Foreign workers protected by laws

Legal immigrant workers are protected by the same labour welfare laws enjoyed by Thais, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare said yesterday.

Around 630,000 legal immigrant workers were registered with authorities as of July, and they were entitled to a minimum daily wage similar to that of Thai employees - Bt203 in Bangkok and five adjacent provinces, said directorgeneral Amphorn Nitisiri.

Employers warned

Thai or foreign employers are subject to criminal penalities if they violate employees' basic rights under the labour law, and face investigation by officials if any complaints are made against them.

The labour law allows workers of all nationalities to work no more than eight hours a day, or 48 hours per week including an extra day, without overtime payments.

The time limit is seven hours a day, or 42 hours per week in working environments with occupational hazards.

One day off is a must each week, but can be postponed or accumulated in jobs in which long duty is required. The minimum 13 public holidays must be provided to employees each year.