On October 19, 2021, Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin received claims and discussed with eight employee representatives from Brilliant Alliance Thai Global Co., Ltd., and representatives of the Triumph International Labour Union of Thailand, a women’s undergarment manufacturer in Samut Prakan. The employees were terminated due to business closure, where they did not receive any compensation. The employees gathered in front of the Government House to submit two requests: to amend the Employee Welfare Fund regulations and follow up the progress of litigation against the employer. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Dr. Seksakon Atthawong and Secretariat to the Labour Minister Mr. Suthep Chitayawong also joined the occasion at Meeting Room 1, old OCSC building. Following the issue, the Labour Minister assigned the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to utilize the Employee Welfare Fund funds for 22,321,856 Baht to pay welfare for the 1,231 employees. The Social Security Office has paid unemployment benefits to the employees, amounting to 65,540,768 Baht. Additionally, the Department of Employment was assigned to arrange jobs to support the unemployed in Samut Prakan Province, providing 1,834 positions.
Mr. Suchart spoke about what the labour leaders demanded today. The employees had requested that the Ministry of Labour take money from the establishment that had a tax refund of about 31 million Baht from the Revenue Department to compensate employees. In this regard, he assigned the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to discuss with the Ministry of Finance’s Revenue Department whether this can be done or not. As for amending the regulations of the Employee Welfare Fund, he would invite representatives of the trade union and labour leaders to provide information before the meeting on October 28. As for the progress of litigation against employers, in addition to the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Dr. Seksakon Atthawong will follow up with the National Police Commissioner and agencies involved in the progress of the case as well.
“In this regard, the Prime Minister is concerned and understands the problems of the workforce. Therefore, the Ministry of Labour has been instructed to help alleviate the suffering of the employees. The Ministry of Labour has fully assisted employees according to the law,” concluded Mr. Suchart.
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Division of Public Relations
19 October 2021
