On September 14, 2018, Mr. Wiwat Tanghong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony of the 11th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labor (AFML) at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel. The importance of migrant workers as a key mechanism for the country’s economic growth is not less than that of Thai workers. At present, there are at least 2 million legal migrants who come to work. It is the duty of the government to ensure that both migrant workers and Thai workers are protected in equal and equal human dignity. However, it can not be denied that migrant workers are at risk of being discriminated against to be fair, the abuses, exploitation and lack of access to decent work. Contemplate the changing situation in today’s world. The forthcoming role of technology and the 4th Industrial Revolution have affected the demand in the labor market and the ability to adjust the labor of both Thai and foreign workers. As a result, the government, together with all relevant stakeholders, must work together to prepare for the challenges and solutions that exist. Not only will the policy be improved. Laws and regulations exist in accordance with changing conditions. Another challenge is to bring the benefits of technology and innovation to help foreign workers to protect their rights and access equal value to Thai workers.
The government has set a digital policy for the economy and society. It is a strategic plan under the concept of Thailand 4.0. The drive to digitize is important for the development of the country in all aspects, especially the strengthening and development of human capital to the quality. It is the power that drives the business-industry to support the changing Thai economy from the traditional economy to the innovation-driven economy. The Ministry of Labor has developed various online channels to support labor management access to benefits and employment of migrant workers and Thai workers It is divided into measures and mechanisms to support the sending of Thai workers to work abroad and measures for foreign workers coming to work in the Kingdom In the management of Thai workers who go to work abroad. Ministry of Labor by the Department of Employment has issued the Department of Employment to facilitate job seekers in filing a travel report issued outside the Kingdom under the Employment Protection and Job Seekers Act BE 2528 (1985) through the electronic system of Thai labor management to foreign countries. Before the trip, Thai workers can search for employment agencies that are legally registered with the Department of Employment. In addition, if the foreign workers in the foreign country are experiencing problems or inquiries, they can contact the Overseas Labor Offices online via the website or by email. The office of the Labor Office is another channel.
For the management of foreign workers coming to work in the Kingdom. The Ministry of Labor has developed an MOU on labor migration through online systems. To facilitate the coordinated handling of international petitioners, senders and recipient countries. The system has been developed for foreign migrants who come to the Kingdom for other purposes, including E-work permits for migrant workers who come to work through the MOU. Social Security, which provides basic information about the rights of the insured. Including payment channel. At present, the Social Security Office has a system. e-payment to facilitate the employer to pay contributions and in the process of developing applications to support the local language of migrant workers. There is also a complaint / grievance channel for foreign workers working in Thailand through “DoE Help Me” through the website. www.doe.go.th/helpme It provides 6 languages for foreign workers to be protected by international standards. Smart Labour 3 has also been developed for mobile phone services, including the provision of foreign workers, insurer registration, early insurance placement, and so on. This is only part of the management of labor and the provision of labor services to both Thai and foreign workers through the use of digital technology. However, the use of technology is still limited in terms of access to privacy and cyber security. These are all things that governments and related sectors need to integrate to promote effective work and sustainable development.
For this reason, the upcoming conferences of the time are very important to the work of the Ministry of Labor. This is a great opportunity for government officials, employers, employees, and civil society. They are all stakeholders, and they talk about and reflect on ideas, suggestions, and situations through a variety of perspectives to share the policy and put together a guideline. Finally hope that The 11th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Workers (AFML) meeting will bring about constructive dialogue to provide tangible feedback, Mr. Wiwat said.
——————————–
