Thai junta suspends new labour law, extends deadline after exodus

Record ID: 898051

  • Title: Thai junta suspends new labour law, extends deadline after exodus
  • Date: 4th July 2017
  • Summary: BANGKOK, THAILAND (JULY 4, 2017) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** EXTERIOR OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE PRIME MINISTER PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA WALKING TO NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Thai) PRIME MINISTER PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA SAYING: "They (the neighbouring countries) are not ready (to register their own people) but they have to solve that problem. Now we have to solve all the issues with our three neighbouring countries. We need to work together." PRAYUTH TALKING AT PODIUM (SOUNDBITE) (Thai) PRIME MINISTER PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA SAYING: "Since the past three years, they (neighbouring countries) can register only a few thousand people. Now they have to solve their own problems. They might have to register at the border from the entry until the hiring process. We will need to put in place some measures." MEDIA
  • 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: LVA0016OAYN9H
  • 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.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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