Migrant workers ‘face challenges’ from ongoing state of emergency in Thailand

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Kuong told Khmer Times yesterday that the state of emergency in Thailand should not affect Cambodians who are in the country.

However, Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights Programme Manager Khun Tharo told Khmer Times  that during Thailand’s declared state of emergency, migrant workers who are seeking opportunities in the country could face obstacles.

“Workers and vendors who cross back and forth over the Cambodia-Thai border and people who depend on jobs generated by trade relations between the two countries will face challenges,” he said.

Tharo said Cambodian government should expand social protection services so that they provide for both formal and non-formal workers and employees facing these issues.

“We want the government to expand its current economic assistance and make migrant workers eligible,” he said.

“Health care services should also be expanded to include migrant workers,” he added.

He said over the past, his organisation interviewed around 500 migrant workers and found that the two biggest issues they face are debt and earning a living wage.

“Migrant workers want and need social security protection,” Tharo said.

Meanwhile, Kuong has said that the embassy and Consulate General of Cambodia in Thailand are always ready to help the Cambodian people.

“Our citizens can contact both our embassy and consulate at any time when they have problems and need help,” he added.

Source: KhmerTimes