Ten professions reserved for Thais to be removed from list

BANGKOK, Sept 27 (TNA) - Public hearing suggested ten of all 39 professions protected for Thai people should be removed to allow foreign workers to do the jobs, according to the Ministry of Labour. The recent public hearing to listen to opinions from relevant parties on the organic law related to occupations prohibited for foreign workers concluded that ten occupations should be removed from the list, said Deputy Director-General from the Department of Employment Mr Sombat Niwetrat. Ten professions are labour work; agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, or fishery; bricklaying, carpentry or other construction work; shop/outlet attendance; cutting or polishing diamond or precious stones; shoemaking; dressmaking; hat making; mattress and quilt blanket making and pottery or ceramic ware making. However, foreign workers can do these jobs but they are not allowed to own these businesses. Meanwhile, two professions – knife making and clerical and secretarial work are being considered and no conclusion has been reached. Three more professions were proposed to be added to the list of professions protected for Thai people. These jobs are security guards, masseurs and business owners. The proposals will be considered by the policy committee on foreign worker management before being forwarded to the Labour Minister by October. (TNA)