Thai junta suspends new labour law, extends deadline after exodus

Record ID: 898050

  • Title: Thai junta suspends new labour law, extends deadline after exodus
  • Date: 4th July 2017
  • Summary: MAHACHAI, THAILAND (FILE) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF WORKERS PULLING FISHING NET ON BOAT WORKERS WORKING ON FISHING BOAT WORKERS SITTING HOLDING IDENTITY CARDS / POLICE OFFICIAL INSPECTING POLICE LOOKING AT CARDS MIGRANT WORKERS SITTING AND LOOKING ON MIGRANT WORKERS WORKING AT PIER WORKERS SORTING OUT FISH VARIOUS OF WORKERS WORKING AT PIER
  • Embargoed: 18th July 2017 12:19
  • Keywords: Thailand migrant workers labour law exodus
  • Location: BANGKOK, MAHACHAI/ THAILAND
  • City: BANGKOK, MAHACHAI/ THAILAND
  • Country: Thailand
  • Topics: Government/Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA0026OAYN9H
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Thailand's junta delayed on Tuesday (July 4) parts of a new labour law aimed at regulating the foreign workforce after the decree sparked panic and prompted more than 60,000 foreign workers to flee from the country.
    Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Tuesday that Thailand will work with other countries on this issue. The military government, which has ruled since a 2014 coup, has invoked Article 44, a security order that gives it power to push through policy, to delay the law that imposes heavy fines on employers and employees who do not have work permits, a senior official said.
    The original decree was issued in part to tackle human trafficking concerns raised by the international community, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam told reporters.
    Thailand is a destination for many migrant workers from poorer neighbouring countries, including Myanmar and Cambodia.
    Official estimates put the number of foreign workers at 3 million but rights groups say the real figure is far higher. Many work in Thailand without legal documents, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by brokers and sometimes traffickers.
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