduled; they had to work 10 hours per day/ for 4 days a week, instead of 8 hours per day/for 5 days a week. However, trainees can resume their normal work hours since the company is now recovered. The trainees said they are happy with their work and payment, 140,000 Yen per month (50,000 baht). They can send some 35,000 baht home each month.
Minister Counselor (Labour Affairs) expressed his appreciation to the accepting employers for taking good care of Thai trainees. He said Ministry of Labour placed emphasize in sending Thai trainees to Japan as it believes trainees can gain so much from the country with high discipline and advanced industrial technology. He said this would pave way for the government’s policy in developing Thailand as an industrial hub of ASEAN region. The trainees, who go for training in Japan, will become an important driving force for the government’s plan. Therefore, he hopes the accepting employers will continue assisting Thai trainees developing skills. He also noted that if they want to make advice or recommendation regarding the training program, they can contact Ministry of Labour via Office of Labour Affairs in Japan.
On this occasion,Minister Counselor (Labour Affairs), also told Thai trainee to work hard to improve their skills and Japanese as well as to try and save money. He said trainees can use skill they have gained to work in Japanese companies in Thailand. He also reminded all the trainees that they are Thai people and that the country’s reputation rest with them. Therefore, they shall behave well to maintain good-reputation of the country, which will pave way for the next batch of Thai trainees to come and receive training in Japan. Otherwise, employers will turn to accept trainee from other countries.
Furthermore, Minister Counselor (Labour Affairs) notified trainees the election date for election outside the Kingdom and distribute registration form to all of them. He also sent Minister of Labour’s, Permanent Secretary of MOL’s, and Thai Ambassadors to Japan’s regards to all Thai workers. He then, distributed necessities and dried food provided by the Royal Thai Embassy in Japan to Thai trainee and left some for IMM Japan Office in Nagano to deliver to Thai trainees in Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures.
