Deputy Permanent Secretary opened a national seminar on balancing of migrant workers from economic, health and well being aspects

                On 21 March 2007, Mr. Pronchai Yooprayong, Deputy Permanent Secretary, chaired the opening ceremony of national meeting and deliver special address on “Migration policy: balancing between economic, health and well being”.  The address mentioned that migrants have the important role for country economic development and  the needs of enterprises in various fields that Thai workers do not want to work, coupled with migrant workers are patient, not too choosey in picking up job and the reduction of workers who first enter labour market due to the reducing of birth rate.
                 However, the illegal enter by crossing the border is a major problem that has the impact on security, health and economy.  Government has initiated policy to solving the problem with cooperation from Cambodia and Lao PRD on the nationalization and brought in workers form the 2 countries to solve the labour shortage issue even though there was a high cost.  The cabinet resolution on 18 December 2008 has approved the proposal submitted by the Illegal Migrant Workers Administration Committee to bring in migrant workers who used to register with Department of Local Administration, Ministry of Interior (having Tor Ror 38/1) to temporary work and stay in the country but not exceed 2 years which mean ending in 28 February 2010, while Ministry of Public Health is responsible for medical check up, treatment and prevention.
                  In addition, the management of the Committee will extend the registration of migrant workers for 2 more years from the past that the registration will be done on yearly basis.  This will provide the Committee with opportunity to find the clearer approaches in managing migrant workers.  In the meantime, Thailand will provide protection on various benefits, including minimum wages to migrant workers equally with Thai workers base on the principle of no discrimination and human rights.
                  For the accessing to health care, Ministry of Public Health has set up measures that migrant worker who would like to have medical check up and enter the medical insurance system.  They will have to pay medical fees of 1,900 baht without considering whether migrant workers are legally or illegally enter the country which will lead to the balancing on economic, health and well being of migrant workers themselves.

 Wishing Her Royal Highness stay in heaven and in people mind forever
We, officers, government employees and staff
Ministry of Labour joins the deep condolence