The Ministry of Labour is concerned about Thai workers and deployed a team of inspectors and committee to the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Region to collaborate with Thai networks and communities, following the protests. The ministry is worried of the impact on living for Thai workers in Hong Kong and met Thai with businesses and workers to discuss ways to expand the labour market, Thai food businesses, spas and reception staff.
On June 17, 2019, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-Generals Mrs. Achara Kaewgamchaicharoen alongside the Department of Employment’s Inspector-General Mr. Cherdsak Wisuttikul, the Department of Skill Developments Inspector-General Mr. Wirat Khansorn, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfares’ Inspector-General Mrs. Walaiporn Laovanich, the Social Security Office’s Inspector-General Mr. Pongsak Sasimahasak and Director from the Office of Inspection and Evaluation , Office of the Permanent Secretary Ms. Pattraporn Samatrat visited the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Region and paid a courtesy call to Mr. Asi Maamanee, Consul-General in Hong Kong. On this occasion, the committee discussed official issues related to assisting Thai workers and nationals in distress, including the cooperation of networks and Thai communities in Hong Kong and Macau. The committee followed up on the general labour situation of Hong Kong and Macau and exchanged views on the impact on the Thai people in Hong Kong from the protests.
The Inspector-Generals then traveled to inspect the work of the Labour Office in Hong Kong and met the office staff. The committee provided suggestions for improving the performance of the mission to promote quality of life, by advising to follow up on the progress of knowledge application among those who passed the labour standards test in Thai culinary at the level 1 and 2 standards, as well as introducing activities beneficial to the workforce following the action plan.
In the evening of the same day, the Inspector-Generals discussed and listened to opinions about the issues of Thai workers following the demands of the association/union submitted on Labour Day. The committee thanked the associations for providing cooperation and support to the Labour Office, including the Association of Thai People, the Thai Women Association, the Thai Labour Union, the Thai Regional Alliance in Hong Kong and representatives of student group from the Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, totaling 6 people.
On June 18, 2019, the Inspector-General Committee met with Ms. Stephane Ho, Executive Director of HR, Wynn Palace Macau to discuss ways to expand the career fields that Thai people have expertise in, such as cooks, chefs, receptionist and others positions. The committee observed the management of the establishment and viewed the workers’ accommodations. They also met with 10 Thai workers, who were sent to Hong Kong to work, arranged by the government. From discussions, the workers were satisfied with this company because of the good welfare system. The workers also receive wages from 45,000 Baht or more and have standardized accommodation and wifi for a fee of 350 Hong Kong Dollars.
The Inspector-General Committee then met with Mr. Paulo Cheong, Vice President of HR, Sands China Limited, which is casino hotel. The committee discussed issues of cooperation in expanding the labour market by means of the arrangement by the government. Furthermore, the committee toured the company and met with 10 workers working in reception, the spa, sales, chefs, arranged by the government. From discussions, the workers were satisfied with this company because of the good welfare system. The workers also receive wages from 45,000 Baht or more.
On the same day, the Inspector-Generals also met the president of the Thai Association in Macau and visited a Thai restaurant in Macau. They also met with 5 Thai workers, whereby the Inspector-Generals and the Labour Office advised living in a foreign country that requires patience, saving, and collecting experiences for self-improvement, together with robust physical and mental health. The committee recommended that if there is a problem, to consult or inform the Labour Office in Hong Kong. The workers are pleased that the executives of the Ministry of Labour paid a visit and thanked them for their support and the opportunity to work at the company and agreed that more Thai workers should be sent to work in Hong Kong.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Chaninthorn Phettab/
Information & photos by Bureau of International Cooperation/
19 June 2019
