Thai Minister of Labour Pipat Ratchakitprakarn (R) extends a warm welcome to Geraldine Ansart, Chief of Mission in Thailand at the International Organization for Migration (IOM). (Photo: https://thailand.prd.go.th) Pipat expressed gratitude to the IOM's chief forcoming to discuss and exchange information. Thailand shares borders withneighboring countries, spanning long distances, leading to the infiltration ofundocumented migrant workers. The government and security forces strive toprevent such unauthorized entries.
Similarly, the Ministry of Labour has instructed the Department of Employmentto collaborate with employers to oversee and ensure compliance in all aspects,preventing exploitation of workers, whether in large enterprises or SMEs.
In addition, the Ministry of Labour collaborateswith the Thai government to address situations involving undocumented foreignworkers. Once present, the priority is to ensure legal treatment, employment,and care in accordance with human rights principles. The Department of SkillDevelopment offers upskilling for Thai and foreign workers. Recognizing Thaiworkers' agricultural skills, the Ministry of Labour seeks IOM support ifdeemed capable of hosting seasonal agricultural workers.
Pipat also mentioned that the Thai governmentstrives to elevate the status of labour in every possible way, whether it isthe labour force exported to other countries or imported into Thailand.
Ansart expressed gratitude for the opportunity tomeet with the Minister of Labour and praised the Thai government's commitmentto upholding human rights for migrant workers, which could serve as a goodmodel for many countries. She highlighted the importance of social security andhealthcare for migrants and affirmed the IOM's readiness to support the Ministryof Labour.
In the past, the IOM has collaborated with variouspublic, private, and civil society organizations in Thailand to develop theskills of migrant workers. At the same time, the IOM stands ready to supportand assist Thai workers going abroad, ensuring that their overseas employmentis conducted safely and securely./.
VNA
