Illegal foreign workers: swept under the carpet for too long

It was about the employment of foreign workers. But what was surprising was that for the first time it appeared in four languages �" Thai, Lao, Cambodian and Burmese. In effect, Thai employers and their workers of these three nationalities know the necessity of foreign labour registration.

It is widely recognised that since Thailand moved up the economic ladder, many Thais have lost interest in taking certain menial jobs. As such, the Kingdom has to open its borders to foreign workers who are willing to take up these jobs.

Recent visitors to Ranong recalled that of 10 persons encountered in a fresh market, more than half could not speak Thai fluently. And as Ranong is a major checkpoint on the border where Burmese come to seek jobs in the Thai fishing industry, these people are likely to be of Burmese nationality.

Under Thai labour law, it is legal to hire foreign workers unless they have been registered for work permits. Failing to comply with the law leaves employers facing fines and foreign workers facing deportation.

Registration is a fairly simple process and there is no limit on the number of registered workers.

There is one limiting rule: the two-year work permit can be renewed once. After this, the foreign worker is only permitted to remain in Thailand for one more year.

But, probably due to the cost involved, many foreign workers do not possess work permits. While there are about 200,000 registered foreign workers in Thailand, the number of foreign workers as a whole has been estimated at 700,000.

As we know, the economic conditions in the three neighbouring countries are less favourable than in Thailand. Many of their citizens realise they have a greater chance of finding jobs here, then sending money back home. Many have settled here and are determined not to leave.

The Department of Employment was wise in launching its four-language campaign, but it might need to do more to warn these workers of the punishment they face if they don’t abide by the law. A punishment clause could be added to the notice to explain the consequences.

There has been much talk of strengthening the punishment. Right now, deportation is the toughest penalty, but imposing fines has been mooted. That may be too harsh, considering that those targeted would be poor labourers who work long hours for low pay. Many are also cheated by exploitative employers.

What surprises me most about this issue is how little interest it excites among Thais. Most of us seem happy to employ these people as maids, either legally or illegally. But this situation is rarely discussed. Typically, the only time we feel the need to raise it for discussion is if we find something missing at home. Then we hurry off to file a complaint.