Government ready to solve impacts of foreign labor decree

BANGKOK, July 3 (TNA) -- The government is ready to cushion impacts of the new executive decree on foreign labour to help operators, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said. The Section 44 of the interim constitution would be exercised to delay harsh punishment on the illegal employment of migrant workers as employers and their workers had not prepared for the change, Lt Gen Sansern said. Everything would be settled within this week. All parties should not be worried and migrant workers could live their normal life, the government spokesman said. “However, the legislation is necessary to create a standard for the management of foreign workers in Thailand in accordance with international rules and standard,” he said. “I do not want any party to consider this as a political issue. Everyone should look at international laws including anti-human trafficking laws and international obligations. We must continue to solve all flaws for the sake of sustainability,” Lt Gen Sansern said. The government spokesman said that the prime minister would like employers, workers and general people to join forces to seriously solve the international problem that could otherwise affect security and economy. The new foreign labor law came into effect on June 23 and prompted many employers to reject a large number of illegal migrant workers in provinces and the migrants have had to return to their homeland. The thousands of labourers fled home to neighbouring Myanmar and Cambodia fearing arrest and fines under the law which punishes migrant workers lacking valid work permits. Employers can also be fined up to 800,000 baht for each undocumented worker they hire. (TNA)