Migrant workers in Thailand told not to leave amid global COVID-19 fears

[geovalin]

The Cambodian Embassy in Thailand has asked its migrant workers and students in the country not to leave for home during the upcoming Khmer New Year as COVID-19 fears mount. The Embassy said a statement on Monday said: “For the upcoming Khmer New Year, our workers, students and vendors should cooperate with Thai authorities to prevent the COVID-19. If it is not necessary, you should not leave Thailand.”

 

The embassy said Cambodian migrant workers need to practice good hygiene to protect themselves from the virus infection. Thailand yesterday confirmed 147 cases of COVID-19 infection.

 

There are about two million Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand both legal and illegal, according to the Ministry of Labour. “If our people want to work in Thailand, you need to follow information related to protective measures and consider it thoroughly before deciding to leave,” it said.

 

read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50702752/migrant-workers-in-thailand-told-not-to-leave-amid-global-covid-19-fears/

[Krataiboy]

Bad news. Expect even long waits at immigration offices already operating on reduced staff because of the virus scare. Three hours to do a 30 day extension yesterday. Usually takes minutes.

[emptypockets]

9 hours ago, Krataiboy said:

Bad news. Expect even long waits at immigration offices already operating on reduced staff because of the virus scare. Three hours to do a 30 day extension yesterday. Usually takes minutes.

Are the migrant workers a hassle at Immigration? There's 2 million of them. Why would it be a problem now and not in previous times.

My take on this is that the Cambodian Government are sh!tting themselves over what is going to inevitably happen. Stay in Thailand as we can't look after you. Myanmar will be no different except they acted earlier.

Edited March 18, 2020 by emptypockets

[Iron Tongue]

27 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

My take on this is that the Cambodian Government are sh!tting themselves over what is going to inevitably happen. Stay in Thailand as we can't look after you.

Exactly!  I feel really bad for these workers.  Absolutely marginalized by Thai society and soon to be abandoned with no work as Thailand's economy crashes.  If not already happening, covid-19 will soon tear through their ranks because of their sanitation and living conditions.