Migrant workers stream out of the country Monday, back to Myanmar via the Three Pagodas Pass border crossing at Sangkhla Buri district, Kanchanaburi. The law contains harsher punishments for both civil and criminal wrongdoing associated with the illegal hiring of migrant workers, with fines ranging from 400,000-800,000 baht. Gen Prayut said it was necessary to issue the decree as Thailand needs to adhere to commitments made on the international stage. Speaking after the same meeting, Labour Minister Sirichai Distakul said the ministry will assist employers wishing to recruit foreign workers legally during the reprieve period. Labour Ministry inspector-general Wiwat Jiraphanwanich said although 29,000 migrant workers have returned home since the decree came into force, the country has welcomed 60,000 foreign workers through agreements with foreign governments.

Source: Bangkok Post July 03, 2017 22:18 UTC