Cambodian workers flee Thailand out of fear

[webfact]

FOREIGN LABOUR
Cambodian workers flee out of fear
THAMMARAJ KIJCHALONG
THE NATION



Raids by armed soldiers on places with illegal immigrants spark rumours

BANGKOK: -- LEGAL AND illegal Cambodian workers have been flocking to their home country amid rumours the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will crack down on them or close border-crossing points.

Rumours have spread fast, especially after soldiers led numerous raids on places suspected of sheltering illegal immigrants recently.

Department of Employment director-general Pravit Khiengpol, however, firmly denied the rumours.

"Some ill-intentioned people have spread this false stuff," he said.

He insisted all 441,569 legally registered Cambodian workers could still work in Thailand as usual.

He disclosed that relevant authorities had in fact planned to extend the grace period for registered foreign workers who had not yet completed all procedures in the nationality-proving process. Without the extension, they would have to leave Thailand by August 11.

Since the NCPO came to power via a bloodless coup last month, military presence has increased across the country. Soldiers have spearheaded searches at many locations.

Speaking from Poi Pet in Cambodia, construction worker Chea Loeun - who returned from Thailand on Wednesday - said Cambodians feared of being arrested by the Thai Army.

"They said Cambodian migrants joined protests there," the 34-year-old told AFP by telephone over the phone. "Cambodia workers dare not stay in Thailand anymore."

Over 100 armed soldiers, policemen and administrative officials yesterday conducted a dawn raid at illegal workers' shelter zones in Tak. They arrested more than 100 illegal workers.

In Bangkok, Bang Na Police Station's deputy superintendent Lt-Colonel Passakorn Rattanapanadda announced the arrests of 123 illegal immigrants, mostly Cambodians, in his area.

In Kanchanaburi, another raid nabbed nine illegal foreign workers.

Issara Boonyoung, president and CEO of Kanda Group and an adviser to the Business Housing Association, expressed concerns that the NCPO's policy could hamper the construction industry.

"The industry needs more than one million foreign workers, most of whom are registered properly," he said. "It's just that some may have difficulty undergoing registration process, though."

He said the strict stance by the NCPO might delay ongoing constructions and the delivery of projects to customers.

LPN Development managing director Opas Sripayak asked for leniency for workers, pointing out that about half the construction workers in the country were foreigners. "We hope the rule can be relaxed to support business in the long run," he said.

Pravit said the country's business sector could face labour shortage due to the exodus.

"But they [businesses] may submit a request to hire new alien workers," he said.

Labour Ministry permanent secretary Jeerasak Sukonthachart said relevant officials were considering several measures aimed at facilitating the hiring of foreign workers, including seasonal employment options.


-- The Nation 2014-06-13

[Somtamnication]

Well, the Private Benjamins need to raid the boats and navy vessels where the Burmese are being held, where trafficking is approved and where higher ups in the region are nodding with approval.

[angsta]

The Brave Royal Thai Army strike again.

[kurnell]

Who is going to take the place of these workers? Thais don't want to do manual labour

[UbonRatch]

The Brave Royal Thai Army strike again.

Yes, and for all the right reasons! They are cracking down on illegal immigrants only.

The world wants an end put to the illegal employment and poor working conditions, and even 'slavery' of workers.

Well the first way to start controlling that, and getting into it, is to have all workers registered, so you know exactly where they are and what they are doing.

It is the illegally smuggled, duped and unregistered workers who are prone to poor conditions and slavery.

Get them sorted and you're on the road to success.

So yes, you're right, the Brave Royal Thai Army strikes again, with duly warranted plans and processes, all for good reasons.

[coconutbar]

Thailand needs has enuff illegal workers in sydney cbd maybe we should start cracking down on them........

[daveAustin]

^^^ eh?

[UbonRatch]

Thailand needs has enuff illegal workers in sydney cbd maybe we should start cracking down on them........

Ah! Another good night.

[worgeordie]

With all the Cambodians fleeing Thailand,thats going to cause a lot of problems

for Thailand,who is going to do the jobs that Thais refuse to do,some factories,

building sites,are going to be at a standstill,looks like Thailand has shot its self

in the foot again.

regards Worgeordie

[Paulzed]

Shit! there goes all of my rubber plantation workers!!!!

[jaltsc]

Who is going to take the place of these workers? Thais don't want to do manual labour

To answer your question: Underground slave labor. Much cheaper than illegal Cambodians and everyone seems to turn an eye to that kind of situation.

[napawan28]

The Guardian got what they want now. Well done.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jun/11/us-blacklist-thailand-prawn-trade-slavery-revelations

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jun/10/walmart-tesco-costco-retailers-respond-prawn-supply-slaves

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jun/12/carrefour-stops-buying-prawns-cp-foods-slavery-revelations

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Now or Never]

Thailand needs has enuff illegal workers in sydney cbd maybe we should start cracking down on them........

Yes, I agree... but I doubt Tony dumb dumb will do this because his business donors like cheap labor.

