Thai Protesters Urge UN to Decline Migrant Worker Appeal

[webfact]

File photo for reference only. Courtesy Associated Press (AP)

 

Amid rising tensions surrounding migrant labour in Thailand, a group called "Thais Won’t Tolerate" is imploring the United Nations to ignore appeals from Myanmar workers seeking improved conditions.

 

The controversy underscores the complex balance between domestic employment concerns and the rights of migrant labourers, a matter of particular sensitivity at a time of economic uncertainty and social strain.

 

Led by figures such as Akkhrawut Kraisisombat and Arnon Klinkaew, the group congregated outside the UN offices in Bangkok on Friday. Their message was clear: Thai citizens are facing enough challenges without the added pressures of accommodating increased migrants'.

 

This event follows a plea to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from the Myanmar workers' group, Bright Future, which has requested improved treatment and wage conditions for its members.

 

Bright Future's letter outlined several concerns, chiefly the disparity in wage standards between migrant workers - where rates supposedly reach between 600 to 700 Thai Baht daily - and local Thai workers, who earn a maximum of about 400 Thai Baht.

 

They argue that their demands align with human rights principles, highlighting their precarious position amidst Thailand's labour market dynamics.

 

Furthermore, the letter also touches on political matters, asking the UN to condemn the forthcoming general elections in Myanmar. with Myanmar's state of emergency extended recently due to ongoing civil unrest, the campaigning climate is fragile and fraught with political complexity.

 

However, Akkhrawut maintains that the Thai nation is bearing the brunt of an influx of undocumented workers and associated issues like rising crime. He argues, rather sterbly, that foreign workers should direct their activism towards their home country's issues instead of seeking external intervention.

 

The scene at the UN offices remained peaceful, with no direct confrontation between the protesting Thais and representatives from Bright Future.

 

Yet, the event symbolised a significant sentiment within segments of the Thai community who feel overwhelmed by an allegedly unchecked immigration scenario, with socioeconomic impacts potentially displaced onto local workers.

 

As these concerns continue to unfold, the situation serves as a reminder of the wider global challenge of migrant labour rights, reported Bangkok Post.

 

As the dialogue surrounding these issues progresses, the international community, local policy-makers, and stakeholders are being compelled to seek a balanced and fair resolution that respects both the rights of workers and the socio-economic stability of host nations.

 

-- 2025-02-03

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Amid rising tensions surrounding migrant labour in Thailand, a group called "Thais Won’t Tolerate" is imploring the United Nations to ignore appeals from Myanmar workers seeking improved conditions.

Thais won't work, which is why the migrants are here.

[loong]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Bright Future's letter outlined several concerns, chiefly the disparity in wage standards between migrant workers - where rates supposedly reach between 600 to 700 Thai Baht daily - and local Thai workers, who earn a maximum of about 400 Thai Baht.

 

I am confused by this. Are they saying that migrant workers are paid more than Thai workers?

[Donga]

2 hours ago, loong said:

 

I am confused by this. Are they saying that migrant workers are paid more than Thai workers?

Yeah, same here, which is counter intuitive. I expect the Thais get better paid in Hua Hin than the Burmese.

As for Thais won't work from hotchilli - not my experience, living in Hua Hin and wide family clan in Ubon.

Migrants generally work harder in new countries, unless they're pandered with handouts and can't speak the language. In London 45 years ago, they'd employ Aussies cause they would "work harder", at the same time Brits could easily get jobs in Australia 😅

 

[MikeandDow]

Thais are lethargic.  want money but dont want to work for it.

[fondue zoo]

I don't think the old timers that I see pushing their food carts down the street everyday at 4am are overly lethargic.

 

[Dcheech]

Another Ultra Monarchist rent a mob?!