Free Trade Agreements May Cost A Lot Of Thai People Their Jobs

[Jai Dee]

Free trade agreements may cost a lot of Thai people their jobs

Thai Labour Solidarity Committee President Wilaiwan sae Tia (วิไลวรรณ แซ่ เตีย) voices concern that Thailand’s free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries will cost a large number of Thai workers to lose their jobs.

Ms. Wilaiwan said she doubted employers will strictly adhere to the labour protection law if Thailand signed the FTAs with Vietnam and China to open their textile markets. She said workers in textile factories may lose their jobs if manufacturers move their production plants to those two countries where wages are lower.

Ms. Wilaiwan calls on the government to give workers a say before signing any FTA.

She said details of all agreements also must be publicly disclosed and endorsed by Parliament to protect national interest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 September 2006