Suu Kyi talks to Chalerm on workers' issues

Prodemocracy icon turned Myanmar parliamentarian Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday met with Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung at Government House to discuss problems faced by Myanmar workers, including abuse at the hands of Thai employers, along with other issues.

Raising with Chalerm complaints she had heard from Myanmar workers during her visits to various locations in Thailand on Wednesday, Suu Kyi said the abuses included lack of care from employers, seizure of their passports and nonpayment of severance pay and compensation for occupational hazards. Chalerm reportedly told her: "Disregard them, that was the past. The new government has clear policies on how to solve or minimise those problems."

During their conversation, Suu Kyi was heard saying jokingly to Chalerm: "Thai authorities are obliged to ensure Myanmar workers live happily in Thailand, or I will take all of them back home when the situation in Myanmar is better." 

Suu Kyi also expressed thanks to Thai authorities for having sheltered and taken care of war refugees, while Chalerm gave a promise that they would not be returned home unless their safety was guaranteed. He also said that when the Bt300 minimum daily wage took effect throughout Thailand in June, all registered Myanmar workers would be paid the same amount.

Chalerm told Suu Kyi that Myanmar workers were important to Thailand's economy because they did difficult and unpleasant jobs. Chalerm praised Suu Kyi's fight for democracy and wished her a victory in the general election in 2016.

In Tak, largescale preparations were made to welcome Suu Kyi during her visit tomorrow(June 2), especially to the famous Mae Tao clinic operated by Karen physician Dr Cynthia Maung. The clinic gives free or lowcost treatments to about 400 Myanmar workers.

Ref: The Nation

Posted in: 06. THAI