The Ministry of Labour accelerated assistance for 22 Myanmar workers who were affected by the temporary suspension of business, due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, for the workers to receive unemployment benefits.
On April 22, 2020, Assistant to the Labour Minister Dr. Duangrit Benjathukul Chairungrueng revealed measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus among migrant workers. The Ministry of Labour has implemented urgent measures in the case of the Covid-19 virus outbreak to prevent and alleviate migrant workers, including 1) Delaying the approval of importing foreign workers beginning March 23rd until the situation returns to normal 2) Relaxation of foreign workers to stay in the Kingdom and continue to work until November 30, 2020 3) Prevention of the Covid-19 spread among foreign workers, in collaboration with the Thai Red Cross and the Ministry of Public Health in providing knowledge and understanding how to prevent the virus. The pilot will be in Samut Sakhon and will expand to other provinces. 4) Public relations to raise awareness about the virus in workplaces 5) Providing medical services to insured persons who are ill from Covid-19 6) Adjustment of unemployment benefits and 7) Reducing the contribution rate and extending the deadline for submitting contribution rate form by employers and insured persons, for example.
Dr. Duangrit gave an update on the case in the media about migrant workers from Myanmar affected by a company in Chiang Rai that has temporarily closed due to the outbreak of the virus. The latest report from Chiang Rai Labour Officer Mr. Chalermpol Niamsakul said that Chiang Rai Provincial Governor Mr. Prajol Prachsakul has instructed agencies under the Ministry of Labour, the Provincial Public Health Office, the Provincial Internal Security Operations Command and administrative officials to conduct an investigation and provide initial assistance. After reviewing the information, the foreign workers were taken to the Government Center Building, Ministry of Labour, Chiang Rai, to check social security rights and unemployment benefits, work permits and outstanding payable wages as the company temporarily stopped its business from the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak.
On April 22, 2020, 12 foreign workers filed a request for unemployment benefits, all of which are entitled to unemployment benefits from the social security fund. The remaining 10 people will gradually come to process the request on April 23, 2020 to request unemployment benefits from the Social Security Office.
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Division of Public Relations
22 April 2020
