Proposal to DNA-test migrant workers panned

[webfact]

Proposal to DNA-test migrant workers panned
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prompted by concerns over the ease with which foreigners will be able to travel in and out of the country once the Asean Economic Community (AEC) commences in 2015, the Institute for Forensic Medicine is calling on the government to collect the DNA of all migrant workers entering the country, to be stored in a national database for future identification.

The proposal has been met with criticism from all sides, ranging from employers, who cite the high cost, to human rights advocates, who say the idea is a blatant violation of their basic human rights and would generate xenophobia.

IFM commander Pol Maj-General Dr Pornchai Suteerakune cited a scenario he dubbed "foreign murderers lurking in the country" as the reason for collecting DNA samples. "We have to be wary of the increasing number of foreigners travelling to Thailand. Without a well thought-out plan in place, problems will arise.

"Migrant workers will be able to commit crimes in Thailand, then escape the Thai justice system by fleeing to their own countries where Thai law is not applicable," he explained.

The IFM's proposal suggests that employers - initially those running factories - be required to pay up to Bt5,000 for each DNA sample collected from a migrant worker, and that the cost be deducted from the worker's salary in small monthly increments.

"We need to work on a solution as a defensive measure in preparation [for the AEC]," Pornchai added.

Another plan in the pipeline is to set up a provincial IFM office in Southern Thailand's Provincial Police Region 9, where DNA samples could be taken from crime scenes to assist counterinsurgency operations. Under the plan, the IFM would eventually establish regional offices in all 10 provincial police regions, enabling the IFM to easily assist police investigations across the country.

Department of Employment director-general Pravit Khiengpol said "no country in the world does such a thing [to migrant workers]."

He added that it would lead to a backlash from international human rights advocates, as migrant workers, who already have to pay the for their medical examinations and health insurance to ensure they can secure employment, would be seen as being doubly exploited by Thai authorities.

The DNA proposal also goes against the policy of the department, which aims to further reduce the costs shouldered by migrant workers, while encouraging employers to register illegal workers and legitimise their employment.

"The higher cost [of DNA collection] would drive migrant workers underground and force many of them to continue working illegally. The department already collects biodata of these workers - their fingerprints - in addition to their photos and other details. The police can always request access to this additional information from us," Pravit added.

Human Rights Commissioner Dr Niran Pitakwatchara said taking non-consensual DNA samples was a violation of one's basic human rights, and doing so was regarded as discriminatory and portrayed migrant workers who have not committed crimes in a negative light.

"Their human rights should be respected even further [by Thai authorities] when the AEC 2015 takes affect. The protocol should not focus only on the economic gains generated by migrant workers, while at the same time treating them as inferior," he added.

Wiriya Sirichai-ekkawat, head of the Thai Overseas Fisheries Association, said the idea had some merit but was too costly and impractical, because collecting someone's DNA could not be forced on anyone against their will. He said mandatory DNA collection would encourage fishing trawler skippers or employers to hire workers secretly at much lower fees, while organisations like the International Labour Organisation (ILO) would certainly oppose it, he said, adding that the ILO could argue that Thai workers should also get the same treatment.

The head of a network of advocacy groups for migrant workers, Roisai Wongsuban, said identity records and registration details of migrant workers could be retrieved easily through the Department of Employment and the immigration police database. The majority of crimes committed by migrant workers were related to illegal entry and overstaying their residency permits, she added.

-- The Nation 2013-10-28

[soi41]

May I propose an IQ-test for the morons, who came up with this idea??

[soi41]

Don't even think about it Thailand!!

You might not like the results!

[yourauntbob]

The Thai governments paranoia over foreigners never seizes to amaze me. Do they really think people are just waiting to come in and start committing crimes? IMHO they should start looking in the mirror if they want to reduce the crime rate.

[rkidlad]

Maybe they could inject GPS tracking chips in their arms.

[gosompoi]

This would be termed illegal as a violation of the Asean foreign worker policy for all asean countries. Do Thai understand what Asean means?

[gemini81]

first DNA check the offspring of foreign chinese oligarchies who took over- so we all know who should first be incarcerated, or used for 'future reference.'

[apetley]

Worried about workers fleeing back to their home country?

How about an ASEANwide workable extradition treaty?

Or would that piss on all the hiso's fleeing to Cambodia when they shoot a cop or are out on bail?

[JoeThePoster]

would be seen as being doubly exploited by Thai authorities

Yeah, just carry on with the single exploitation.