[kurnell]

Who is going to take the place of these workers? Thais don't want to do manual labour

To answer your question: Underground slave labor. Much cheaper than illegal Cambodians and everyone seems to turn an eye to that kind of situation.

The Morlocks you mean?

[hanno]

What's with all the "Thais don't like manual labor"? Plenty of hard-working Thais but the Cambodians and Burmese are cheaper.

[gemini81]

Shit! there goes all of my rubber plantation workers!!!!

There goes my brothel...darnit! haha.

[Chao Lao Beach]

I thought it is easy enough for them to be legal here?

Why don't they just do the paperwork and live in Thailand and not be scared of crap like this ?

[DaddyWarbucks]

Who is going to take the place of these workers? Thais don't want to do manual labour

Thais don't want to do manual labour... any more than Europeans or Americans do.

[ginjag]

With all the Cambodians fleeing Thailand,thats going to cause a lot of problems

for Thailand,who is going to do the jobs that Thais refuse to do,some factories,

building sites,are going to be at a standstill,looks like Thailand has shot its self

in the foot again.

regards Worgeordie

W. I agree but it's also about money, if the wage paid to these Foreign workers would be raised some Thais would fill the jobs, but at the rate these foreign workers are paid Thai will say no thanks-----I am not being critical of Thais in general but they want MONEY and most will work if the wage was more.

[Spartakos]

One of my Khmer staff ran from the workplace when she heard soldiers were coming. Even tho she is legal with all the paperwork etc.they are scared of being captured by army, you would not believe the roumors they tell each other about it.

[pookiki]

Thailand has never recognized the significant economic benefits it gains from its migrant workers - whether they are Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, etc. In addition, Thailand has not attempted to reform the corrupt practices of brokers who demand exorbitant fees for 'proper' documentation from migrant workers. If Thailand wants to rectify this problem it would enter into government to government agreements to make sure that all migrant workers enjoy their proper benefits under Thai labor law. In the meantime, they remain the prey of the police, the military, and unscrupulous employers.

[hanno]

I thought it is easy enough for them to be legal here?

Why don't they just do the paperwork and live in Thailand and not be scared of crap like this ?

If I read the article correctly, the legal workers are doing a runner as well as there are rumors the Army will come down on them for allegedly demonstrating.

[Rimbuman]

With all the Cambodians fleeing Thailand,thats going to cause a lot of problems

for Thailand,who is going to do the jobs that Thais refuse to do,some factories,

building sites,are going to be at a standstill,looks like Thailand has shot its self

in the foot again.

regards Worgeordie

W. I agree but it's also about money, if the wage paid to these Foreign workers would be raised some Thais would fill the jobs, but at the rate these foreign workers are paid Thai will say no thanks-----I am not being critical of Thais in general but they want MONEY and most will work if the wage was more.

Low reward/wage is not motivating and often the cause of so many problems we talk about on TV every day.

[VocalNeal]

Shit! there goes all of my rubber plantation workers!!!!

Ask them if they would like help to be registered? I'm sure the answer is yes!

[wandasloan]

Well, the Private Benjamins need to raid the boats and navy vessels where the Burmese are being held, where trafficking is approved and where higher ups in the region are nodding with approval.

Yes indeed. Not to mention the higher-ups in Bangkok. None of this happens in any manner without the military which is, after all the only force we have to defend the borders.

I would just note that among all the evil that foreigners have done to Thailand this week, they have spread the vicious rumour that thousands and thousands of Cambodians have been rounded up in 3am raids, dumped in Army trucks like they were in Tak Bai, and (almost literally) dumped over the border. Completely untrue of course, those darned foreigners.

Thailand has never recognized the significant economic benefits it gains from its migrant workers - whether they are Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, etc. In addition, Thailand has not attempted to reform the corrupt practices of brokers who demand exorbitant fees for 'proper' documentation from migrant workers. If Thailand wants to rectify this problem it would enter into government to government agreements to make sure that all migrant workers enjoy their proper benefits under Thai labor law. In the meantime, they remain the prey of the police, the military, and unscrupulous employers.

On the contrary, "Thailand" recognises the benefits very, very well. And they recognise it so much that they set up, support and enable human trafficking rings to extort huge amounts from the victims and the system. It is exactly because of the benefits of illegal immigration that the system not only survives but prospers.

.

Edited June 13, 2014 by wandasloan

[Lancelot]

I'm not surprised that the Cambodians are fleeing, considering their recent history...

[Tokay]

Who is going to take the place of these workers? Thais don't want to do manual labour

The Burmese.

[h90]

Who is going to take the place of these workers? Thais don't want to do manual labour

legal immigrants?

[wandasloan]

Who is going to take the place of these workers? Thais don't want to do manual labour

legal immigrants?

The obvious answer. But the problem is you can't be a legal migrant (not immigrant) until after you're already an illegal immigrant. Some illegals get to apply, some don't. Some are chosen, some are rounded up at 3am and dumped back over the border.

.

[wandasloan]

.

Edited June 13, 2014 by wandasloan