The Labour Minister showed concern for 3 Thai workers in fishery-related deaths in Korea, and reminded Thais working abroad to do so legally to ensure coverage of benefits. The Labour Department in Seoul found that all 3 Thai workers who died were working without a work visa. Coordination is underway with the the Consular Department to provide further assistance to the families.
On September 11, 2019, Labour Minister M.R. Chatumongol Sonakul spoke about the death of 3 Thai workers in fishery-related business, in Gyeongbuk, in the South of Korea. The government, by the Ministry of Labour, is concerned about all workers and gave his condolences to the families of those who have died. From the preliminary examination of the Labour Department at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, Korea, all 3 Thai workers did not have a working visa. The deceased are Mr. Nikom Poksonthia, 42, a resident of Nakhon Ratchasima, Mr. Natthaphong Kansopha, 28, a resident of Nakhon Ratchasima and Mr. Thongmee Bupala, 34, a resident of Chaiyaphum.
However, South Korea’s labour law provides protection for medical treatment and compensation to families for accidental deaths on the job, regardless of whether the worker is legal or illegal. The Labour Department has coordinated with the Consular Department at the Embassy to aid the families.
The Labour Minister added that the government attaches great importance to expedite the problem of Thai workers being smuggled to work in South Korea, as it is a country that has a lot of Thai workers. He also reminded Thai workers abroad to do so legally, in order to be protected with various legal benefits. Thai workers who want to inquire about work abroad, or report complaints/grievances, can contact all Provincial Employment Offices, the Bangkok Employment Offices or the Central Employment Registration and Job Seeker Protection Office, Department of Employment. For more information, please call the Ministry of Labour 1506 hotline and press 2 for Department of Employment.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Chaninthorn Phettab/
Information by Office of Labour Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, Seoul, the Republic of Korea/
11 September 2019
