On Monday 14th November 2011, officials of Office of Labour Affairs in Singapore led by Mrs. Kanchana Wongsuwan, Minister-Counsellor (Labour Affairs), and Mr. Sakdinah Sontisakyothin, Counsellor (Labour Affairs), along with official of the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore visited Thai workers at Toh Kuan Dormitory.
The dormitory is designed to house 7,000 migrant male workers. At present, it is hosting 6,600 migrant workers; most of them are from India and Bangladesh.
Some 180 Thai workers live there. All the accommodation expenses, including electricity and water bills are paid by their employers. Most of the workers work in Woongnam Singapore Pte Ltd, a shipbuilding company.
There are five 7-storey buildings in the dormitory compound. Each room has two separate bedrooms. Twelve workers from the same companies are arranged to live in one room. Bunk beds are situated on each side of the bedroom, giving some space in the center of the room. Each worker has got his own locker. The room is equipped with either a fan or an air-conditioner, and all facilities such as toilet, kitchen, and laundry machine. Four exercise rooms are located between the buildings, which can also be used for other sport proposes such Sepak Takraw and Badminton.
The dormitory and its surrounding areas are clean. Convenient store, restaurants, and car park are situated nearby. The place also has strict security with each worker needing an identification swipe card to enter or exit the building.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore and Office of Laboru Affairs in Singapore distributed the Thai workers a handbook on Thai worker in Singapore, and a registration form for Thai people; and give them medical supplies, sport gears, and sheets about compensation for accident at work, employment contract, and tax refund.
Furthermore, they also informed the workers about the Thai people relations day during which various activities will be held to celebrate His Majesty the King birthday anniversary, on 11 December 2011.
