(23 January 2017) Permanent Secretary of Labour M.L. Puntrik Smiti spoke about care and foreign labour management measures, as internationally-standardized solutions to human trafficking and illegal labour. She also spoke about the zoning of accommodation for foreign workers in 13 pilot provinces and the adjustment of minimum wages. Since the current government has been in power, policies have been implemented to ensure elimination of illegal workers in Thailand. These include the 5P’s comprising policy, protection, prosecution, prevention and partnership. Policies have also been implemented for foreign worker care and prevention of exploitation or illegal labour.
“The foreign worker zoning in the 13 pilot provinces which include Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakarn, Pathum Thani, Surat Thani, Rayong and Phuket, will consider 3 dimensions which are social, economic and stability factors. We will ensure close collaboration with our neighbouring countries, the labour-sending countries including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam,” said the Permanent Secretary.
The Permanent Secretary of Labour spoke about foreign worker minimum wages, where the Wage Committee has recently issued an announcement effective 1 January 2017, with increases of 5, 8 and 10 Baht in 59 provinces. The adjustment will help the workers without having significant impact on product prices, and will ensure that minimum wages of migrant workers and Thai nationals are equal, in accordance with international standards.
"High potential labour with good quality of life"
