[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index
][Thread Index
]
BKK POST: LABOUR / FOREIGN WORKE
- Subject: BKK POST: LABOUR / FOREIGN WORKE
- From: suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 04:46:00
April 28, 1998
LABOUR / FOREIGN WORKERS
Millers want
regulations eased
Aliens described as hardworking and
not choosy about work
Penchan Charoensuthipan
Owners of rice mills have called on the government to ease
regulations on the employment of foreign workers in their
factories.
They made the call a week ahead of the Labour and Social
Welfare Ministry's schedule to begin crackdowns on illegal
workers from May 1, which falls on National Labour Day.
Niphon Wongtra-ngan, chairman of the Thai Rice Mills
Association, said most rice mills in the country, particularly those
in the Lower North and Central Plains, have hired alien workers
to carry rice sacks.
The crackdowns on illegal workers would badly hit a number of
rice mills, said Mr Niphon, and he urged the government and
labour ministry to relax regulations on the employment of aliens in
their establishments.
"Unless the regulations are eased, many rice mills may have to be
closed. Most of our workers are aliens who are hardworking
and not choosy about work. Our business may be greatly
affected if the crackdown is launched," said the association
chairman.
The ministry has announced plans to deport an estimated
300,000 illegal workers over the next five months as part of a
broader plan to repatriate about a million illegal workers, mostly
Khmers and Burmese, to free up jobs for Thais.
Mr Niphon yesterday led a group of 50 rice mill operators to
lodge a complaint with Labour and Social Welfare Minister
Trairong Suwannakhiri at the ministry.
As the minister was engaged in an official function, the complaint
was received by Deputy Labour Minister Jongchai Thientham.
Mr Jongchai promised to raise the issue in today's cabinet
meeting.
Regulations on the employment of alien workers could be
relaxed in some provinces bordering Cambodia, Laos and
Burma, Mr Jongchai said.
However, the final decision on the issue rested with the cabinet,
added the deputy minister.
© The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 1998
Contact the Bangkok Post
Web Comments: Webmaster
Last Modified: Tue, Apr 28, 1998