The Labour Minister, along with representatives of relevant agencies, welcomed all 18 crew members who returned to Thailand this morning (August 12, 2019). The crew expressed their gratitude to the government for helping them back home safely.
On August 12, 2019, Labour Minister M.R. Chatumongol Sonakul, Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr. Suthi Sukosol, the ministry’s executives and representatives from all 8 relevant agencies, including the Department of Consular Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Human Trafficking Suppression Division and the Law and Litigation Division from the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), the Department of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, the Marine Department, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare and the Department of Employment from the Ministry of Labor (MOL), welcomed the 18 Thai crew members who returned from Somalia. The crew members expressed their gratitude for the assistance to return the crew safely to Thailand. The occasion took place at the Prasong Rananant Conference Room, 5th Floor, Ministry of Labour. The Minister of Labour congratulated all crew members on their safe return. He explained the Prime Minister’s concern about all Thai fishing crew members who have been laid off in Somalia; the Prime Minister has urged the relevant authorities to take care of the crew. Today is the return of 18 fishermen who arrived today (August 12, 2019) at 06:30 hours.
This group of workers experienced problems of abuse by the employer on the fishing vessel in the middle of the Bosaso coast in Somalia. They had not received wages and lacked food to the extent they contracted emergency support. From investigations, 42 people were working with employers in Iran in 2 vessels, one called Vadani 1, with 22 Thai workers and Vadani 2, with 20 Thai workers. The Vadani 1 vessel returned with 4 people first, without informing the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Employment. There were 13 members of the Department of Employment’s fund to help job-seekers work abroad. A total of 18 workers returned today, 5 of which are members of the fund who will receive assistance following the fund regulations to assist jobs-seekers work abroad. The aid covers transportation costs (overseas), accommodation fees, meals, medical expenses, and other necessary expenses as actually paid, not exceeding 30,000 Baht. In addition, the Department of Employment together with the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) arranges shuttle-transportation and provides accommodation for workers before returning to their home towns; there are 6 people from Surin, 8 people from Buriram, 2 people from Phetchabun, 1 person from Samut Sakhon and 1 person from Chaiyaphum. The next action items are to investigate facts from Thai workers to proceed in relevant sections according to the authority of each agency.
The Labour Minister also emphasized that Thais travel to work abroad legally, to be protected and not exploited. They must also notify their intent to travel with the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Employment and apply to the fund to help job-seekers work abroad, for the benefits of workers experiencing problems in foreign countries. Such cases include Thai crew members who have been abandoned in foreign countries and not receiving fair treatment from employers. Thai workers who are members of the fund will receive assistance according to their rights. As for Thai workers smuggled to work abroad, in addition to having to live with difficulty, they have to hide and be subject to exploitation too.
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News by Division of Public Relations/
Photos by Sompob Silbut/
Information by Department of Employment/
12 August 2019
