Migrant workers in Thailand should have dignity and rights, as they are a vital part of the country’s economic development, said Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward party leader, when asked to comment on a report by Cambodian media that prime minister Hun Sen will not accept Thailand’s new labour policy, allegedly to expel Cambodia’s migrant workers.
Although the name of political party was not mentioned in the report, the Move Forward party was implied through direct reference to any new policy by the “next administration”.
‘’We are verifying whether it’s false information or a real concern from the leader of our neighbouring country. If this news is true, I would definitely reach out to neighbouring countries and ASEAN to assure them that migrant worker rights are equal top Thai labour rights in Thailand. For migrant workers to be part of our economic engine, as Thailand’s Prime Minister, I would make sure that they are taken good care of and that they have the dignity and rights they deserve as drivers of economic growth,’’ Pita added.
MFP’s economic policy for wage and reform
In addition to foreign policy, Pita also explained his party’s economic policy, to reduce foreign investors’ concerns. Former Chairman of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, Stanley Kang, advised against focusing on the minimum daily wage, but find solutions for upgrading various sectors with modern technology and reform of the educational system instead, which could provide a labour market in which more skilful workers improve capabilities and earn more income. In response, Pita explained that the Move Forward Party will not only increase the minimum daily wage, but will also bring changes to each sector.
‘’In order to attract incoming foreign direct investment, Thailand needs a ready, willing and able workforce. That’s about the minimum wage becoming a minimum living wage. You have to live by yourself and take care of your family before you upskill or reskill. While we will raise the minimum daily wage, it does not necessarily mean that we do not reform our education and use technology to reduce inequality in the system.’’
Pita stressed that he takes comments from foreign investors very seriously and their requests equally, including reducing corruption, improving governance, reforming education, upgrading technology as well as increasing the minimum daily wage.
By Franc Han Shih, ThaiPBS World
