Malaysia sending back 210 Thai workers

Malaysia is sending back 210 Thais detained on its soil on charges of illegal entry. "Some are victims of human trafficking," Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam said yesterday.

He was speaking as the chair of a project to help Thais stuck in Malaysia. The project was organised to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, and the Hari Raya Festival.

Thaworn praised Malaysia for its good cooperation.

The deputy Interior minister was present to receive nine of the 210 Thais yesterday from a high-ranking Malaysian official in Songkhla's Sadao district.

Thai national Mayuki Ding said he had been working in a rubber plantation in Malaysia for three or four months when Malaysian officials nabbed and sent him to jail.

"While working there, I didn't receive any wage," the Narathiwat native said.

Addullah Pi, a Thai worker from Pattani, said he went to Malaysia because the wages there were usually higher and his home province was plagued with unrest.

"I was arrested because my passport expired. When in jail, I received good care. But when I was sent to Malaysia's immigration unit, life was tough," he said, "So, I am very happy to hear about the project."

By registering himself for the project, Abdullah could return to Thailand yesterday.

Thaworn said all Thais returning from Malaysia would be given guidance about how to work in the neighbouring country legally.

"And we will take action against those who lured them there," he said.

From now on, Thai and Malaysian police will work together to improve a database about human-trafficking gangs.

"Many Thais were forced to work in fishing trawlers after they arrived in Malaysia," Thaworn said.

Thai immigration police also plan to keep close watch on activities at the Hua Lamphong train station and Mor Chit bus terminal where Thai workers often look for jobs and many have fallen victim to human traffickers.

"If you are victims of human traffickers, dial 1880. We are ready to help you," Thaworn advised.