The Ministry of Labour explained the facts about migrant workers in Thailand lacking health insurance. They reported that foreigners who work legally in Thailand, receive welfare and health protection according to the law, and equal rights to Thai workers.
On February 3, 2020, the Department of Employment’s Inspector-General Mr. Pairoj Chotiksetian, explained the case of Deputy Representative of UNICEF Thailand Mr. Juan Santander, who spoke about the rights of migrant workers in Thailand, claiming a lack of health insurance. Mr. Pairoj said that there must be a differentiation between migration and traveling to work in Thailand, as foreigners working legally in Thailand will be protected for welfare at work and have health coverage such as social security and health insurance. The said protection is under the same laws that apply to Thai workers; therefore, foreign workers have equal rights with Thai people. As for migration, it is beyond the authority and responsibility of the Department of Employment.
Mr. Pairoj further said that the MOU system is one of labor transfer between the receiving and sending country, which is specific to labour issues only. It has the purpose of transferring workers temporarily for work and to earn an income; however, it is not a relocation to live in the country or for other purposes. This case follows international standards, equal to Thai workers who abroad and cannot take their dependents with them. For dependents (spouse and children of workers) who have a desire to travel to meet the worker, there are no restrictions; however, the process to enter the Kingdom must comply with immigration laws.
If foreign workers who come to work legally have children that are born in the Kingdom of Thailand, the birth should be reported, and the child will be temporarily granted residence in the Kingdom, which is the same as for the father or mother; this follows the ministerial regulations determining status and conditions on the stay in Thailand of a person born in the Kingdom of Thailand which is not a Thai national B.E. 2560, issued under the law on nationality. However, foreigners entering the Kingdom without permission are beyond the duties and responsibilities of the Department of Employment.
As for the issue of expensive medical care, he explained that there might be misunderstandings as foreign workers already have health insurance that they can use as normal. As for the issue of area for medical care, workers can report the change in the area if they have changed their location of work or if they change to another employer who is not in the same area. Beneficiaries can obtain health insurance from birth, following the announcement of the Ministry of Public Health, regarding health examination and health insurance for foreign workers B.E. 2562. The Ministry of Public Health determines health insurance fees as follows: 5.1 Foreign workers 2-year health insurance cost is 3,200 Baht 5.2 Dependents (children) over seven years but not over 18 years 2-year health insurance costs 3,200 Baht 5.3 Dependents (children) up to 7 years 2-year health insurance costs 730 Baht.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Division of Public Relations
Information by the Department of Employment
3 February 2020
