The employment law ‘awareness conference’ yesterday followed Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat on Tuesday (Jan 9) explaining to Move Forward MP for Bangkok Sasinan Thamnithinan and Kanwee Suebsaeng, Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, what Phuket officials are doing to address migrant worker issues.
The meeting on Tuesday followed a raid in Tambon Thepkrasattri last month which saw 30 Chinese men arrested for working illegally in the country. That raid prompted police to begin an investigation into whether the 30 Chinese nationals were victims of human trafficking.
A subsequent raid in the Layan area of Cherng Talay on Dec 27 saw 28 Chinese nationals, including one woman, arrested for working illegally at the site of a major hotel under construction.
The issue involved “complexities”, Governor Sophon noted on Tuesday.
Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham presided over the conference held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town yesterday, branded as the launch of the "Project to enhance awareness of employers/foreign worker establishments and Phuket Province network partner organisations”.
This initiative marks the first of its kind and is set to bring about a positive impact on the local community, said an official report of the event.
During the event, Phichit Singthongkam, Chief of the Phuket Employment Office, confirmed that a total of 10,631 employers/establishments in Phuket currently employ 61,485 foreign workers, predominantly hailing from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The data also revealed a significant influx of 58,418 foreign workers imported under the ministerial resolution on July 5, 2022, with an additional 2,451 people under the MOU system and 616 under the Cabinet resolution on March 15, 2022.
Mr Phichit also confirmed that of the 61,485 migrant workers known to be on the island, there were 60,163 from Myanmar (97.84%), 912 from Laos, 266 from Cambodia and 144 from Vietnam.
Acknowledging the vital role played by unskilled foreign workers in sectors facing labour shortages, the initiative seeks to address challenges associated with their employment, Mr Pichet said.
“The project aims to enhance understanding among employers, enterprises, community leaders, and local officials regarding foreign work management guidelines. This includes educating stakeholders on regulations, procedures for work permits, penalties as per the Emergency Decree on Management of Foreigners’ Work B.E. 2017, and other related aspects,” he noted.
As part of the awareness campaign, at the event yesterday speakers from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office, Immigration, and Social Security Office provided explanations of compliance with immigration laws, visa processing, extension of stay, and the benefits of foreigners and employers entering the social security system.
Key lecturers from the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, including the Directors of Vachira Phuket Hospital, Thalang Hospital and Patong Hospital, also explained required health checks, health insurance for foreign workers and various regulations.
“The comprehensive program aims to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of managing foreign labour effectively,” Mr Pichit said.
“The Phuket Provincial Employment Office emphasises that the initiative is a proactive step towards revitalising the local economy by ensuring the efficient integration of foreign workers while safeguarding the interests of both employers and employees. This collaborative effort is anticipated to pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious work environment in Phuket Province,” he concluded.