The Labour Minister expressed concern for all 47 Thai workers who returned from the Philippines, due to COVID-19 impacts. All crew members will be quarantined at a state-provided facility for 14 days, to be monitored during the incubation period for COVID-19. He urged the Department of Employment to inspect and examine the crews’ membership status of the overseas job seekers’ assistance fund to provide the necessary assistance. The Labour Minister reiterated that those who apply for membership of the fund would receive benefits that will help alleviate workers when they encounter unexpected events.
On August 15, 2020, at 12.30 hours, Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin assigned Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour Mrs. Theanrat Nawamawat to travel to Suvarnabhumi Airport to welcome the Thai workers returning from the Philippines. The 47 Thai crew members returned to Thailand from working on a cruise ship in the Philippines, due to the impacts of Covid-19.
Mrs. Theanrat said the Ministry of Labour has coordinated with relevant agencies such as the Covid-19 Situation Management Center, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and employment agencies to work together in helping Thai workers return to Thailand. Upon investigating the status of the crew members from the overseas job seekers’ assistance fund, there were 37 out of the 47 Thai workers who were members of the fund. A total of 14 people was still under coverage, whereas 23 people’s membership had expired, and eight people never applied. Two people traveled to work under their arrangements. The group of workers with coverage will receive 15,000 Baht from the fund.
“The Labour Minister cares for all Thai workers who have returned from the Philippines. Everyone was glad to come back to their hometown. For the next steps, authorities will take the workers to a state quarantine for 14 days to monitor the incubation period for Covid-19. For those who are members of the fund, they will be assisted according to the specified criteria. Therefore, I encourage Thai workers who travel abroad for work, to apply as a member of the fund. This will enable them to receive benefits that are worthwhile and help alleviate suffering if you ever encounter unforeseeable problems. For more information, contact the Ministry of Labour’s 1506 hotline, and press 2 for the Department of Employment,” concluded Mrs. Theanrat.
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Division of Public Relations
16 August 2020
