Measures laid out to protect Thai workers

BANGKOK, September 7 (TNA) - Thailand's labour authority has implemented measures to protect locals from competition and replacement in certain jobs by migrant workers. Labour Ministry Inspector Theerapol Khunmuang, in his capacity as the ministry's spokesman, told journalists on September 6 that the Subcommittee on the Solving of Human Trafficking and Illegal Labour Problems, Chaired by Thai Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul, mapped out the measures at its recent meeting to preserve certain jobs and occupations for Thai nationals. Theerapol said that the subcommittee has assigned his ministry's Department of Employment to coordinate with other administrative and relevant agencies to closely monitor movements of migrant workers and suspected human trafficking cases nationwide. Theerapol noted that the measures also cover freqent inspections, at least 20 times in the first phase, by labour officials in targeted areas based on their joint planning. For long-term action, the senior official revealed that security agencies have been tasked with preventing influx of migrants at border checkpoints based on well-prepared and clear-cut plans. Meanwhile, the Thai labour minister ordered all concerned parties to quickly proceed with the measures to protect Thai workers and to prevent adverse economic, social and security impacts on Thai nationals. Department of Employment Director-General Arak Prommanee acknowledged that solution to the problem needs cooperation from all sectors, namely owners of markets and shopping stores, as well as local business operators, traders and even local administrative organisations through giving priority to Thai workers in their businesses or areas. (TNA)