Migrant workers in Thailand instructed to wear ID wristbands

[webfact]

Migrant Workers Instructed to Wear ID Wristbands
By Khaosod English


A foreign worker showing his registered bracelet at Talaad Tai in Pathum Thani, 22 April 2015.

PATHUM THANI — In an effort to crackdown on undocumented immigrants, police in Pathum Thani have instructed migrant workers in a major market to wear wristbands indicating they have been properly registered.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Montri Yimyaem, commander of Pathum Thani Police, said that workers from neighboring countries who have registered with police will be required to wear the dark red wristbands in public places.

The market, Talaad Tai, has at least 3,500 vendors and is a particularly "risky area," staffed by many unregistered foreign workers, Pol.Maj.Gen. Montri said during an inspection of the market today. Human traffickers are also known to be active in the vicinity.

"Talaad Tai is an area that has problems with human trafficking, uses of alien workforce, prostitution, and begging," Pol.Maj.Gen. Montri told reporters. "We are issuing the wristbands as a model for other areas that have alien workers to reduce crime in the area, and increase security for the people.”

Since dispatching a task force to regulate foreign workers in Talaad Tai on 4 April, police have arrested 171 Burmese, Cambodian, and Laotian nationals on charges related to illegal entry and working without permit in Thailand.

Nine Thai employers have also been arrested for hiring foreign workers without proper permits, while six others have been arrested for providing shelter to illegal migrant workers, said Pol.Maj.Gen. Ake Angsananond, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1429680659

-- Khaosod English 2015-04-22

[Sydebolle]

Reminds me of those yellow stars three generations ago - for religious reasons though at that time - very, very scary as it also could communicate the lawlessness

[Somtamnication]

Reminds me of those yellow stars three generations ago - for religious reasons though at that time - very, very scary as it also could communicate the lawlessness

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[Soutpeel]

who have registered with police will be required to wear the dark red wristbands in public places.

And what is to stop some enterprising indivdual from making fake wrist bands and selling them ?

One suspects a tatoo on their forearm with all their relevant details might be more effective ?

[richard_smith237]

This is alarming - those in Power have so little knowledge or understanding of history and how potentially damaging to society such policies may be.

[lee b]

Dark red? Maybe I'm going colour blind but it looks pink to me

[phuketrichard]

i think better they have a chip inserted into their skin and the immigration has a chip reader

could have their passport details, birth date, blood type etc etc

[samsensam]

oh dear, oh dear...

[Katipo]

It just goes from one stupid to another stupid

[realenglish1]

Shades of Nazi's Next they will all be required to wear Ankle bracelets. This is a bad idea from the get go

Why not just tattoo them with numbers.

The reason things like this happen in Thailand is due to lack of education. Yes I am sure the Police General has a High standard of education but it is the quality of education that is questioned

Do Thai schools teach about the holocaust. No.

Do they teach about foreign affairs. No

Do they teach about the Masters like Michelangelo . No

Do they teach about the world war. Only from a Thai perspective that the Japanese invaded and the Americas Won the war but beyond that. NO.

Why is it so important to teach then about the world around them rather than just within Thailand. Because you would not have people like this Police General making poor decisions like this one about wearing arm bands. They would already know it was a bad idea 70 years ago and is still a bad idea knowing the fallout that can come from such a decision.

Thailand needs to revamp its whole education system to make better decisions in the future from its EDUCATED PEOPLE

Edited April 22, 2015 by realenglish1

[nikmar]

why not tattoo a number on their arm!

[grantbkk]

This is crazy! So many things can go with the wristband approach. Chipping them like pets may be the best way to go but what about the old standard of tattooing a permanent registration number on the forearm?

[ourmanflint]

Do you all think he has to wear the band 24/7 or just while he is at work in the market.

[lust]

Migrant workers should tell thailand to go shit in its hand. This is nonsense, and quite dusturbing.

[bkkjames]

A few spare of these might come in handy if one had ill intentions and wanted to blame an action on a migrant worker? Silly me that would never happen...must be the heat.

