Over 42,000 foreign workers in fishing industry needed

BANGKOK, Aug 4 (TNA) -- Labour Minister Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkeo said he would invite his counterparts or labour officials from the three Indochinese countries and Myanmar to discuss on an urgent need of more than 42,600 workers from their countries to work in Thai fishing industry. The Labour Ministry has already held meetings with related agencies including the Interior, Public Health, Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai Police, the Immigration Bureau and the private related agencies in resolving the problem after fishing operators had informed that they were in need of 42,649 workers. Labour offices in 22 coastal provinces have been instructed to coordinate with Thai Fisheries Association and inform the Thai operators that they must contact with the offices from now until August 15 their actual need of workers. The workers will enter Thailand under the Memorandums of Understanding. Related authorities including fishing entrepreneurs will be invited for discussions at the ministry next Tuesday. Meanwhile, some 11,000 foreign workers currently employed in the fishing businesses and their working licenses would expire on this September 30, will have their licenses extended for another two years. Their licenses will now expire on September 30, 2020. However, they must report themselves to Employment offices in the 22 coastal provinces from August 20 to September 30. (TNA)