[laurentbkk]

Migrant workers will be able to commit crimes in Thailand, then escape the Thai justice system by fleeing to their own countries where Thai law is not applicable,

Like the heir of redbull who still have a flu for the last 2 months in Singapore ? Would be interesting to know the % of crimes done by foreigners Vs by the Thais themselves.

[jaltsc]

"Without a well thought-out plan in place, problems will arise."

If they call this a "well thought-out plan", they have a lot more to worry about than who is crossing the borders .

[Gonzo the Face]

This would be termed illegal as a violation of the Asean foreign worker policy for all asean countries. Do Thai understand what Asean means?

NO

[Spare]

DNA test is a good idea.

So migrant workers cannot escape the law easily after a rape crime.

[monkeycountry]

I think it is a great idea. And may I suggest that all ASEAN countries do the same to all Thais travelling to any ASEAN country. Not just workers, but thai tourists and thai businessmen as well :-)

Edited October 28, 2013 by monkeycountry

[Always18]

The deeply racist xenophobics in Thailand are never far away..............I'm surprised he didn't add the bit about the "purity of Thai blood" etc.

[dao16]

Haha....it is beginning.

My prediction for a while has been that they will start putting up barriers more and more as this approaches and in the end, not as much will change as one would think based on the rhetoric.

On a side note....true colors shining through.

[TroyT]

View New Content Help

Proposal to DNA-test migrant workers panned

Title cracks me up almost as much as the topic itself

pan¹

pan/

verb

past tense: panned; past participle: panned

1. 1.

   informal

   criticize (someone or something) severely.

   "the movie was panned by the critics"

[FangFerang]

I can see the headlines now: "DNA Test Results Too Complex to Understand" and then a few months later "Immigration Caught Accepting Bribes for Failed DNA Tests"..and then a few months later...

"Videos of Accepting Bribes Not Proof of Corruption" (with 'people of colours saying it was just a 50,000 baht birthday present)..

Resume hilarity.

Edited October 28, 2013 by FangFerang

[SjaakNL2013]

Wat a plain idiot is this guy...

Remember and never forget....

[slapout]

Thailand needs to take care of and update the DNA data base they have at present. Add every policeman, politician, and then go after all civil servants. When that is done they can approach the foreigner question, Maybe they could include anyone who deals with the public on a regular basis, taxie drivers, etc.

Potentally a good little earner for all those adminstrating the program, 500 baht a pop seems to be a popular number in this country. Kind of like the good old days, when a purple got a good reception.

[bangon04]

Maybe they could inject GPS tracking chips in their arms.

Yes chip them and make them wear collars with little metal plates engraved with their registered addresses for immigration purposes.

Problem solved. Good thinking Thailand.

and a bonus is that the lines at the 90 day checks will move quickly if they have hand scanners...

Look out you EFL teachers....

By the way, since when did the IFW have a role in formulating immigration policy? Is it simply the case in Thailand that any half-wit in a police uniform or a military uniform or indeed any government uniform can make any ridiculous announcement without consequences?

Edited October 28, 2013 by bangon04

[bangon04]

"Migrant workers will be able to commit crimes in Thailand, then escape the Thai justice system by fleeing to their own countries where Thai law is not applicable," he explained.

Using that logic, maybe they should start by DNA testing politicians and their families as a first step. Then expand the programme to monks etc

[monkeycountry]

I think Thais will soon realise that they are not ready for ASEAN at all, and will therefore make sure the 2015 date is postponed indefinitely.

[tingtongteesood]

Rather than worrying about 'foreign murderers' in the country, it would be very nice if the government would do something about the 'local murderers' especially the ones that keep attacking and killing tourists.

[riceyummm]

A little bit of perspective: One guy from one department has recommended DNA testing, everyone questioned about the idea thought it was very stupid and impractical. They are right and should be recognized as right. Entirely too much generalizing about Thai people on TV forums.

[Thai at Heart]

IQ test for all policemen....?

[FarangTalk]

Rather than worrying about 'foreign murderers' in the country, it would be very nice if the government would do something about the 'local murderers' especially the ones that keep attacking and killing tourists.

The person that is de facto running the country is a wanted criminal on the run.

Foreign criminals are the least of their problems.

A little bit of perspective: One guy from one department has recommended DNA testing, everyone questioned about the idea thought it was very stupid and impractical. They are right and should be recognized as right. Entirely too much generalizing about Thai people on TV forums.

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