[Guest]

It seems that our commenter(s) here have much in common with the average Thai, and have no working understanding of the Nazi movement, or the policy of requiring their own citizens (of Jewish decent) ... to wear the Yellow Star of David)

None of the people with the wrist bands are to be stripped of their material possessions, thrown from their homes, herded into ghettoes, starved and used in salve labor camps, and eventually systematically exterminated.

It is a rather long stretch to employ this historical reference, in very poor taste, inaccurate and disrespectful to both Holocaust victims, and Thailand's decision makers.

We can debate the efficacy of this "wristband" idea ... but with the world community (rightly) complaining about the horrid human trafficking record in SEA, this is their idea of a quick and "Bureaucratic Lite" solution.

Yes, one could forge the wristbands, but the wearer would then face dire consequences when that is discovered. (Note to the seller of fake wristbands, these people drop dime at the count of three)

I know it is impossible for anyone to do anything in Thailand that does not solicit swift derision from the All Knowing Thai Visa Thai Bashing Boardroom above the Clouds.

Would any of you boy geniuses like to climb down from Cloud 9 and tell us how the Thai Government can quickly and easily begin to track those migrants who are allowed to cross the border much more easily than any Farang Expat?

Do you understand that there is genuine fear in the hearts of these people to be found here without proper documentation, and this Wristband thing ... just might get a lot of folks to register pronto - presto?

As for the human traffickers, it certainly might be a dark day to be found with a dozen "Sorry, no wristband" folks in your van.

But, I forgot. EVERY Thai idea is a bad one.

Funny, seems like Thai Visa is long on whining, and very short on solutions.

(PS: Do you people understand that in the Fortune 500 companies, it is Standard Operating procedure for every emplyee to wear a photo ID around thier neck at all times? I worked for IBM , and you could not move around your building, or the corporate campus without one. That applies to most big companies.

What they are saying is "Who are you?" "Do you have the right to be here/" Do you have the right to WORK HERE?" ETC.

That does not make them the SS ... it makes them smart and responsible people who want to know who is on their property. )

Wha a collection of Chicken Littles this site has become !!!

Edited April 22, 2015 by Guest

[bkkjames]

It seems that our commenter(s) here have much in common with the average Thai, and have no working understanding of the Nazi movement, or the policy of requiring their own citizens (of Jewish decent) ... to wear the Yellow Star of David)

None of the people with the wrist bands are to be stripped of their material possessions, thrown from their homes, herded into ghettoes, starved and used in salve labor camps, and eventually systematically exterminated.

It is a rather long stretch to employ this historical reference, in very poor taste, inaccurate and disrespectful to both Holocaust victims, and Thailand's decision makers.

We can debate the efficacy of this "wristband" idea ... but with the world community (rightly) complaining about the horrid human trafficking record in SEA, this is their idea of a quick and "Bureaucratic Lite" solution.

Yes, one could forge the wristbands, but the wearer would then face dire consequences when that is discovered. (Note to the seller of fake wristbands, these people drop dime at the count of three)

I know it is impossible for anyone to do anything in Thailand that does not solicit swift derision from the All Knowing Thai Visa Thai Bashing Boardroom above the Clouds.

Would any of you boy geniuses like to climb down from Cloud 9 and tell us how the Thai Government can quickly and easily begin to track those migrants who are allowed to cross the border much more easily than any Farang Expat?

Do you understand that there is genuine fear in the hearts of these people to be found here without proper documentation, and this Wristband thing ... just might get a lot of folks to register pronto - presto?

As for the human traffickers, it certainly might be a dark day to be found with a dozen "Sorry, no wristband" folks in your van.

But, I forgot. EVERY Thai idea is a bad one.

Funny, seems like Thai Visa is long on whining, and very short on solutions.

Sorry do you have a bullet point version of this thesis? Some of us are busy.

[Tatsujin]

Given some/all Thai's fascination and reverence of all things Hitler/Nazi, and their complete lack of knowledge and/or understanding of that particular time period (either within their own country or outside of it), I'm not at all surprised by this.

[halloween]

What a consignment of geriatric shoemakers. The wristband is not an attempt at oppression because of race or religion, it is a valid attempt at reducing the number of illegal immigrants. Under the previously existing laws, immigrant workers (and most of you) could be required to carry their passports and visas at all times. If they get damaged while you are working, that is a personal problem for you to resolve at your own expense.

