The Labour Minister showed concern for Thai workers in Iraq and Iran. He emphasized caution among labour ambassadors, to monitor the situation and spread awareness among Thai workers, with an order to prepare to work with embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly to facilitate the evacuation plan for Thais if the situation does not improve.
On January 6, 2020, Labour Minister M.R. Chatumongol Sonakul spoke about the tense relationship between the United States and Iran and Iraq, in the case of the killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleiman, an Iranian general in Iraq. He said that the Ministry of Labour is concerned for Thais working in Iraq and Iran, and has ordered Minister Counselor (on labour) from the Labour Office in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), the area responsible for Thai workers in Iraq, and the ordered Minister Counselor (on labour) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates responsible for Thai workers in Iran, to be cautious, monitor the situation and spread awareness and publicize the news to Thai workers in both countries.
M.R. Chatumongol said that the Ministry of Labour had ordered Minister Counselors (on labour) in both countries to coordinate closely with the consulate and Thai Ambassador to the respective country, to prepare to facilitate Thai workers and nationals in evacuation if the conflict intensifies. Furthermore, the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Employment has a fund to help job seekers working overseas, supporting Thai workers who have suffered from going to work abroad, following legal procedures.
At present, there are 257 Thai workers in Iran and 25 Thai workers in Iraq. Most are working as technicians, cooks, in massage services, service workers, welding technicians, fishing, and hotels, for example.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Chaninthorn Phettab/
6 January 2020
