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Politics IOM Urges Thailand to Enhance Safe and Flexible Labour Migration Pathways
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has called on the government to simplify and strengthen its labour migration framework to better support economic growth, reduce reliance on irregular migration and uphold the principles of safe, orderly and regular migration. In a newly released policy paper, the IOM highlighted that Thailand is home to one of the largest migrant worker populations in Southeast Asia, primarily from Myanmar, Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Migrant workers play a vital role in industries such as construction, agriculture and manufacturing. According to the IOM, the number of migrant workers registering through Thailand’s in-country registration system has surged by 60 per cent, from 1.5 million in 2020 to over 2.4 million as of August 2024. Meanwhile, the number of workers arriving via formal bilateral agreements has dropped dramatically, from 1 million to approximately 600,000 during the same period. “This shift reflects both the high costs and administrative complexity of the bilateral recruitment system and the changing situations in countries of origin, particularly Myanmar,” said Géraldine Ansart, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Thailand. “The in-country registration process now accounts for more than 80 per cent of all registered migrant workers in the country.” Despite the success of the scheme, the IOM report identifies significant challenges. While more than 3 million migrants and 600,000 employers have benefitted from the in-country registration process since 2020, up to 70 per cent of eligible migrants still face obstacles completing the procedure. These include frequently changing requirements, recruitment-related expenses and limited access to clear information. The policy review revealed that some migrant workers pay up to ten times the official cost to regularise their status, with total expenses reaching as much as THB 125,000. Employers who adhere to the Employer Pays Principle, which mandates that all recruitment-related costs be borne by the employer, often face unofficial charges of up to THB 3,500 per worker to expedite processing. To address these issues, the IOM recommends simplifying the regularisation process, introducing strict regulations on recruitment fees and strengthening protection mechanisms for migrants. The report also urges Thai employers to adopt robust labour migration management systems, including clear corporate policies, human rights due diligence and access to remedy channels for migrant workers. “Migrant workers are crucial to Thailand’s sustainable development, especially as the country’s workforce continues to shrink,” said Ansart. “Thailand has shown regional leadership by expanding regular migration channels during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.” “With shifting political and economic conditions across the region, Thailand now has a strategic opportunity to further enhance access to legal and safe migration pathways that align with national labour needs and policy goals,” she added. The IOM’s recommendations aim to ensure that migration to Thailand becomes not only safer and more regulated, but also more responsive to the needs of both migrants and the Thai economy. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-01. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 1 June 2025
Police Swarm Rental Room After Knife-Wielding Husband Takes Wife Hostage in Phitsanulok Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Nearly the entire police force of Phitsanulok City Police Station was mobilised during the afternoon of 31 May, in response to a domestic hostage situation involving a knife-wielding man holding his wife captive inside a rented room. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362378-police-swarm-rental-room-after-knife-wielding-husband-takes-wife-hostage-in-phitsanulok/ -
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Crime Police Swarm Rental Room After Knife-Wielding Husband Takes Wife Hostage in Phitsanulok
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Nearly the entire police force of Phitsanulok City Police Station was mobilised during the afternoon of 31 May, in response to a domestic hostage situation involving a knife-wielding man holding his wife captive inside a rented room. The emergency was reported to the Phitsanulok Provincial 191 Radio Centre, prompting immediate action from local law enforcement. Officers from Phitsanulok City Police Station, including car and motorcycle patrol units, were dispatched to the scene, supported by Phitsanulok Rescue personnel and the Prasart Boonsathan Foundation. The incident occurred at Room No. 3 of a rental property located near the entrance to the King Naresuan the Great military camp on Phra Ruang Road, Mueang District. The suspect, identified as the woman’s husband, was found in a frenzied state, threatening his wife with a knife and refusing to leave the premises. Officers arrived prepared with tactical riot gear, shields and anti-riot batons as they surrounded the building. Negotiators spent an extended period attempting to defuse the situation and persuade the man to release his wife. After prolonged negotiations, the man eventually opened the door and allowed police to enter. However, he resisted arrest and had to be physically subdued by officers. He was later transported to Phitsanulok City Police Station for questioning. The victim was found with multiple bruises across her body, indicating a physical assault. She received first aid at the scene before being taken to Buddhachinaraj Hospital for further treatment. Initial investigations suggest that the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute. Police conducted a drug screening on the suspect, but no illegal substances were detected in his system. Authorities have filed charges against the man under the 2007 Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-01. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 1 June 2025
Drug Trafficking Gang Busted for Selling Crystal Meth via X Platform Picture courtesy of Matichon. Metropolitan Police have dismantled a drug trafficking network operating through the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), arresting two suspects and seizing narcotics and assets worth over 314,000 baht. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362377-drug-trafficking-gang-busted-for-selling-crystal-meth-via-x-platform/ -
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Crime Drug Trafficking Gang Busted for Selling Crystal Meth via X Platform
Picture courtesy of Matichon. Metropolitan Police have dismantled a drug trafficking network operating through the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), arresting two suspects and seizing narcotics and assets worth over 314,000 baht. The arrests were announced by Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, alongside senior officers involved in the investigation and narcotics suppression. The suspects were identified as Mr Khwanchai, also known as “Ching”, aged 36, and Mr Pawit, known as “Ice”, aged 31. Officers seized 636.60 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1.39 grams of ketamine, cash, gold ornaments, a motorcycle and various electronic cards used in the drug operation. The investigation began after a confidential informant tipped off police about a user on X under the name “Daruma Bang Anas” (@drumaymd71297), who had been openly advertising drugs for sale, including methamphetamine, yaba and ketamine, with delivery services offered via parcel post or local courier apps. Police organised a sting operation in which an undercover agent contacted the seller via a LINE account named “Bang Anas” and ordered 1 gram of crystal meth for 1,699 baht, including delivery. Payment was made to an account under the name Mr Nuchakorn, and the drugs were successfully delivered via a Grab driver, hidden inside a drinking flask. Further investigation traced the package to a residence in Soi Nawamin, where officers raided the premises and arrested Mr Khwanchai as he was preparing another parcel. Crystal meth was found in the house, and CCTV footage confirmed he was the individual responsible for sending the packages. During questioning, Mr Khwanchai confessed to receiving instructions via a LINE account named “Oneice Cool” and being paid 350 baht per parcel. He admitted to recently sending 30 drug parcels from a Ship Smile branch in Nuanchan 36, all of which were seized by police. Police then apprehended Mr Pawit at a dental clinic in the Kheha Romklao area. A search of his bag revealed ketamine and documents linking him to the Twitter and LINE accounts used to coordinate drug sales and distribution. Both suspects confessed to using X and LINE to manage the drug operation, with Mr Pawit identified as the organiser and overseer of the network. They have been charged with jointly distributing Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) and Category 2 psychotropic substances (ketamine) with intent to sell and posing a threat to public safety. The case is now being handled by investigators at Khok Khram Police Station. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-01.
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