Issuing of a relatively durable means of identification seems far preferable than enforcing the existing laws. Yes, they could be copied - so could passports and other forms of ID.

[JAG]

It seems that our commenter(s) here have much in common with the average Thai, and have no working understanding of the Nazi movement, or the policy of requiring their own citizens (of Jewish decent) ... to wear the Yellow Star of David)

None of the people with the wrist bands are to be stripped of their material possessions, thrown from their homes, herded into ghettoes, starved and used in salve labor camps, and eventually systematically exterminated.

It is a rather long stretch to employ this historical reference, in very poor taste, inaccurate and disrespectful to both Holocaust victims, and Thailand's decision makers.

We can debate the efficacy of this "wristband" idea ... but with the world community (rightly) complaining about the horrid human trafficking record in SEA, this is their idea of a quick and "Bureaucratic Lite" solution.

Yes, one could forge the wristbands, but the wearer would then face dire consequences when that is discovered. (Note to the seller of fake wristbands, these people drop dime at the count of three)

I know it is impossible for anyone to do anything in Thailand that does not solicit swift derision from the All Knowing Thai Visa Thai Bashing Boardroom above the Clouds.

Would any of you boy geniuses like to climb down from Cloud 9 and tell us how the Thai Government can quickly and easily begin to track those migrants who are allowed to cross the border much more easily than any Farang Expat?

Do you understand that there is genuine fear in the hearts of these people to be found here without proper documentation, and this Wristband thing ... just might get a lot of folks to register pronto - presto?

As for the human traffickers, it certainly might be a dark day to be found with a dozen "Sorry, no wristband" folks in your van.

But, I forgot. EVERY Thai idea is a bad one.

Funny, seems like Thai Visa is long on whining, and very short on solutions.

I seem to recall that the yellow stars were an administrative action, and weren't there promises of resettlement, a bright future etc etc.

[Guest]

It seems that our commenter(s) here have much in common with the average Thai, and have no working understanding of the Nazi movement, or the policy of requiring their own citizens (of Jewish decent) ... to wear the Yellow Star of David)

None of the people with the wrist bands are to be stripped of their material possessions, thrown from their homes, herded into ghettoes, starved and used in salve labor camps, and eventually systematically exterminated.

It is a rather long stretch to employ this historical reference, in very poor taste, inaccurate and disrespectful to both Holocaust victims, and Thailand's decision makers.

We can debate the efficacy of this "wristband" idea ... but with the world community (rightly) complaining about the horrid human trafficking record in SEA, this is their idea of a quick and "Bureaucratic Lite" solution.

Yes, one could forge the wristbands, but the wearer would then face dire consequences when that is discovered. (Note to the seller of fake wristbands, these people drop dime at the count of three)

I know it is impossible for anyone to do anything in Thailand that does not solicit swift derision from the All Knowing Thai Visa Thai Bashing Boardroom above the Clouds.

Would any of you boy geniuses like to climb down from Cloud 9 and tell us how the Thai Government can quickly and easily begin to track those migrants who are allowed to cross the border much more easily than any Farang Expat?

Do you understand that there is genuine fear in the hearts of these people to be found here without proper documentation, and this Wristband thing ... just might get a lot of folks to register pronto - presto?

As for the human traffickers, it certainly might be a dark day to be found with a dozen "Sorry, no wristband" folks in your van.

But, I forgot. EVERY Thai idea is a bad one.

Funny, seems like Thai Visa is long on whining, and very short on solutions.

Sorry do you have a bullet point version of this thesis? Some of us are busy.

Why yes I do ... How about ... oh, never mind .. the Mods would just delete it anyway. :-)

Now run along and get back to your beer and lovely (rented) freinds.

[TheFishman1]

Really Sad what's next

[Guest]

It seems that our commenter(s) here have much in common with the average Thai, and have no working understanding of the Nazi movement, or the policy of requiring their own citizens (of Jewish decent) ... to wear the Yellow Star of David)

None of the people with the wrist bands are to be stripped of their material possessions, thrown from their homes, herded into ghettoes, starved and used in salve labor camps, and eventually systematically exterminated.

