Today (August 30, 2019) M.R. Chatumongol Sonakul welcomed 14 Thai fishing crew members afloat in the sea in Somalia, arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 07.25 hours (August 30). All 14 crew members gave garlands to show their gratitude to the assistance provided to travel back to Thailand safely. The Labour Minister stressed that Thai workers traveling abroad for work do so correctly by the law, to ensure protection and avoid exploitation. Workers must also notify the Department of Employment about moving. The Ministry of Labour is prepared to apply for membership to help fund job seekers working overseas, to ensure the rights and benefits of employees and to help workers in trouble abroad. As for tracking the wage accrued from the employer, including the benefits that workers will receive, the Ministry of Labour and related agencies will provide further assistance.
Labour Minister M.R. Chatumongol Sonakul gave a speech after welcoming the Thai workers. He said that today is the return of the Thai fishing crew who were cast off in Somalia on the Vadani 2 vessel. The team of 14 were the last set, and the other 6 crew members returned to work with Iranian employers. The crew members consisted of 5 people from Buriram, 2 people from Surin, 2 people from Samut Sakhon, 1 person from Sakon Nakhon, 1 person from Ubon Ratchathani, 1 person from Nakhon Phanom, 1 person from Uthai Thani and 1 person from Ranong. The crew members had traveled for work without informing the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Employment, whereby 6 people were members of the fund to assist job seekers in working abroad by the Department of Employment. The 6 will be supported following the fund regulations to help job seekers work abroad such as transportation (overseas), accommodation, food, medical expenses, and other necessary expenses, on the actual payment no exceeding 30,000 Baht. In addition, the Department of Employment will coordinate with the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) to provide transportation and food for Thai workers on their return home, as well as follow up on benefits to Thai workers such as wage arrears and take any necessary legal action if found in violation of the Employment and Jobseekers Protection Act B.E. 2528 (1985) and the amendment (No. 2) 2537 B.E.. The Department of Employment has collaborated with the Department of Social Development and Welfare to facilitate a shuttle service ready to provide accommodation for workers before returning home. Investigations will be conducted with related departments consisting of the Department of Employment, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) and police officers from the Human Trafficking Suppression Division, to proceed in the relevant areas according to the authority of each department.
The Labour Minister stressed that those wishing to work abroad, to travel legally, notify the Department of Employment about travel plans and apply as a member of the fund to help job seekers find work abroad. The membership application fee is 300-500 Baht, depending on the country. Membership will ensure protection, as is this case with the Thai fishing crew who were abandoned overseas and not receiving fair treatment from employers. The Thai workers who are members of the fund will receive assistance as per their rights. For Thai workers who smuggled to work, not only is it difficult having to hide, but they are also at risk of exploitation.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Department of Employment/
Photos by Kantipon Kusmit/
30 August 2019
