The Labour Minister showed concern about the safety of Thai and foreign workers returning home during the Songkran festivities and urged the ministry’s agencies to take full care, ensure vehicles, people and minds are ready, and thoroughly check car conditions before traveling. If workers are ill or have an emergency accident, insurers are reminded to use their Thai identification card at the nearest hospital within the first 72 hours. For more information, insurers can call the Ministry of Labour’s 1506 hotline, available 24 hours.
On April 4, 2019, Labour Minister H.E. Police General Adul Sangsingkeo gave a speech after the meeting of the Ministry of Labour’s Operation Center at Prasong Rananant Conference Room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour. He spoke about the incident of the van with Myanmar nationals traveling from Surat Thani to Mae Sot, Tak, returning to their home country to celebrate Songkran with family. However, when arriving in Chai Nat, 4 women, 7 men and one 2-year old child of Myanmar nationality had suffocated and became asphyxiated; staff later sent them to the hospital.
Pol.Gen. Adul showed concern for all Thai and foreign workers traveling home to join the Songkran tradition and urged the ministry’s agencies to help and facilitate all workers in full, according to their legal rights. At the same time, there was a warning to car users on the road during the Songkran festivities to drive vehicles with care have discipline in driving, respect traffic rules, not drink alcohol not underestimate driving safely. He also urged traveler to check their readiness before leaving in 3 areas: vehicle, person and mind.
The Ministry of Labour has health check services for workers before traveling to check car and motorcycle conditions by a team of technicians and provide maintenance of vehicles. It also prepares drivers for both public and personal transportation to achieve safety following the Safety Thailand policy. If there are cases of emergencies or accidents during the trip, insurers can get treatment at the nearest hospital immediately by using their Thai ID card. During travels, in the event of an emergency, workers can contact the Ministry of Labour 1506 hotline, 24 hours a day.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Chaninthorn Phettab/
4 April 2019/