It is a rather long stretch to employ this historical reference, in very poor taste, inaccurate and disrespectful to both Holocaust victims, and Thailand's decision makers.

We can debate the efficacy of this "wristband" idea ... but with the world community (rightly) complaining about the horrid human trafficking record in SEA, this is their idea of a quick and "Bureaucratic Lite" solution.

Yes, one could forge the wristbands, but the wearer would then face dire consequences when that is discovered. (Note to the seller of fake wristbands, these people drop dime at the count of three)

I know it is impossible for anyone to do anything in Thailand that does not solicit swift derision from the All Knowing Thai Visa Thai Bashing Boardroom above the Clouds.

Would any of you boy geniuses like to climb down from Cloud 9 and tell us how the Thai Government can quickly and easily begin to track those migrants who are allowed to cross the border much more easily than any Farang Expat?

Do you understand that there is genuine fear in the hearts of these people to be found here without proper documentation, and this Wristband thing ... just might get a lot of folks to register pronto - presto?

As for the human traffickers, it certainly might be a dark day to be found with a dozen "Sorry, no wristband" folks in your van.

But, I forgot. EVERY Thai idea is a bad one.

Funny, seems like Thai Visa is long on whining, and very short on solutions.

I seem to recall that the yellow stars were an administrative action, and weren't there promises of resettlement, a bright future etc etc.

Point made .. you know exactly Zero.

Bingo !

[Suffinator]

Without migrant workers Thailand would come to a complete crawl. It's time the migrant workers started demanding better treatment.

With this move it makes Thailand no better than Nazi Germany; will they be wanting to tattoo numbers on their arms next?

Once again the world can see just how ignorant and uneducated the Thai nation is as a whole.

[Guest]

What a consignment of geriatric shoemakers. The wristband is not an attempt at oppression because of race or religion, it is a valid attempt at reducing the number of illegal immigrants. Under the previously existing laws, immigrant workers (and most of you) could be required to carry their passports and visas at all times. If they get damaged while you are working, that is a personal problem for you to resolve at your own expense.

Issuing of a relatively durable means of identification seems far preferable than enforcing the existing laws. Yes, they could be copied - so could passports and other forms of ID.

Thank you for a sane reply.

Should we ever meet, buying you cold one would be an honor.

Made my day ... Thanks.

[sanuk711]

Sorry do you have a bullet point version of this thesis? Some of us are busy.---BKKjames

Not to busy to post inane comments James....& I dare say your find time to answer this one as well.

I thought they were quite reverent comments by bangkokequity,------ you could try to answer them

....oh sorry you don't have the time.......

Edited April 22, 2015 by sanuk711

[rtco]

As farang workers do we not have to carry round a Work Permit. The only difference is one is easily seen (wristband) whilst the other is not (Work Permit). I see no difference. You lot are as bad as those in the UK that oppose ID cards. Nonsensical. It is just proof that you are allowed to do something.

[JAG]

What a consignment of geriatric shoemakers. The wristband is not an attempt at oppression because of race or religion, it is a valid attempt at reducing the number of illegal immigrants. Under the previously existing laws, immigrant workers (and most of you) could be required to carry their passports and visas at all times. If they get damaged while you are working, that is a personal problem for you to resolve at your own expense.

Issuing of a relatively durable means of identification seems far preferable than enforcing the existing laws. Yes, they could be copied - so could passports and other forms of ID.

Thank you for a sane reply.

Should we ever meet, buying you cold one would be an honor.

Made my day ... Thanks.

You could sing some of the old songs with your beer!

Horst Wesel Lied anyone?

[sgtsabai]

How soon for farang expats? First they came for......... Somehow I have a feeling bangkokequity would be first in line to be a "warden". Oh, yep, Singh Lite but oh so sorry, Thai wife of 7 years. Call her a "rented" friend and she would have you trying to figure out what just happened to your private parts in about 2 seconds. You would soon know when she handed them back to you. Maybe you should try a little beer and a rented friend, oh you are probably the wine type.

[torpedo1970]

Maybe they just should tattoo a number on their wrist instead.....